Brit West is an Amazing woman! Dale talks with her about her life and her business of making jewelry and inspiring people. We will let her bio speak for itself:
Our story starts sitting on a film shoot, somewhere in East Asia, realizing that I needed to do something more purposeful with my life. Two months later I moved to Durango Colorado where I cut my teeth as a rancher and outfitter. Let me tell you there is nothing better to teach you work ethics and grit, than about 10 years of 16 hour days! My love for old vintage leather started there. I was intrigued with the old 1800's high back saddles, hand tooled parade bridles, Comstock, Visalia and old pawn silver. I began collecting, and out of this love sprung a creative, heartfelt journey. This takes us to barns and saddle shops, always in search for the 1800's teamster driving reins, and old retired cowboy saddle leather, used to form the American West. 100 year old leather requires hours of reclaiming, cleaning, conditioning, skiving, sanding and sealing to produce the back drops for our cuffs, hatbands, and belts. After too many "Critter Crunches" I left the hard physical work breaking colts, and bucking hay, to pursue my life as a creative (although we still have enough horses to ride, and put up 20 acres to farm) Somehow we get thru setting shows, breakdown, and driving hours thru snowstorms to bring you our newest creations! So thankful for our great team, and Baby Jax!
When you follow your bliss abundance will follow.
While healing from injuries, I worked with O'Farrell's Custom Hat shop in Durango, and learned the in's and out's of the hat trade, and began building hatbands. That is really what inspired the whole line. The excitement of creating and designing these images that start in the minds eye, really drives me. Our mission to produce quality, "classic and timeless" western art, the kind of product you will pass down thru generations, and cherish forever, is our goal. Handcrafting is fast becoming a lost art in our world of instant gratification and over sea factory production, but I have long held fast in continuing to produce in house, and working with USA aritsans to create these visions. My goal is to thrill you with photography and video's (a new learned skill) and keep you asking for more!
Focusing on what we choose to create, and being grateful for the blessings along the way, is the key to success. I want to thank everyone who has helped us, and thank you for allowing us to create for you! Made in the USA, better yet, "Made in Wyoming!"