Conversations with Dawn Ann Ritter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Ann Ritter.

Hi Dawn Ann, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have been a high fashion model & TV & Film actress my whole life…I would’ve been a designer if I hadn’t grown tall enough-but alas, I did and had a great career working with the top model agency in the world-FORD MODELS & still do things here & there acting wise.
I had a baby late in life which orchestrated our move to MT (my roots) where I decided to open a boutique & design a few things with a brand I had created for diaper bags (MOO Bags) years before
Being in cowboy country- and my roots of being from a cowboy legacy family-my cowboy became a nod to my heritage & family . My grandfather started the “Western Livestock Reporter”-which is still used to this day to buy & sell cattle; my dad started “western Ranch Supply” which is now like the “Lowes'” of Ranching.I started my store in Red Lodge, MT (11 years ago);then last year moved it to Bozeman, MT(bigger city-more year round); I opened my TN store 6.5 years ago- and that has evolved me to the entertainment industry and dressing many musicians (Country & Rock/men & women);as well as my “normal ” all walks of women customers.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Finances are always a struggle as a new entrepreneur…I always tried to pay my bills along the way; and be smart w/purchases and staying “in my lane”
I design 60% of the products (Jewelry; clothing; & home)-so once in a while a fabric or outcome is not exactly what I had in mind….then it’s back to the drawing board- and I have to re-configure the design or fabric used.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Evweryitng I do is not mass produced but more “one of a kind”- I don’t goto market- and I personally know all my other “artisans” in my store- which is a rare thing in the retail world.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t believe in “luck” getting me to my purpose
I believe in God’s power & the true grit; sweat; tears & determination to get me where I need & want to go
I also believe in “giving back”…I have a foundation called “Worldpawz” w/ Tracey Bregman of “Young & The Restless”-we do a different product almost every quarter and pick different animal rescues around the world to give back to
I am also on the board of “Operation Light Shine”-partnered w/ Th eTimTebow Foundation; HSI (Homeland Security); and all law enforcement-fighting human trafficking & child exploitation-a situation that MUST be irradicated in the US as quick as possible
I also have a couple products that give back to the “Susan G Komen” foundation…another very cause!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @moocountry
• Facebook: Moo Country-Bozeman, MT + Leipers Fork, TN