Hat Day in the Sun 2014 – American Hat Makers Press Tour

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We couldn’t have made Hat Day in the Sun without the support of our local media. We are so lucky to have excellent journalists in Santa Cruz County!

A huge thank you to these talented and connected folks – especially for allowing us to drop in and give them hats the day before our event in Capitola Village on June 19th – to raise awareness of skin cancer prevention.

Read more about Capitola’s Hat Day in the Sun here.

Here are some of the local press with Hannah Watrous, our VP of Marketing & Branding at American Hat Makers.

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Jondi Gumz
Santa Cruz Sentinel
Scotts Valley

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Rosemary Chalmers & Bill Graff
KSCO Radio
Santa Cruz

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Noel Smith
Capitola Soquel Times
Aptos

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Brian Williams
Register-Pajaronian
Watsonville

Capitola Hat Day in the Sun 2014 – Review from American Hat Makers

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What a day for hats!

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American Hat Makers and Head’n Home celebrated national “Hat Day in the Sun” on June 19th in Capitola Village by giving out 400 hats to raise awareness for skin cancer and the importance of protecting your skin.

We were part of a national public awareness campaign from The Headwear Association – the largest and most prestigious hat organization. We were grateful that Dorfman Pacific in Stockton donated hats so we could give out so many to our local community.

And we gave out 400 hats! The line was nearly down to Zelda’s Resturant at one point — and there were 70 people in line by 1:30p.

According to Hannah Watrous, VP of Marketing and Branding for American Hat Makers (and organizer of the event), “It wasn’t about giving away free hats. It was about educating our kids about the dangers of skin cancer– really relevant in a beach community.”

The true meaning of this event became apparent and so important once we started hearing stories people shared about their own experiences with skin cancer – from a husband who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for skin cancer (he did receive a hat!) to someone showing us her melanoma scars. We couldn’t be more grateful to be able to share our hats with the local community.

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Hannah was overjoyed “hearing the different stories of the survivors…it was priceless!”

We even met visitors from San Jose who are now enjoying our hats.

The Jr. Guards supported our event, too – since Hannah’s daughter is part of the team, “I still receive appreciation from not only the parents of the guards but the children/teenagers genuinely appreciate their Sun Hat!

I can’t wait until next year!!”

Neither can we.

Here’s some of our Press from the event:

We made the front page of the local section in the Santa Cruz Sectional: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_25997736/capitola-enjoys-hat-day-sun

We also received generous coverage here, too – thanks to everyone!

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/capitola/ci_25930363/free-sun-hats-june-19-capitola

http://www.santacruzwaves.com/local-loop/american-hat-makers-sponsor-national-hat-day-in-the-sun-on-june-19/

http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_25930363/free-sun-hats-june-19-capitola

http://aromas.crwe-pr.com/blog/2014/06/20/capitola-enjoys-hat-day-in-the-sun/

http://www.santacruz.com/hat-day-in-the-sun-e2114391

http://santacruz.patch.com/groups/events/p/hat-day-in-the-sun–free-hats-in-capitola-village

http://events.kionrightnow.com/Hat_Day_in_the_Sun_FREE…

http://eventful.com/capitola/events/hat-day-sun-free-hats-prevent-skin-cancer-/E0-001-071501755-2

http://www.gtweekly.com/index.php/santa-cruz-arts-entertainment-lifestyles/events-calendar...

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Hat Day in the Sun – Q&A with Hannah Watrous:

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As you know, American Hat Makers are sponsoring Hat Day in the Sun this Thursday, June 19th, in Capitola. We are giving away over 300 sun protective hats – to raise awareness for skin cancer prevention – presently, the most common cancer in the U.S.

This is a national public awareness campaign created by The Headwear Association and the first time this event will be held in Santa Cruz County.

Hannah Watrous, our VP of Brand and Marketing, is heading up the event. She’s an avid sponsor and supporter of charity events – especially if they help the local community.

We caught up with Hannah (and previewed her fabulous hat for the day) to get her thoughts about why this event is important to bring to Santa Cruz County.

According to Hannah, “Any beach community tends to expose their body to sun naturally. Hats are a great way to protect your head and face.”

What does she hope to gain by this event?

“We want to educate everyone about skin cancer prevention. We also want the community to know that American Hat Makers, the premier hat company, is local and can provide headwear for any experience — whether you are golfing, paddle boarding or going out dancing!”

