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

Hi jodi, how do you think about risk?
Risk is what it is all about. You can’t move forward without taking a risk. If you have some idea or thought that continues to nag at you, you must do it. Your soul is telling you to make the effort. If you fall, it will most definitely open new doors. Risk IS EVERYTHING!

What should our readers know about your business?
Jodi’s passion for fashion, the ranching lifestyle and business has always been an integral part of her life. Her roots start on her family’s cow-calf ranch in western South Dakota where she busied herself during the long, cold winter months clipping photos out of fashion magazines to mix and match a style all her own. At five years of age, she taped price tags on her Mom’s large collection of cloth rolls and opened a fabric store in the family basement – her first business.

Long hours horseback gave her the quiet time and freedom to dream. Her achievements of making the national finals in high school, college and Women’s Professional rodeos demonstrated her competitive spirit. Hauling with her auctioneer father, Lynn Weishaar, to the biggest cattle and horse auctions in the country, taught her about people and the importance of having a strong reputation in a tight community.

Taking those lessons with her to Texas, she became the assistant marketing director for Equibrand, sales manager for an Internet company and then on to become Marketing Manager for Western Horseman and finally as Publisher for a group of western and fashion magazines under the Western Horseman brand. As Publisher for Western Lifestyle Retailer she got to expand her talent for predicting and driving fashion trends. After leaving the Western Horseman magazine group, Jodi launched the first online magazine for cowgirls in 2008. She called the magazine Fringe, The Magazine for the Real Cowgirl. Although short lived due to unexpected health issue, the magazine was the first of its kind. This mixture of experience would be key to her launching Fringe Scarves several years later.

In 2009 Jodi was forced to pull away from her professional career and focus on her health due to Lyme Disease. After 8 years battling the disease, she finally had the energy and time to start something completely new. Jodi always felt scarves were an overlooked accessory and wanted to demonstrate their ability to make outfits come to life with the right colors and styles.

Jodi draws inspiration for her designs from the ranching and rodeo lifestyle she knows so well and combines them with unique styles from all fashion genres. She loves being able to express her creativity in the designs of the scarves and the styling of the photoshoots.

Her ability to leverage social media, low-cost sales channels and eCommerce platforms has quickly spread the Fringe Scarves’ brand around the world. Her motto – “Stick Your Neck Out And Tie One On” is about being brave, trying new things and living life’s adventure – and she’s excited to see where Fringe Scarves takes her.

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?
The Fort Worth Stockyards It just has a new, fun vibe that screams Texas. From music, to good food to a lot of cowoby boots and hats. Its simply a wonderful, welcoming place that has completely been resurrected. From the Drover hotel, to a night out dancing, to some of the best shopping in the area. There is something for everyone!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents, Connie and Lynn Weishaar! For teaching me to work hard at a very young age. It’s truly the gift that keeps on giving!

Website: fringescarves.com

Instagram: fringescarves

Facebook: fringescarves

Youtube: fringescarves

Image Credits
Kies and Co for all Images other than the one with bright blue scarf, that is Brand Mustian and the one with the girl not facing camera wearing the carmel colored scarf and looking down (side profile) – this is also Brandie Mustian

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.