Conversations with Parker Orms

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Parker Orms.

Hi Parker, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I am a third-generation hat shaper from Denver, CO. I grew up with my mom’s side of the family playing sports my whole life. I played football at the University Of Colorado and semi-pro in Milan, Italy. After that, I joined my dad’s side of things, shaping Cowboy Hats. I worked with my Dad and Grandpa for eight years, traveling around different rodeos and western-themed events, shaping and designing hats.

I finally started my own company Hats By PARKER THOMAS in 2022. I travel around selling cowboy hats and fedora hats. We like to call them fashion and functional felt and straw hats. I landed inside the back of Haven I’m Cherry Creek. You can book Appointments or private parties inside the boutique. You can also book us to be a vendor at your event.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been a roller coaster. It’s not easy being an entrepreneur but the connections my Dad has in the western hat industry have made things a lot easier for me. I learned from the best in the business. My grandpa shaped hats for over 65 years until the day he died in 2022. The work behind the scenes is what is the hardest part. Make sure you have enough inventory and the right inventory.

At first, I did as many events as I could whether small or big. I said yes to everything. Now I have built a big following on Instagram and TikTok to where I get asked to do some pretty big events and can choose which ones will be worth it or not. I still love to do anything and everything, though. I just love what I do.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have made hats for Reba Macintyre to Bad Bunny. I can make a classic cowboy hat or an artsy fashion fedora. What sets me apart is that my hats are universal.

I can figure out your style and bring out your personality with a hat. I have shaped hats at the National Finals Rodeo in Vegas and hats for a fashion show in Paris Fashion Week. I’m proud of where I come from and using what I have learned to push things further.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Being an ex athlete I think helped me out a lot. Being driven to succeed and work hard. Every event is like a game to me and I have to prepare beforehand to do well. I think the experience we create when getting a hat is very wholesome and fun for everyone.

Pricing:

• $150
• $300
• $400
• $500
• $1500

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hatsbyparkerthomas.com
• Instagram: @hatsbyparkerthomas
• Facebook: @Hats By PARKER THOMAS
• Youtube: @Hats By PARKER THOMAS