Check Out Caitlyn Henderson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlyn Henderson.

Hi Caitlyn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up outside of Dallas, TX, and have always been an avid music lover and concertgoer. Once I got to college, I started attending my first major music festivals including Austin City Limits and eventually Bonnaroo. When I was at my second Bonnaroo in 2019, I saw a girl wearing a hat very similar to the ones I make and thought, ” I could definitely make that!”

My original intention was not to turn my hat-making into a business, but after I realized that what I thought I wanted to do with my life was absolutely not working out, I decided to shoot my shot at my dream of making Rainbow Rave Hats a reality!

Since 2021, my business has grown in ways I never thought would be possible in just a little over two years, all from running everything by myself. I’ve been lucky enough to have my work make it all across the country and internationally, and I recently decided to make my business my full-time job!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh, it 100% has not been a smooth road, I’ve had some amazing ups but tons of struggles as well! I started this journey fully knowing that there would be struggles and things to learn, which I think has helped me immensely.

I’ve definitely struggled with all sorts of things; everything from self-doubt and imposter syndrome to finances, to feeling taken advantage of either by (thankfully a very small percentage of) customers, or by people who have worked with my business in some capacity. I also deal with several chronic health conditions which pose their own unique challenges as a business owner. But, I really wouldn’t have it any other way because it’s all a learning experience!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I hand-make captain’s hats, cowboy hats, bucket hats, and other accessories that are primarily worn by people who attend raves, music festivals, concerts, drag shows, and other fun events! I would say people know my brand for being colorful and incredibly authentic in its style.

As far as what I’m most proud of, it’s cheesy, but it’s simply the fact that I even decided to do this in the first place. I don’t have a background at all in marketing or business, and yet, here I am! I’m also someone who takes pride in trying to be as inclusive of a business as possible.

As a queer and neurodivergent person myself, I try to include people of all different races, skin colors, body types, sexualities, gender identities, and disabilities within my brand and advocate for them. Coming from the rave community, PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect) is the foundation of it, and I want to exude that in my business through allyship and authentic inclusivity, nothing performative.

What’s next?
I’ve been lucky enough to have met so many other incredibly talented people since starting my business, and it’s led me to be able to have several collaborations in the works that I’m looking forward to! I’m also hoping to be a vendor for Denver Pride this year to represent myself as a queer business owner and designer. Other than that, I honestly don’t have too much that I’m trying to plan out for well in the future.

I’ve adopted a philosophy of having a general idea in mind of where I want my business to go, but without trying to plan things to an extreme because I tend to trip out about the future too much when I do that, rather than focusing on the present with myself and my business. I’m very much a “learn as I go” type of person, and I think being that way has brought me much more success for myself and my business!

Pricing:

• Reversible Stash Pocket Bucket Hats: $50
• Captain’s Hats: usually between $125-$300
• Cowboy Hats: usually between $150-$350
• Sunglasses and Goggles: $35
• Customs for all the above are available at a wide range of prices!

Contact Info:

• Website: rainbowravehats.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainbowravehats/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rainbowravehats
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rainbowravehats?

Image Credits
Ty Gunner, TJ Legler, and Alex Berroud