We had some burning questions for Oshan of Oshan Ford Hats, hear what she had to say!
What are your big three signs? Sun, Moon, Rising?
Haha I have no idea! I’m a Capricorn and from what I gather, I am pretty true to one. Stubborn, ambitious and loyal.
Where did you grow up?
I had the privilege of growing up in Lundbreck Falls and then Pincher Creek, Alberta. My dad built a house in Lundbreck and some of my best core memories stem from my time there.
What were you like as a kid?
Oh boy, loaded question, if you asked my mum, she would say I was smart, funny and creative. I asked my best friend who has known me my whole life to describe me in 3 words as a kid and she came back with: fierce, loyal and a commander. I was definitely bossy, rebellious and adventurous. Not much has changed!
What did you do before making hats?
I was making art and working my day job. I started creating large scale abstract art pieces years before and had quite a few art shows under my belt, then one day I threw paint on a hat I had laying around and it sold at a show. You could say the rest is history.
Why hats?
I kinda feel that hats chose me. Since I started it has honestly felt like I was meant to do this. I had made-over a few hats for some of my friends after that first hat sold and then COVID hit and it was like a switch went off – learn everything that you can to become a hatter. I wanted to know everything and thankfully I found some really kind hatter folk on Instagram that answered my questions. I started to make a list of things I had to buy in order to start making my own and from there I started to teach myself how to block, cut and hand dye my own hats. Thankfully people liked what I was doing and I LOVED creating them. The learning hasn’t ended either, I feel like I am just getting started.
How many hats do you currently own?
You know what, that is a funny question. I have repeat clients that have 7+ of my hats and currently I have 2 hats in my rotation. I very rarely make myself my own hat!
What has been the biggest hurdle in running your own business?
Just navigating everything really, it’s all still so new to me, but I would say the biggest hurdle would be creating my own healthy boundaries on what I am willing to make and what I am not. My first thought is always – yes! I would love to! - but I have learned to listen to my intuition more on what I am willing to say yes to and what I say no to.
When you aren't making hats where can we find you?
Outside! I love nature so anything outside with my dog, my backyard and/or the open road with my boyfriend.
What is on your nightstand?
A fern, a glass of water and a notebook.
Who/what are your favourite musicians/songs?
Toughest question yet! I have sooo many and am always on the hunt for new artists to listen to. I love all genres of music. But right now I am listening to a lot of William Prince, Jeremie Albino, Richard Inman… A lot of Americana music, Tyler Childers, Pony Bradshaw. I could go on!
It was so much fun getting to know Oshan a little more! You can shop a small collection of Oshan Ford one-of-a kind handmade hats in our little shop in Fernwood, Victoria, BC or at www.creamlifeandstyle.ca You can also reach out to her on Instagram @oshanford