Meet Caroline Singleton | Jacket Designer

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

Hi Caroline, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think that often times, not taking a risk, can be a bigger risk. The best things in my life have come from following that crazy idea and seeing what I can get away with. I wouldn’t know my husband if I didn’t leave him a note with my phone number at the restaurant where he worked. I wouldn’t live in the beautiful mountains of Crested Butte if I didn’t say screw it, let’s see what happens. It has always worked out for me to follow my heart.

If I’m not taking risks, I feel like I’m acting small. I try to remember what there is to gain instead of what there is to lose. This is easy to say, harder in practice.

In my experience, risks tend to be incremental. With Galena, the first decision was to commit to this idea, and make the financial investment. I had to block out doubt and the “who do I think I am to go for this” kind of thoughts. But as soon as you get other people involved, graphic designers, pattern makers, seamstresses, it kind of starts rolling down hill. The risks make you grow, and that’s what we are here to do.

What should our readers know about your business?
Galena the True is a modern take on the classic western jacket. The name comes from one of my favorite minerals – galena – lead sulphide- sparkly and a treat to find. The last part “the true” is homage to the poem by Arthur Chapman called “Where the West Begins.” In the poem, he is describing the big open expanses of the American West and how friendship seems to ring a “little truer” in this place.

The jacket itself is made with a buttery brushed cotton twill and our signature blue silky liner. The front features antique brass snaps. You will look cool, without trying too hard. And it’s definitely the jacket you will wear for adventures.

It all began for me with finding a 1970s cowgirl rain jacket with those classic western details we love – yolks on the front and back, and big snaps down the front. This plastic jacket had no hood, so it wasn’t the most useful garment for staying dry. But it got me thinking.

I love clothes that tip their hat to the old west. There’s something nostalgic and decidedly American about this aesthetic. And moreover I like the idea of having something with a history to tie to the Colorado I love so much. It feels rooted.

Prior to this venture, I had no experience in fashion or. product design. I really leaned on others to teach me, and I still have a lot to learn. I have a pretty good attitude about figuring things out and am accepting that I’m going to make mistakes. I studied advertising and geology, so who would have thunk. My experience is that people want to help you learn and will sort of gather around to support you.

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?
1. For breakfast you have to go to Butte Bagels and get the Classic on an everything bagel. Fried egg, Swiss cheese, mustard, lettuce, tomato – it sounds simple, but it hits the spot every time. While you are waiting, this place takes a bit, go grab a coffee at the Daily Dose. I would say wonder around the alleys in the town of Crested Butte. This might sound weird, but there’s a lot to see – historical structures, local flair, and bikes.

2. Morning is the best time for hiking in my humble opinion. I would say check out Wood’s Walk and Lower Loop trails. You’ll get incredible vistas of the Slate River Valley and some flowers too.

3. For the afternoon, go by Wheelie’s and Waves and rent a SUP board to float the Lower Slate River. This is such a special thing you can do in early summer depending on water levels. They’ll give you the intel and get you set up. You might fall in. It’s really really cold. But it will wake you up.

4. A lot of the lodging is in Mount Crested Butte, and if you are staying up there, this is a great opportunity to ride your bike into town on the Rec Path. It’s about 3 or 4 miles, all downhill, dreamy. And when you’re ready to go home, you can actually put your bike on the front of the bus and they’ll give you and your bike a ride back up the mountain.

5. For dinner I would suggest the Breadery. This is a newer restaurant and they make awesome sour dough pizzas, charcuterie plates, and cocktails. It has a really good atmosphere and awesome servers.

6. For a night cap, I would head over across the street to the Wooden Nickel. This place’s atmosphere is old time saloon – but not in a cheesy way. Just go to see the green velvet wall covering. It’s really cozy and a quieter place to hang out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Lisa Elstun from Fashion Design Center Denver has been my guiding light throughout this process. Her kindness, patience, and openness really allowed me to put the vision in my head into a garment. I absolutely could not have done this without her. I also want to thank my manufacturer Melody Goudarzi for getting the jackets made.

Finally, I want to express my gratitude to my husband who tells me all the time to not be scared. His confidence in me and his big thinking has been incredibly helpful in this process.

Website: www.galenathetrue.com

Instagram: galenathetrue