Meet Katie Diamond Wolff | Textile Artist & Hat Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Diamond Wolff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my business when I was very young, 18 I believe. I somewhat accidentally fell into it after having had a less than savory work experience tie dyeing for a shop in downtown San Francisco. After separating from that I was left with the option of going back and getting a food service job or continuing with textile art on my own. My personality has always been to choose my own path and stand strong in my wants, needs and beliefs (I may or may not have a hard time with authority as well). I believe we are all inherently the creators and artists of our own lives- being in control of and able to freely express my energy is important to me and the only way to do that is to work for myself sharing the things I make with others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My main gig is dyeing sustainably sourced clothing in curated palettes. I’m a very color oriented person… a good palette can move my entire inner world in a single moment. I connect experiences, memories, locations, nature, people, and feelings to the colors they represent for me (either physically or energetically). I’m also very passionate about folks making the shift towards a natural fiber wardrobe and having less but higher quality and hand crafted pieces.

My new side gig is making fine fur felt western hats. I’ve always had an affinity with country western culture… tall crowns and wide brims called so I answered. A good hat is like your ride or die. They last a dang long time, are able to shift and evolve with you, protect you (from the sun and from funky energy IMO), draw in excited and friendly energy from others, elevate sense of self presentation and esteem. Everyone deserves to find the hat that was meant for them.

I would like to note that I am also a photographer, block printer, tie dyer, bead and wool weaver, painter, herbalist, model and probably some other stuff as well. My level of experience varies with all these crafts but they all hold an important place in my heart. It is such a blessing to be able to integrate all my interests with each other.

I love what I have created and the trajectory I’m on. The journey has in some ways been effortless and in other ways terribly painful. Effortless in that when I have a vision it is very easy for me to one foot after the other and make it happen. I know what I find beautiful and interesting and move towards it always. The painful part is that I am not business oriented in the logistical sense and have almost no structure to how I get through my work days. I constantly struggle with focus and orienting myself in an effective and actionable way. Thank goodness the visionary part is so clear otherwise I would literally have gotten nowhere. For years I’ve tried to move past this struggle in ways that I see others do it… the “aha” moment never really clicked. I recently realized that I need to work with myself and not against myself. For my business and I that looks like structuring things in a way that honors my genuine interests, energy flow and timing. It’s also best I don’t compare myself to other businesses or societal norms. My purpose here is to be the most loving, expressive and authentic version of myself. To do good work and create good energy and share that with others. To create real connections with real people. To infuse the work with a sense of story and humanness. To encourage others to dream their big dream and to be their own ruler of how they go about living their life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Big Sur California… it’s a pretty magical little cocoon over here and perhaps my biggest manifestation. First stop would be mimosas and sun bathing on my deck! I live at approximately 1800 ft elevation less than a mile back from the coastline with a pristine view of the Pacific. Fabulous neighbors too! Would invite them to join and food and laughter would be shared. For afternoon activities perhaps a hike to a cove or trip to the Big Share, a weekly place of gathering where the community shares things like organic produce, eggs, bread, treats, etc. The evenings could look like music or board games at the Taphouse, dinner parties at a friend’s house or perhaps an outdoor movie night at the Henry Miller Library. Those are all the predictable things but this place has a way of throwing fascinating curveballs. You don’t always know what is going to happen, but SOMETHING is definitely going to happen.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a shout out to my mom Suzi and papa Ralph. They were both very present and provided the environment, tools and encouragement for me to explore my creative side in my early years. I remember being told I can do anything I want in life. My mom and I had a sunroom in our house that was dedicated to art. Each of us had a huge cupboard that was stuffed from floor to ceiling with supplies. Some of my most mystical and alluring memories as a kid were walking through earthy design and garden stores with my papa… pure inspiration and comfort spending time with him that way. Even when my life choices seem a bit risky and off kilter I know they both see me as a whole person and trust how I navigate life and are proud of where I end up in my endeavors. Thank you Mom & Papa. I love you both dearly.

Website: https://katiediamondwolff.com

Instagram: @katie.diamond.wolff

Other: katiediamondwolff@gmail.com

Image Credits
All photos by Katie Diamond Wolff. Models Katie Diamond Wolff & Niko Malkovitch