Why we started The Power Hat Co.

“I ain’t ever had a legal job a day in my life. I’ve dealt drugs, worked in strip clubs, and as a prostitute. I’m in a program. You’re a business owner. You gonna hire me?”

Those words inspired me to start The Power Hat Co. to create economic empowerment for survivors of trafficking. Since 2020, we have been making Hats with a Powerful Purpose and spreading the message for people to“buy hats, not girls.”

Our mission is simple yet profound: to create economic empowerment for individuals who have experienced trafficking and exploitation.  

Our core product, hand-stamped leather banded hats, has been a symbol of resilience and hope. Previously exploited individuals have been able to earn gap income through this initiative. More so, we’ve seen tremendous growth in our participants, with some moving on to manage pop-up markets, mastering skills that were once foreign to them.

But why stop there? Our ambition stretches further. We aim to have our hands in the entire manufacturing process, creating an organization where survivors can start at entry-level positions and grow into administration, marketing, and beyond. This is not just about jobs; it’s about creating a path to leadership and self-empowerment.

Moreover, we’ve taken a stance against both sex and labor trafficking by forming close supply chain relationships to ensure ethical and transparent practices.

Our vision is bold: to build a healing-centered living and working environment where survivors can thrive independently. Imagine a community where the transition from aftercare to a fulfilling career is seamless, where every hat produced is a story of triumph over adversity.

To make this vision a reality, we need your support. Investing in The Power Hat Company is more than a financial decision; it’s a commitment to changing lives, breaking the cycle of poverty and exploitation, and creating a future where survivors not only survive but thrive.

Your investment will help us scale into wholesale markets, expand our product line, and, most importantly, provide more job opportunities to those who need them most.

Join us in this journey of transformation and hope. Together, we can create a world where we break cycles of poverty and exploitation!

What We Need & What You Get

• We have a goal of $400,000 to cover operating costs for 2025. 
  • $153,000 inventory costs for wholesale order fulfillment
  • $204,000 in payroll: Director of Operations, Accounting Clerk, and Executive Assistant
  • $24,000 B2B software 
  • $16,800 office lease 
• We love our Power Squad, and as a thank you, we want to hook you up with Power Squad Perks!​ Pick your perk!  From pre-ordering a Power Hat to a VIP lakeside retreat, choose how you want to be involved!

The Impact

Your contribution is a vital investment in breaking the cycle of recidivism, exploitation, and poverty affecting survivors of trafficking. These individuals face significant challenges, such as stigma, lack of business skills, and no credible references, which hinder their ability to secure stable employment and contribute to economic insecurity.

At The Power Hat Co, we have a proven track record of empowering survivors through effective training programs and job placements that promote independence and self-sufficiency. Your support will help us develop comprehensive training, mentorship, and job placement services, enabling survivors to step confidently into the workforce.

Together, we can empower survivors to reclaim their lives and create a more equitable society. Join us in this mission, as your generosity will have a profound and lasting impact on those in need.

Risks & Challenges

At The Power Hat Co, we value transparency and believe it’s essential to address the risks and challenges we may encounter on our journey to achieving our goals. 

One significant risk is the need to scale our inventory supplies to meet the demands of nationwide retailers. Previously, we have faced challenges related to minimum order quantities (MOQs) and cash flow, which have hindered our ability to maintain sufficient inventory. However, with adequate operating capital, we can ensure that our inventory quantities are managed effectively.

Additionally, our founder has been operating as a solopreneur, which has led to shortcomings in operations and administrative tasks. As we look to scale, it is crucial to build a capable team by hiring a full-time Director of Operations, an Accounting Clerk, and an Executive Assistant. This team will enable us to execute our scaling strategy with precision and efficiency.

Our experience and commitment to overcoming these hurdles position us well to navigate these challenges. We have a clear plan in place: securing the necessary operating capital to increase inventory, along with a strategic hiring plan to build a strong support team. Together, these steps will help us successfully scale our operations and meet the demands of our expanding market.

Other Ways You Can Help

We understand that not everyone can contribute financially, but there are still meaningful ways you can support our campaign and make a difference:

• Spread the Word — Share our mission and the details of our campaign with your friends, family, and social networks. Your voice can amplify our message and reach those who may be interested in supporting our cause.
• Social Media — Use your social media platforms to make some noise about our campaign! Post about it, share our updates, and encourage others to get involved. Every mention helps us reach a broader audience.
• Engage with Us– Follow us on our social media channels, engage with our posts, and be a part of our community. Your involvement not only boosts our visibility but also fosters a supportive environment for our mission.
• Volunteer Your Skills — If you have specific skills or expertise, consider offering your time to help us with marketing, outreach, or other areas where we could use assistance. 

Every action counts, and your support in any form can help us achieve our goals and create lasting change. Thank you for being a part of our journey!

I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you’ve taken time to learn about our mission!  In my heart, you have donated $1M by just simply being here! I can’t wait to visit with you over a cup of coffee, but until then GO OUT AND LIVE YOUR BEST PURPOSE-FILLED LIFE! 

✌ For Freedom!

~B