Conversations with the Inspiring Stephanie Carter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Carter.

Stephanie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started Wallaroo in 1999 after a visit to Australia to see my husband’s parents. I fell in love with some amazing sun protective hats and decided to reach out to the designer and see if we could work together. At that time, I was an attorney practicing law but felt a calling to do something more meaningful. I launched Wallaroo Hat Company in April of 1999, working with the Australian designer and the rest is history. Wallaroo was a pioneer in the sun protection industry and had some of the first products on the market in the United States with a UPF 50+ rating. This rating means the hats block the wearer from 97.5% of the sun’s UV rays.

Wallaroo is now a worldwide brand with distribution in Europe, Canada, Latin and South America. The brand has grown to be internationally known and respected and we cater to men, women and children.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As with all start-up companies, there have been some interesting times along the way. Since I came from a legal background and did not have any real experience in the manufacturing, distribution, or sales industries, I had to learn everything from the ground up. It has been an incredible learning curve, but I have enjoyed every minute. I think it is important to find something you are passionate about and make that your life’s work. When our heart is invested in our work, success and happiness will follow.

what should we know about Wallaroo Hat Company? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a manufacturer of sun protective hats for women, men and children. We are heavily involved in giving back to skin cancer research, education and prevention as this is a mission that is close to our hearts. Many of our customers have had skin cancer and are very concerned about wearing hats and sun-protective clothing to help keep them safe and protected. We were the pioneers of the UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) movement in the United States and now it has become very common for clothing and accessories to carry a UPF rating.

Wallaroo is a women-owned company and a Certified B Corp. We believe that how we do business is just as important as why and we are committed to transparency in our manufacturing processes and environmental standards that we think are good for the planet.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I currently serve on the Board of Directors of the Headwear Association and I was the President of this organization in 2013. I was the first female President of this organization in its 108-year history and it was indeed breaking the glass ceiling. The Board is still comprised of all men except for myself. It has been an interesting organization to be a part of and I think the diversity has been good for everyone involved. The headwear industry, in general, is very male-oriented as they have been in the manufacturing sector for many years and women have not traditionally been given roles in this industry. That is starting to change but it has been a long time coming.

Pricing:

• Wallaroo Hats retail between $40-65 and are affordable and easy to locate. Our styles are fashionable and functional and our customers are incredibly loyal to our brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: wallaroohats.com
• Phone: 303-494-5949
• Email: info@wallaroohats.com
• Instagram: @wallaroohats
• Facebook: wallaroo hat company (@wallaroohats)
• Twitter: @WallarooHats
• Other: www.carkella.com

Image Credit:
Christina Kiffney Photography

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