Wrapping up our final Locals to Know feature this spring with The Evergrey, please welcome Jamie Slye! Jamie Slye (both the person and the brand) is brand new to the Seattle Restored program. Also relatively new to the Seattle area, Jamie finds inspiration in the connected community of small business owners and the beauty of the PNW. Her passion is finding the right hat for everyone she meets.
Q: Tell us about your business or artistic focus.
A: At Jamie Slye, our mission is to create distinct, high-quality US-made, unisex hats that compliment unique personalities and empowers individuals to express their own personal style. While our entire collection was originally inspired by personalities and important figures in my life, each hat is ready to be molded into future versions of themselves with every new owner and every new journey.
For as long as I can remember, I was intrigued by the idea that style is a personal expression from within. Even from an early age, I loved how fabric and materials made into interesting and unique pieces of wearable art could represent something about a person. As I got older, I wanted this idea to somehow become my career, and even better, my purpose.
In September 2019, after gaining valuable work experience over 13+ years in retail buying, product development, and people management, I moved to Seattle to pursue my hat business full-time. Since then, I’ve sold my hats to 30+ stores nationwide, run an online e-commerce business, and attended local and national pop-up events selling my hats. I am beyond thrilled to be a part of Seattle Restored and am so grateful for the opportunity.
Q: What’s a project you’re working on and how can our readers help you with it?
A: I am an official participant in Seattle Restored, opening up a retail pop-up shop in downtown Seattle. Our Grand Opening Celebration will be on May 6, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at 1318 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101. We’d love for you to come celebrate with us and spread the word about this event!
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of owning your business?
A: I absolutely love when someone says to me, “I’m not a hat person.” Obviously this gives me a challenge, and I simply say to them, “You just haven’t found the right hat yet.” I then encourage them to try on a few of our hats – keeping their face shape and personal style in mind – and in most cases I’m able to help find the perfect hat suited just right for their personality.
If someone is not a “hat person,” hats can be a bit intimidating. I love that our hats are inviting for people. The absolute best part about my job is seeing someone stand a little taller, smile a little brighter, and walk with more confidence when they find the perfect hat. Every hat has a story – it’s never just about the hat.
Q: What are you looking forward to this year?
A: I’m really looking forward to getting to know the other artists and business entrepreneurs participating in Seattle Restored. Since moving to Seattle in 2019, I’ve gotten to know many creative individuals through local pop-up events around town and other business networking events. Seattle Restored gives me the opportunity to get to know even more of these unique and creative individuals and learn from them!
Q: What brings you most alive about working or living in Seattle?
A: I’m originally from Virginia (east coast girl at heart!), and then moved to Austin, Texas where I started my business. I moved to Seattle in 2019 to pursue my business full time and since then, the amount of support I’ve received from other small businesses in the community is truly remarkable. The community here is one that embodies the idea that everyone has a seat at the table. I love that.
Also, the natural beauty that Seattle offers – from the mountains to the bodies of water – this place is beautiful and certainly doesn’t hurt my design process. 😉
Q: If you could give any one piece of advice to locals, what would it be?
A: There are so many opportunities around town to shop local. From the many local pop-up events to the activations through Seattle Restored, you can find such unique products that you’ll love while also supporting the local economy. After experiencing all of the creativity and talent at these events, you’ll only ever want to shop local!
Q: What’s your favorite Seattle Restored pop-up or art installation and why?
A: I am brand new to Seattle Restored, and am eager to visit and get to know the other pop-up shops and installations! I did have the opportunity recently to visit the Seattle Restored Marketplace and I love that this is a collective of so many talented locals in one spot. I will be taking my friends and family to visit this marketplace (and hopefully the many other activations!), especially those who are visiting from out of town. They’ll get a taste of Seattle and the strong small business community that exists here.
Q: What’s your favorite Seattle memory?
A: My husband and I moved to Seattle right before COVID-19. Not the best timing! When everything was shut down for quite some time, this gave my husband and I the opportunity to explore the walking trails around the city, the community beaches, and the many outdoor experiences this city has to offer. One of my favorite memories is sitting on the sand at Golden Gardens on a clear day with my husband and being so grateful for the beauty during a time that was so challenging for our country and world.
Q: Where would you spend a lazy Sunday afternoon in Seattle?
A: I have a 1-year old son so my lazy Sundays with my husband consists of checking out new play areas and kid centers for him to play at – not your typical lazy Sunday afternoon. Ha! We’ve recently come to the realization that those much needed lazy Sundays are in our rear view mirror. But, if I get the opportunity to have some much needed “me” time, my perfect lazy Sunday is walking to get a cup of coffee at Macrina (they also have the BEST sausage biscuit I’ve ever had in my life) and then lounging in the sun at Volunteer Park on a cozy blanket.
VISIT JAMIE SLYE
Address: 1318 5th Ave
Seattle, Washington 98101
Open hours:
Monday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Dates: April 22 – July 31
