Meet Adrianna Santiago | Custom hat designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adrianna Santiago and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adrianna, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a creator I was inspired by my love for quality products made here , so many times i would be searching for a hat and the lack of quality was always a issue. I wanted to offer people a hat that was high quality and able to be worn out on the town or on the day to day. I have always been a entrepreneur at heart . I have long hoped to make this dream a reality, though I was nervous with the help from my husband I took the leap and here I am.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Custom hat designer for wide brim fedoras and cowboy hats. What sets me apart from so many is I partner primarily with a company that is made here in the USA and I do my all to source locally for my items I use in my design process. No mass items here with me it’s all primarily small batch , one at a time hats curated and designed one by one.
I’m most proud and excited about making a hat that someone will fall in love with , a hat that can be with them for a lifetime not a few months .
While getting to where I am now has not come without tons of hard work and sacrifice, it’s been a creative journey that I am grateful for. I’ve learned many lessons  along the way and I’m excited to continue learning and growing as a small business owner.
In life challenges happen to us all , but for me I choose to push past them not let it stop me . Sure there are so many learning curves with starting a business but it’s rewarding to watch it grow .
Lessons I’ve learned are to not sweat the small stuff. With each struggle there is a reward .
I would love people to see my brand and feel it as a staple in there wardrobe. Something that completes there look or outfit! Both fashion and functional.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to the Fort Worth Stockyards. It has everything you want when you come here vacationing! First I would take them to hit up all the shops heading towards and along Mule Alley. Some of my favorites are Wrangler and Ariat. Then I would take them to Provender Hall for food and drinks (ask for Eric at the bar he’s the best). Then to hang out I would try to catch a live show at Tannahills Tavern or Second Rodeo! Afterwards wander over to Cowtown Winery or The Drover for a nightcap before heading home!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I must say life as a younger person was never easy and I was never supported in any endeavor that I attempted. I always had to have my own back and be my own support system.Then along came my sweet husband Anthony. Words don’t convey how big of an impact he has had in my life…. He has supported me and become my rock through the good and bad times and he pushes me to better myself and become a stronger women both physically and mentally. He is always there to lend a helping hand and he is my best friend. He loves to push my drive for greatness and I do the same for him! I’m grateful to have him in my life and have the opportunity to grow together and see my dream become a reality.

Website: aacactusmoon.com

Instagram: @aa_cactusmoon

Other: Tik Tok @aacactusmoon