Introduction to Magnolia Mercantile
A great hat tells a great story, and Katie Monsen is in the business of storytelling. The Woodlands’ Jo Malone London store recently hosted a Magnolia Mercantile pop-up, offering shoppers the chance to create bespoke custom hats with vintage accessories. Monsen, the creative force behind Magnolia Mercantile, scours Texas for unique scarves, pins, and embellishments to craft one-of-a-kind designs.
The Story Behind the Pop-up
The Magnolia Mercantile event was part of Jo Malone’s initiative to support women entrepreneurs. Previous events featured Houston-based jewelry designer Susana Vega and fashion designer Nadia Schwab. Jo Malone’s Nadia Gill first spotted Monsen at another event and immediately knew she wanted to feature her work in the boutique’s entrepreneur series. “Spring in Houston is rodeo season,” Gill says. “Katie was the perfect fit.”
A Hat Business Born from Necessity
Monsen’s journey into hat-making began unexpectedly. Four years ago, while living in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, she was working as a ski bum and barely scraping by. She wanted a hat, but couldn’t afford one, so she made one herself. Then a friend wanted one. Three years ago, she moved back to Texas, and that’s when Magnolia Mercantile truly took shape. Monsen got an Instagram account, opened her storefront, and started doing pop-ups, traveling every weekend to new places across Texas.
The Art of Customization
Monsen doesn’t make the hats themselves. Instead, she sources them from a family-run Dallas hat maker. She focuses on customization, transforming each piece into a personal work of art. While pop-ups are critical to her business, this one-woman show also has a River Oaks shop. The shop is a treasure trove of vintage pins, brooches, ribbons, and silks, all ready to accessorize any hat in the store. A custom hat costs $350, which includes a 50-minute customization appointment and unlimited embellishments.
Breaking the Rules of Traditional Fashion
Traditional Texas fashion law says your hat should match your boots. But Monsen believes some rules are made to be broken. “I tell you the rules, and you can break them,” Monsen says. “When you look good and feel good, the rules don’t matter as much.” Monsen will talk with you to see what you like, and it’s a collaborative effort. She has over 100 branding irons, zodiac signs, and an entire alphabet, as well as layers of ribbons and silks to build the perfect band.
What’s Next for Magnolia Mercantile
Jo Malone’s female entrepreneur series will continue this summer at Market Street, bringing more creative woman-run businesses into the spotlight. For more information or to book your own customization appointment at Magnolia Mercantile, you can visit their website.
Conclusion
Katie Monsen and Magnolia Mercantile are redefining the world of hat-making with their unique approach to customization and storytelling. With a passion for vintage accessories and a commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs, Monsen is making a name for herself in the fashion world. Whether you’re looking to break the rules of traditional fashion or simply want a hat that tells your story, Magnolia Mercantile is the perfect destination.
