Hattie Rex: Who, What, Where & How Brilliant
Hattie Rex Owner, Tessa Burnett Witmer, opens up on how an idea turned into a passion which led to gracious success.
 

The Story:
Rewind to 2007; Tessa, a Spanish teacher and new dog mom was ready to give her sweet pup the best life possible. At the top of her list was a finding proper and super cool dog tag! To her dismay, "All of the ID tags on the market were mass-produced, engraved by machine, and lacking the sentiment I felt my pup deserved." She took matters into her own hands and set out to produce a customized piece herself, bought the materials and hammered out her first tag on her front porch. Good Dog company was created. Once Tessa felt confident in her skills, she started selling tags online to realized she was the only personalized handmade dog tag maker. She made tags for every dog she knew and attended more and more craft shows. A special request came at a show to put her daughter's name and birthday on a tag and wear it as a necklace. Human jewelry seemed intimidating, flabbergasting; something that had to be perfected, refined and required upping her skill level. Realizing the niche for personalized jewelry, Tessa started production for Hattie Rex Jewelry. Once HR was equivalent financially to teaching, she pursued her dream and left teaching. Prior to having her own brick and mortar shop, Hattie Rex was sold in The Emerson at Tart as well as dozens of other stores. Tessa wondered what was going in Babcock & N. Grand and in 2012 was the new home of HR. 2014 they were busting at the seams for space in retail and a workshop and bought 18 South Wilson where they reside today making over 50% in retail. Once learning Tart was closing; she payed it forward not wanting to abandon vendors, HR housed 25 others who were under their umbrella.              

The Name:
Masculine and feminine. Canine and human. 1930's era, intentionally ambiguous and anonymous. Searched until it was a fit. Hattie Rex; not to be confused as the Owner's name, but most definitely her alter ego.

Where:
18 South Wilson; corner of Main St. & South Wilson Ave.

 
How Brilliant:
A member of our Bozeman family had an idea, saw a need, pursued it and has had the most admirable support. To have a business is one thing, to master a personal experience is another no matter what business your in. HR has their studio inside their retail store AND offers several other local artist. An attraction for tourist looking for that perfect gift that's unique to Bozeman and confirmation of those who live and love our community.

" We thrive with tourist, we stay year round because of local support."
Notes to those wanting to follow your dream:
If you want it, make it happen. No one will do it for you. It's hard work, do the work and figure it out. There are resources available; talk to those who are doing it. Bozeman is full of men and women who support all of us. If you hate your job, don't like your situation; quit. Quit responsibly.