Mentors and Friends

10 years ago Kathleen moved her store, the Country Rose from the outlet mall at Tulalip to downtown Arlington.

10 years ago I was dating Kathleens son, Jake. We would show up at her store in the evenings, after work, to help her paint the walls and get the store ready to open.

10 years ago she offered me the opportunity to sell my vintage cowboy boot collection out of an armoire that was maybe 6’ wide by 8’ feet tall in her store.

6 years ago when I showed up with my new girlfriend Jill, Kathleen didn’t hesitate to accept us as we are.

4 years ago she agreed to FauxyFurr expanding its footprint to a 10’ by 25’ and start making Boho Boots in store.

3 years ago she agreed to let FauxyFurr expand into a 10’ by 50’ footprint and start making custom hats in store.

Throughout my career Kathleen Shalan has been an advocate, a sales mentor and a friend.

We fight & forgive like mother & daughter. We laugh and drink like wild college friends and we talk shop and strategies like #girlbosses.

The day I told her FauxyFurr had rented it’s own building on Olympic she cried tears of joy and tears of I’m-going-to-miss-you. 🥰 This was the second time I’d ever seen her cry.

I’m going to miss you too. I’m convinced our dreams come true because people help us along the way.

Kathleen’s belief in me is folded into the pages of my life leaving a lasting impression on what I am to become.

Kathleen it’s an honor to know you and your family.

Handmade hat using military velour felt in 100x rabbit fur. 3.5” brim, pinch front crown, hand cut leather hatband. Made with Love.