What do you love about this event?

“We love connecting with the locals while giving away free hats. We are always looking for ways to make a difference and support the community.”

Head’n Home Hats, parent company of American Hat Makers, is a family-owned and operated premier cut and sew hat-making company for founded in 1978 by Gary Watrous. All of American Hat Makers headwear are guaranteed for life, custom fitted and handmade in Watsonville, California using the finest American leather and materials. Their men’s and women’s hats are renowned for their unsurpassed quality, attention to detail, and unique designs. For more information, visit headnhome.com.

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Skincare Prevention Tips from American Hat Makers – sponsors of 2014 Hat Day in the Sun

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Did you know skin cancer is the most common of all cancers? The fact is 90% of all skin cancers are caused by over-exposure to the sun.

The good news is there are many things you can do to decrease your exposure to the sun, and reduce the possibility for skin cancer.

American Hat Makers and Head’n Home is co-sponsoring “Hat Day in the Sun,” a national campaign created by the Headwear Association to promote skin cancer awareness on June 19th 2014, in Capitola from 1pm. They will be giving out 300 FREE hats!

Read more info about Hat Day in the Sun here.

Here are a few top tips to protect your skin that you can start today!

  • WEAR A HAT! You can purchase an American made leather hat here.
  • Seek out the shade between the hottest part of the day 10am-4pm
  • Do not burn, and avoid tanning and UV tanning booths
  • Wear lip balm with sunscreen everyday
  • Cover up with clothing — breathable long-sleeved shirts and pants are best
  • Wear large UV-blocking sunglasses
  • Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher even on foggy days
  • For outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
  • Apply 1 ounce of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating
  • Keep newborns out of the sun, and use sunscreen on babies over the age of six months
  • Examine your skin each month from head to toe and make note of any abnormal growths or moles
  • Schedule a yearly skin exam with your physician or dermatologists
  • Keep sunscreen in the car – for long car trips
  • Use extra sunscreen near water, snow, and sand – these surfaces reflect the intensity of UV rays
  • Buy extra bottles of sunscreen and keep in gym bag, trunk, diaper bag and purse
  • Lightly spray sunscreen in your hair or on head for extra protection

For more information or to buy UV-Protection Sun Hats, visit our Head’n Home Hat Store.

Have a safe and happy Summer!

Resources:
http://skincancerprevention.org/skin-cancer/prevention-tips
http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/prevention-guidelines
http://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/q—t/skin-cancer/tips

Help Spread Skin Cancer Awareness and Win a Hat!

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American Hat Makers & Head’n Home Hats are sponsoring Hat Day in the Sun in Santa Cruz — a national public awareness campaign for skin cancer awareness on Thursday, June 19th, 2014.

Did you know 90% of all skin cancers are caused by over-exposure to the sun?

We’d love your support to help spread the word! When you follow & share/retweet our posts on Facebook and Twitter until June 19, we’ll put you in a draw for a free American made hat – one winner for each channel!

This is the first year we are sponsoring and we need your help you make it GREAT!

Read more about Hat Day in the Sun here.

American Hat Makers sponsor national “Hat Day in the Sun” on June 19

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Santa Cruz, Calif.—Head’n Home Hats, parent company of American Hat Makers, and Dorfman-Pacific, another local hat company, are partnering to sponsor Northern California’s “Hat Day in the Sun” on June 19 in Capitola Village. The co-sponsors expect to give out more than 300 hats at the event, which begins at 1:00pm at Esplanade Park.

Designed to educate people about the importance of protecting their skin against excessive sun exposure, the event was created by The Headwear Association, the oldest and largest hat association in the world, as a national public awareness campaign. Capitola is one of 5 national locations for this hat event. This is the first year the campaign has had sponsorship in Santa Cruz County.

“We jumped at the chance to sponsor the event as it gives us an opportunity to support our local community,” said Hannah Watrous, VP of Marketing & Branding. “Beach communities are an obvious place to educate people about the dangers of over exposure to the sun, and this is a great opportunity to raise awareness about skin care along with the benefits of wearing hats to protect your head and face.”

American Hat Makers is a family-owned and operated premier cut and sew hat making company founded in 1978 by Gary Watrous. All of American Hat Makers headwear are guaranteed for life, custom fitted and handmade in Watsonville, California using the finest American leather and materials. Their men’s and women’s hats are renowned for their unsurpassed quality, attention to detail, and unique designs.

