Meet Mackenna Allard

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Mackenna Allard.

Mackenna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Fort Collins and have always had an artistic background. Growing up I would constantly get in trouble in school for drawing instead of paying attention. I attended a wonderful alternative high school in the area and graduated when I was just 16. I had already learned a traditional path of education was not necessarily for me and wanted to take a different path.

I finished cosmetology school and was licensed by 17. I trained as a tattoo artist and explored a huge variety of creative careers through my early twenties. I eventually left the world of cosmetology, moved to an extremely rural mountain town, got married, and had my first little one! After my daughter was born I went back to work for my first day and immediately realized how unfulfilled I was.

All my creativity had been sucked dry. Life moves so fast and without really realizing it I had left a world full of beauty and art for something more stable and really genuinely hated it. Living in a ranching community I started to fall in love with western hats and wanted to make one my own. Before I knew it I spent my days playing with fire and Colorado Peach Creations was born.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the things that has inspired me most in life is the beautiful nature of Colorado and my friends. Unfortunately, too many of my friends aren’t here with us today. An unfortunate part of troubled adolescents is the beautiful, troubled paths I crossed. Suicide has been extremely prominent in my life.

I’ve always connected to nature during these troubling times and was able to take some of the pain and suffering from these events and channel that, mixed with the allure of Colorado to make something. Something out of tragedy. Another part of the reason I love pyrography. Taking something so inconsistent and powerful in nature, harnessing it into different lines and shapes.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Pyrography on textiles was truly a hidden passion. I always found happiness and uplifting others and making them feel beautiful (hint the cosmetology background) wearing a fancy custom hat, will definitely bring an air of confidence to whomever is wearing it.

I’m mostly known for my nature scapes and unique fullagree burning, mimicking a leather tooled look. I’m here to cheer everyone on. I love to work with other hat artists and share tips and tricks together. Looking at my “competition” as a community instead.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Fashion trends can come and go but everyone will always have a head. This means anyone can be in the market for a hat.

Pricing:

• Made to order and ready to ship HATS- $75-$175
• Made to order and ready to ship BALL CAPS- $30-$75
• Leather goods and purses- $45-$150

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.coloradopeachcreations.com
• Instagram: @coloradopeachcreations
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086764367209&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits
Anthos House Photography