Meet Meredith Himmelman and Nichole Shepherd, aka Mere and Nix.
These two ladies have always shared a passion for collecting hats. Their intention to create a hat shop came to life from an idea that was shouted back and forth over the crooning of Lukas Nelson at a local music venue in the fall of 2022.
A fruitful collaboration took shape as they aspired to build a custom hat shop in the town of Breckenridge. Their natural ability to turn ideas into creative outlets accelerated the pioneering process. They both agreed, their town needed a hat shop!
With such a picturesque town that's rich in mining, railway, mountaineering and of course, skiing. It felt innate to usher in a trade that dates back to the sixteenth century. Plus, the ladies wanted to offer locals and visitors a stylish accessory that would provide a form of shelter from the intense elements that are often experienced in the Rocky Mountains.
"This town NEEDS a custom hat shop!"
U L T I M A T E
masterclass
Nix + Mere found a great mentor in Tom Hirt, an old-fashioned soul who is considered one of the West's most notable and established hatters. Known as the "Hat Maker for the Movies", his designs have been included in Hollywood Westerns such as Tombstone.
While taking hat making courses taught by Hirt at his Colorado ranch, the girls were able to learn some of his legendary hat making skills. This educational experience was a brilliant introduction to the art of Millinery and further propelled them towards bringing handcrafted hats to their community in Breckenridge.
C O L L E C T I N G
Millinery goods
After an intensive week spent making half a dozen pieces in Southern Colorado, Nix and Mere came back to Breckenridge and began to scour the dusty corners of the internet to gather their supplies.
H U M B L E
beginnings
The girls started creating hats out of a small workshop at the north end of town. They completed a handful of custom orders for both local and out-of-state customers.
In April 2023, they came across a wonderful opportunity to open a brick and mortar in a charming alley off of Main Street in downtown Breckenridge. With other small, locally owned shops right next door and twinkling Christmas lights in the alley, they jumped on the opportunity.
As they say, the rest is history. The space is open for private events and these two are looking forward to a meeting you the next time you're in Breckenridge.
Suppose someone would suggest to me the best hobby in the world. Without any doubt, I would say âHat Collectionâ.
"What rush of power to the head is not as
becoming as a new hat?"
"How a hat makes you feel is what a hat is all about."
Philip Treacy