To view our sun protective leather hats, visit Headnhome.com

Tour our Facility

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We welcome your tour group with a personal touch.

We welcome your tour group with a personal touch.

At Head’n Home Hats/American Hat Makers, we’re proud to be a 100% American made product.  We offer free facility tours, geared to educate, and wow you!  Check out some pictures from a recent tour.

Bruce explains things.

Bruce explains things.

It starts with raw materials

It starts with raw materials.

After choosing the leather, suede, or other materials from our raw materials area,  a pattern will be cut.  Our leather is 100% raised and tanned in America.  Scotchguard is applied and worked into the material during the tanning process, resulting in a water resistant hat right off the rack.  Then we go to assembly. There are several phases to this process.

Watching work in progress.

Pilo talks about banding.

The group is getting into it!

A lot to see.

Visually, you can see we take pride in being an American made product.  The evidence is everywhere.

We encourage questions!

Some hats get added detail. We have a laser engraver that adds depth, enhancing the design beyond accessories or saddle stitching.

Nikki uses her creativity to adorn hats with intricate designs, featuring anything from jellyfish, to skulls, and feathers. That layer of texture is only surpassed by adding some airbrushing for a finished product that really pops. You can see it on the “Opal” and “Deadly Love”.

This is the Double G

Double G, “Opal” designed by Merry-Lee. Laser engraved and airbrushed.   Find it here!

Crowding around the laser engraver, our group can see (and smell) the leather engraver in action. It’s hard to steer folks away from this area, but we must move on.

Laser engraving area.

VooDoo “Deadly Love” designed by Nikki.  Laser engraved and airbrushed.  Find it here!

From here we walk through the Administrative offices for a quick “Hello” from the Wholesale team.  If we’re lucky, Gary Watrous (Founder and President!) is around to say a few words.

Fernando, making magic happen.

Now we’re in shipping. This is not just about sending out packages.The final inspection happens here. Each hat is tagged and shaped to perfection. Fernando is a master at shaping a hat! He demonstrates with certain accuracy and skilled speed. Now the hats can be packed securely and sent out.

The customer is sure to be pleased and delighted!

And now for some fun at the store.

Decisions…   Selfies…   Smiles…

  

Thank you, Bridges Youth Group!

Call 800-642-3428 to schedule a tour.

American Hat Makers Grand Opening – A Huge Success!

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0xVSkq5ijyEovcKBSik7a1BgUw2Lb8qkFzPoSwhUFWo IMG_0069kDLB__rn9Y7G4uA7rXW2SAYTyM84Qq05yaV4O4ovR6sIMG_0123 The grand opening of American Hat Makers was a HUGE SUCCESS and we would like to warmly thank everyone who participated and made this truly memorable event possible.

We would like to give a special thanks to Kurt for catering the event. All the food was absolutely delectable and it really kept the event going. There was enough food for hundreds and none of it went to waste, thank you so much for everything!

American Hat Makers would also like to thank Chris, Jessica, and everyone else at Specialized Helicopters for the amazing helicopter tours! The guests had such a blast and your tours were the talk of the party!

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Thank you Wendy at Lina Floral for the gorgeous floral arrangements. Our event wouldn’t have been so lively and vibrant without your gorgeous flowers.

A huge thank you to Marquez Brothers for the tables, chairs, and awnings that provided shade and comfort to many of our guests! We wouldn’t have been able to hold the amount of people that attended without your help. IMG_0038IMG_0061

Last but not least we would like the thank Let’s Party Salinas for the fun, 70ft. jumpy house! It made a great time for everyone of ALL ages!

American Hat Makers could not have had this grand opening without the help from all of you and we profoundly thank you for all your love and support!

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Laser Engraving/Airbrushing Process – American Hat Makers

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Our process used in the making of the beautiful Deadly Love by Voodoo Hatter is astonishing. From the sketches, to airbrushing, and finally laser engraving, you can’t get any more detailed than with this masterpiece. It takes approximately one hour to complete the full production of this hat, and Nikki is definitely a pro! She is a wonderful designer, and her creations have extraordinarily transformed our Steampunk Hatter/ Voodoo Hatter brands into what they are today. Check out this video and see how Nikki transforms a plain black topper into the beautiful Deadly Love.