OUR STORY

BEACH BUM BY DAY, INNOVATOR BY NIGHT

BASED OUT OF TAMPA, FL, I'M A PROUD SOLO ENTREPRENEUR AND WOMAN-LED BUSINESS WHO'S PASSIONATE ABOUT CRAFTING CUSTOM STRAW HATS, BAGS, AND BASKETS TAILORED JUST FOR YOU.

MEET ANNIE MITCHELL, FOUNDER

Growing up along Florida's Gulf Coast, soaking up the sunshine was just a way of life for my family and me. And here I am now, still in Florida but with a twist—I’m all about looking beach chic while staying covered in shade. Every hat you see is individually painted and hand-designed by yours truly. So, whether you’re lounging on the beach or strolling through the city, I hope Shade Hat Co. adds that extra touch of style and sun protection you’ve been searching for. The name Shade holds a special significance for me—it's inspired by the simplicity and elegance of my good friend's cousin. When envisioning my hat company, I knew instantly that Shade encapsulated the essence of what I wanted to bring to life: a business that offers stylish protection from the sun, wrapped in a name that speaks for itself.

WHERE SHADE WAS BORN

My journey into the world of hat crafting began unexpectedly, during a rainy day cleaning session at my childhood home. While sorting through my closet with my mom, we stumbled upon an old hat. Instead of discarding it, we decided to breathe new life into it with paints, shells, and other embellishments. The next day, as I wore the revamped hat out, I was pleasantly surprised by the attention it garnered. That serendipitous moment sparked the idea to delve into hat customization further. With a few blank slate hats and a pop-up event, Shade was born. At Shade, each piece is crafted with care and attention to detail, ensuring that every customer receives a one-of-a-kind accessory that not only shields from the sun but also reflects their individual style. Join me in embracing the beauty of bespoke accessories, where shade meets style.

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