Behind the scenes of Kemo Sabe, where celebrities pay up to $900 for custom cowboy hats

I recently visited the Jackson location and got a behind-the-scenes look at how its employees like Carelas customize the hats and create a one-of-a-kind statement accessory for each customer.

The store epitomized the American West

The store also sold shiny buckles, vintage jewelry, clothing, knives, and winter accessories like fur-lined leather gloves.

Upstairs, there was a speakeasy serving cocktails.

Hat customization takes place behind the counter at the front of the store

Carelas said selecting the hat is typically the longest part of the process.

“It is an investment. So we want to get it right,” she said. “We have tons of different options. We have more in the back, and we’ll bring out every single option.”

The store carries two brands of hats — Stetson and Kemo Sabe. Although Stetson makes hats that cost thousands of dollars, Kemo Sabe only sells less expensive Stetson hats that are pre-molded. The Kemo Sabe hats they sell are more expensive.

“We hand-mold every single one,” Carelas said of the Kemo Sabe hats, adding that they start flat upon selection, and the employees shape them in-house to the customer’s liking.

Carelas selected a flat-brimmed hat and pulled a steamer out of the cabinet below the counter in the workstation.

She pressed the brim into the mouth of the steamer as clouds of steam surrounded her.

When styling for a client, Carelas said she asks the customer where they plan to wear the hat before accessorizing.

“It could be for a special occasion like a bridal party. It could be for going to concerts or even just for everyday wear,” she said. “That’s when we find out what they are looking for out of the hat.”

For example, some want a glitzy, bedazzled hat, while others prefer a rustic vibe.

“I wrap tons of different options to show them what possibilities their hat can become,” she said.

Adding flair to a hat is all about layering

Next, she added layers of beads and jewels.

“For a concert, I recommend making a showstopper. We have to add pizazz,” Carelas said. “And then, of course, Taylor always adds some sparkle and flair. So we have to add diamonds.”

Carelas selected another hat and took me to the branding station, where there were dozens of tiny metal symbols, images, and letters to burn onto the hat.

Branding a hat doesn’t cost extra, and there’s no limit to how much you can add. Carelas said Kemo Sabe is known for its branding — and some people tend to go all out.

“The other day, I had a guy who wanted to brand everything he’s hunted,” she said.

I watched Carelas brand a hat letter by letter to say “Live a Little.”

When she finished styling and branding the hats, I began to understand why people pay so much for them.

They’re built to last a lifetime — and with the range of customizations included in the price, customers leave with a hat you won’t spot on anyone else’s head.