Meet Miranda Seim | Founder of Ruminant Hat Co.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Miranda Seim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Miranda, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In October 2021, I kicked off the Ruminant Hat Co. website after leaving my job at a non-profit in Bozeman. Feeling a bit drained from all the social work, I was itching to dive back into my art. I’d been making hats for friends on the side for a while, and after some successful stints at art markets, I decided to go all-in on my own business. Being able to set my own schedule was a big draw, and seeing the direct impact of my work made it all the more rewarding. Plus, I loved connecting with other artists and building a supportive community. Running my own show allowed me to find a balance between work and life that felt just right, while staying plugged into my community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started designing hats back in 2017, inspired by my love for the outdoors and the frequent adventures I embark on in my area, like skiing, biking, hiking, and boating. Since many of these activities involve wearing helmets, I always found myself needing a hat to fix the inevitable “helmet hair.” Dissatisfied with the available options, I began crafting my own designs—hats that were both stylish and practical for messy hair days, casual outings, dinners, concerts, and more.

This led me to create a collection of “wearable art” hats, featuring hand-painted florals, landscapes, and creatures. These hats are durable enough for outdoor activities yet elegant enough for special occasions, serving as both functional accessories and pieces of art that can be displayed or passed down through generations. Each hat is meticulously crafted with waterproof paint and high-quality materials, reflecting my commitment to longevity and craftsmanship rather than fast fashion.

Building this business has been a journey of dedication and patience. Over the past two and a half years, I’ve honed my craft and embraced the ebbs and flows of entrepreneurship. Social media and connections with fellow artists have been invaluable tools for marketing and growth. Through both successes and setbacks, I’ve learned to trust my process and lean on my support system during creative slumps.

One of the core values of my business is intentionality. Whether it’s a pre-painted hat or a custom design, each product is infused with care and attention to detail. I consider the journeys these hats will accompany, the memories they will witness, and I’m honored to know that my art will become a part of people’s lives for years to come.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My dream Montana visit with my best friend would start with a scenic float trip down the Yellowstone River, followed by camping under the stars and enjoying live music in Paradise Valley. For breakfast, we’d head to the Cat Eye Cafe, and for dinner, we’d explore some of my favorite restaurants like Blackbird Kitchen, Shan, and Little Star Diner. We’d also make sure to sample drinks at local breweries such as Map, Bridger Brewing, and Bozeman Brewing, and catch happy hour downtown on Main Street after strolling through the farmers market in Lindley Park. We would be sure to hit our favorite local arts store and studio Inner Alchemy, and do some thrifting at Bozeman Vintage.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Taking the plunge into entrepreneurship was a major step, and I’m incredibly thankful to have had such a supportive community behind me. I want to give a big shoutout to my friend Kelly Swanson, the owner of KSX Art, for being a massive supporter and pushing me to strike out on my own. She’s been a trailblazer for female artists, not only paving the way for them to start their own businesses but also actively lifting others up. Kelly organizes events and markets in the Bozeman area, creating opportunities for more artists to showcase and sell their talents.

Website: ruminanthatco.com

Instagram: @ruminant.hat.co

Facebook: Ruminant Hat Co.

Other: TikTok @ruminant.hat.co

Image Credits
Hank Payne (2 images) Sarah Blacher (1 image)