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

Hi Valeria, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Before opening the flying hatter, I was a circus performer. Everything about performing on the trapeze was about risking failure with a stunt. With risk does come failure, I learned this in my circus career. Getting off the mat over and over again makes the stunt happen. With building hats or a hatting business, starting or making that first hat, is a risk. Risk taking is essential for. building any business. Failure or resistance is how you grow, level up or scale.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a total art school kid. I have BFA from the University of Colorado and MFA from The San Francisco Art Institute. I am proud that I have been exposed to creative working artist my whole life. I am inspired by their genius. And in turn these artist continue to help me carve out a unique style. The road for any artist is not easy. It still is a non traditional path based on arbitrary approval. The challenge is selling your style. You have be your brand from your home decor, your closet, your actions. Live your art. I want the world , and especially women, to know that I am a single Mom. My brand would not grow had I not asked for help. When I was struggling, I asked for help. Finding that core group of people to help you stay on your feet, is essential. And those people, are sometimes your colleagues, but often your besties! I have an amazing network of single moms.


If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Durango, Colorado. James Ranch to see the farm and have an amazing meal.
Ski Purgatory Resort
Sit by the Animas River
Drive to Silverton.
Soak in Orvis Hot Springs

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I give a big shoutout to my family that tolerates my wild ideas. I commend them for letting me turn our living room into a production center, and co-opt our vacations as I find a hatting moment in everything!

Website: www.theflyinghatter.com

Instagram: @theflyinghatter

Image Credits
Photo take by Tory Dawson

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.