Old Town Scottsdale has no shortage of stylish boutiques and destination experiences, but few have sparked as much attention and creativity as Rancher Hat Bar. At the heart of the brand is Shantelle Girard, a creative force who transformed a humble trailer-based hat-making concept into one of the most talked-about custom hat experiences in the state.
Girard is the founder and owner of Rancher, a business rooted in her passion for craftsmanship, western culture, and community. The store’s roots are in California, and not in a storefront, but in a camper trailer she and her husband hand built. From the very start, the couple crafted and customized hats at pop-up events across the state. With each stop, crowds grew, and word spread. Long lines became the norm, and the demand outpaced the trailer’s capabilities.
From Camper Trailer to Cult Following
“We started out just chasing a dream in a trailer,” Girard recalled. “We had no idea it would take off the way it did. But every person who lined up, every hat we made—that told us we had something special.”
Recognizing the momentum and the connection they were building with customers, Girard decided to establish a permanent location. The first opened in Folsom, California, where the brand continued to grow. But it was the 2023 launch of Rancher in Scottsdale that truly turned heads – and now, there are eight stores across Arizona, California, Texas, Colorado and Tennessee.
A Western Experience with a Modern Twist
The Scottsdale store quickly became a hotspot for residents and tourists. Walking into Rancher Hat Bar is like stepping into a modern-day Western haven. The shop features a full-service custom hat bar where guests can design their own hats from start to finish. From crown styles to bands, feathers, charms, and even a bolo charm bar, the experience is completely immersive and deeply personal.
“Rancher isn’t just about hats,” Girard explains. “It’s about storytelling. It’s about creating something that reflects who you are. We honor the Western spirit but put a modern twist on it.”
The name reflects that balance. It evokes both the rugged beauty of the West and the iconic style of the rancher hat—one of the store’s most popular styles. The brand identity is minimal yet bold, just like the products it offers.
Girard remains hands-on in every aspect of the business. From the visual design of the store and product curation to social media and the in-store customer experience, she ensures that the Rancher brand stays true to its roots. Her personal involvement is part of what makes the experience so memorable. Visitors don’t just leave with a hat, they leave with a piece of the Rancher story.
Blazing Trails and Building Community
What sets Rancher apart isn’t just the quality or aesthetic—it’s the sense of connection and creativity. Every detail is intentional, from the rustic interiors to the curated accessories. Rancher is also a pioneer in the “hat bar” movement. When it launched, there were only a few others in the space. Girard’s innovative approach and willingness to share her journey inspired others to follow suit.
Now, with the Scottsdale store thriving, Girard has her sights set on the future. Several new locations are already in development, as Rancher continues its mission to bring high-quality, customizable Western fashion across the southwest and beyond. Learn more by visiting rancherhatbar.com.
