Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Chipman.
Hi Abby, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, I’ve always been drawn to creating. Whether it was making candles, designing sweatshirts, or painting, I was constantly working on something. Deep down, I always knew I wanted to build a business and sell my creations, I just didn’t know what it would be. After moving to Nashville at the end of 2022, I worked in boutiques, where I learned the ins and outs of running a retail business. Looking back, that experience became my foundation for Indigo Drift Co.
I grew up riding horses and naturally gravitated toward equestrian and Western styles. As someone who is always wearing a hat, I realized one day that I’d never seen actual hardware on a hat before. I decided to order a few horseshoes just to experiment, and after a lot of trial and error, I taught myself how to hand-stitch them onto trucker hats. Once I perfected the technique, I knew I had something special there. I listed a few of those hats on Facebook Marketplace, and the response was much bigger than I expected. That gave me the confidence to open an Etsy shop, and on August 12, 2025, I officially launched Indigo Drift Co.
Soon after launching, I started researching and applying to vendor markets in the Nashville area and began attending markets, horse shows, and rodeos. One of the biggest “pinch me” moments came when Lainey Wilson wore one of my hand-stitched horseshoe hats in her music video with Brandon Lake. Seeing something I created become part of a project like that was something I could never have imagined.
It’s hard to believe that what started with one hand-stitched hat has grown into a brand now carried in five retail locations, including three boutiques and two permanent booth locations in Franklin, Tennessee, and Mansfield, Texas. It’s been an incredible first year, and I’m so grateful for every opportunity that’s led me here.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a completely smooth road, but I’ve been incredibly blessed with the support I’ve received throughout my first year. One of the best parts of this journey has been connecting with other small business owners. Everyone has been so willing to share advice, encourage one another, and celebrate each other’s wins. The biggest challenge has honestly been learning everything that comes with running a business. When you’re a small business owner, you wear every hat. There isn’t really a playbook, so a lot of it has been learning through trial and error. I’ve definitely struggled along the way, but I really do believe every challenge has made me a better business owner. Every market, product launch, and customer interaction has taught me something new. I’m still figuring it out as I go, and I think that’s part of the beauty of building something from the ground up!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Indigo Drift Co is a Western lifestyle brand inspired by my love for horses and for creating pieces that feel both elevated and unique. We’re best known for our signature hand-stitched horseshoe and horse bit hats, with every piece of hardware individually stitched by hand. Since launching, we’ve expanded to offer hand-stitched Western tote bags, jewelry, candles, accessories, apparel, and home goods.
What I’m most proud of is building a brand that feels authentic to who I am. I never wanted to create products just because they were trendy. Every collection is inspired by a style and lifestyle that I genuinely love. Creating a personalized shopping experience is also a huge part of the brand. At markets, customers can design their own custom hat by choosing the hat, hardware style and finish, and leather color before I hand-stitch it together for them. I put just as much thought into the branding and presentation as I do the products themselves. In less than a year, we have grown an incredible community of loyal customers. Seeing people come back to shop with us time and time again has been the most rewarding part of the journey!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to the people around you. As someone who’s naturally more introverted, I thought networking would be the hardest part of owning a business, but it’s turned out to be one of my favorites. Some of the best advice, friendships, and opportunities have come from simply talking to the vendor next to me at a market. Most small business owners genuinely want to see each other succeed, and I’ve found the community to be incredibly supportive. You truly never know where one conversation might lead. Put yourself out there, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to learn from others. At the end of the day, we’re all just figuring out this thing called life together, and you never know who you’ll meet or how they might impact your journey!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.indigodriftco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigodriftco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582970152160
- Other: https://indigodriftandco.etsy.com
