Plus, the brand has a new pop up in Houston’s Rice Village

The Kemo Sabe experience is a personal one, unlike anything you may have experienced in the western lifestyle space. When you arrive at their Aspen store you’re often met with a line of people trying to get in, and that experience of waiting is worth it. But more than that, the sales wranglers, as they call their sales staff, are some of the kindest and happiest people you’ll meet in the retail space. For thirty-five years Kemo Sabe has been able to imbibe the spirit of the West, finding the balance between modernity and craftsmanship in the western accessories space, and Wendy Kunkle the brand’s President explains why.

“Kemo Sabe means “Trusted Friend” or “Faithful Scout,” and that’s exactly what we aim to be for every customer who walks through our doors,” Kunkle tells SEELE. “Our motto is to make everyone feel important. We’re not just here to sell you something—we want you to feel at home. By the time you leave, you’re not just a customer, you’re a friend. Our interactions are real, our energy is contagious, and we make sure shopping here is an experience you’ll never forget.” And that’s literally the way things are, everyone is kind and there to make sure visitors and customers feel at home.

The products in the store don’t come cheap but they are quality and for sure can be passed down to the next generation. “The best way to guarantee quality? Make it yourself,” says Kunkle. “That’s why we have two factories in Texas—one for our hats, buckles, bolos, and hat pins, and another for our boots, belts, and hat bands. This means we never have to compromise on craftsmanship or wait on outside suppliers. Every piece is designed exclusively for our stores, ensuring that what you get at Kemo Sabe is something you won’t find anywhere else. Its tradition meets luxury, with a little wild West attitude.”

When arriving at their Aspen store for your personal hat making experience, you’re introduced to a sales wrangler, who directs you to a large wall of hats for you to choose your favorite color and style. You’re then guided to a section where you can accessorize your hat with charms, feathers, hat bands, playing cards, and ribbon. Once you’ve picked your accessories, you can walk around and look at the boots, bags, and other items while your hat gets shaped by steam and your accessories are added. It really is a fun experience where your hat is a sort of a scrapbook of personalized memories. When everything is done, your hat gets branded with your initials, so it’s really your own. Velocity Black is a global concierge service that can arrange the Kemo Sabe private hat making experience.

“Kindness is at the core of everything we do. We can train people on product knowledge and styling, but genuine hospitality? That comes from treating our team like family. When our staff feels valued, it shows. You can’t fake great energy, and at Kemo Sabe, we make sure everyone—customers and employees alike—feels like they belong,” explains Kunkle.

In September 2024, Kemo Sabe went to New York City to set up their Road House pop up, and saw great success and many people are wanting it back. While they don’t have plans for NYC anytime soon, they will be in Houston. “No set plans [for NYC] at the moment but never say never! We’re always on the lookout for new places to bring the Kemo Sabe experience,” says Kunkle.  

From February 21 until March 23rd their Houston pop-up shop in Rice Village is attracting many and happening at the same time as the iconic Houston Rodeo. There you can find the brand’s sought-after hats, handcrafted boots, signature belts, and accessories. Open from 11 AM until 7 PM, you can find the pop up at 2414 University Blvd., Suite 180, Houston, TX 77005. “Expect our hands-on hat shaping and boot fitting. If you’re in town, come see us!,” says Kunkle.

May people find a likeness to the brand’s products because they are designed with authentic western grit.  Jeff Bezos, Beyoncé, Katie Couric, John Mayer, and Orlando Bloom have all been seen sporting Kemo Sabe hats. Kunkle has an idea of why the brand resonates with celebrities and non-celebrities alike. “It’s because we make it personal. Every hat, boot, buckle, and piece of jewelry is more than just an accessory—it’s a one-of-a-kind work of art that reflects your style, your story. We don’t do cookie-cutter. We do custom. And we do it with a shopping experience that’s just as memorable as the piece you take home. No egos, no rules—just damn good craftsmanship and a whole lot of fun.”

If you’ve been to Nashville, you notice that western style stores are aplenty, especially on Broadway. Which leaves one to wonder why Kemo Sabe isn’t in Music City. Outside of Aspen they’re located in Vail (Colorado), Jackson Hole (Wyoming), Park City (Utah), Round Top (Texas), and Whitefish (Montana). But there’s a reason for the brand not being in Nashville and Kunkle explains why: “We aren’t just keeping up with hat trends—we’re setting them. We pioneered the art of distressing, branding, adding swag, and letting customers design their own hats. But what really sets us apart? We make sure every person gets the right hat. Not everyone can pull off a high-crowned, long-brimmed Texas cowboy hat, and that’s okay! We find the perfect fit for you—one that doesn’t just look good in a mountain town but works wherever life takes you.”

Visiting a Kemo Sabe store is a feel-good experience, one that puts you in a good mood by the time you leave. But actually, you won’t want to leave because of the kindness of the people working in the store. In a world with wars, natural disasters, death, and pain, we need more Kemo Sabes, who for a moment let you forget about life’s problems and remind you to not lose hope. “Whether you're in Aspen, Vail, Jackson Hole, or now Houston, one thing’s for sure—you’ll always leave Kemo Sabe with a little more swagger than you walked in with,” says Kunkle. And that’s for sure, you’ll leave feeling peaceful and happy.

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