My name is Matthew, and for as long as I can remember, Western wear has been more than clothing to me — it’s identity, confidence, and culture. It’s the one place where I’ve always felt fully myself.
For the last few years, I’ve been selling furniture to make a living, and while it paid the bills, it wasn’t my passion. Eventually, my family encouraged me to pick up a part-time job to help bring in more income. Since I was already spending time in Western stores, I figured, “Why not work in the world I actually love?”
But here’s the truth:
A lot of the Western stores around me didn’t feel welcoming. Instead of being greeted I was met with stares. Instead of, “how can I help you” I was met with, “is everything okay over here”.
Then I found one store that was different.
The environment was diverse and the customers were treated like family. It was the first Western store where I truly felt seen. So I asked if they were hiring full time. They said no but they could use help on the weekends, so I took it.
From the moment I stepped on that sales floor, something clicked. I loved helping people find the right hats, boots, belts — watching their confidence change in real time. Customers came back asking for me by name. Employees trusted me. I put my heart into that store like it was my own.
But sometimes when you shine, people feel threatened.
The owner didn’t like how quickly I progressed in such little time. Instead of growing together, things got personal. The workplace shifted. I was pushed out unfairly — not because of my work ethic, but because ego got in the way.
Losing that job crushed me.
Financially, mentally, and emotionally. At the same time, it also lit a fire in me.
At that moment I realized two things: selling Western wear was my passion and purpose, and achieving so much for that store in such little time, I’m capable of doing it for myself.
That said, I want to open up my own Western wear store.
Not just any western store. One that’ll feel like an experience from the moment you walk in, from the time you leave.
A modern Western wear store rooted in culture, community, and style — especially for those who never feel represented in Western spaces.
I’m starting from scratch. No loans. No investors. Just my experience, passion, vision, and the belief that this store can become something truly special.
I’m asking for help raising money to cover:
- Securing a location
- Store up-fitting
- Startup equipment
- Initial inventory
- User friendly website
Thank you for reading and helping me turn my dream into reality.
