About Us
The Panama Hat Company of the Pacific business was created in 1988 with the specific goal to prevent the impending extinction of the art of fine hat weaving in Montecristi.
Weavers, artisans, dealers, all told me that hat weaving was diminishing year by year. In 1986, author Tom Miller (The Panama Hat Trail) predicted the demise of fine hat weaving within twenty years.
I read the book, went to Montecristi, and fell in love with the hats. I figured that if people weren’t weaving as many hats as they used to, it was because people weren’t buying as many hats as they used to. If people would show up with stacks of money to buy hats, other people would show up with stacks of hats to exchange for the money. Simple. To save the art, I must buy lots of hats to increase the demand. If I buy lots of hats, I must also sell lots of hats. Hence, the business.
Thirteen years later, this blog is created for those who are as passionate about hats as I am—just owning a hat is not enough. I have a lot to say about hats (just read my site). My daughter Laurel can be prolific as well. I hope you enjoy our stories.