Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Tovsen.
Mark, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
At age 14, I joined an Explorer Scout group learning stunt-work at the famous Old Tucson Studios in Tucson, Arizona. While there I learned how to shape and age hats by a member of the art department who also taught me to age other items.
About 10 years ago, I had a bunch of old hats the studio gave to me and I aged them and sold them on eBay. They became popular and I started to get orders. Problem was that I had trouble finding used hats to match the size and colors for the styles people wanted, so I decided to learn to make hats from scratch.
I took lessons in Colorado from a well-known hat-maker who taught me the basics. Most of my learning was from trial and error, since it takes years of apprenticeship to learn correctly.
My hats have a unique look since I do everything by hand (except sewing on the binding on the brim), which make them look like they have been worn for a while. Aging them adds to the look.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been pretty smooth, but I’ve had issues like anyone. Most people don’t understand that custom made hats don’t fit like machine made store bought hats (they always run bigger than the true size). I always ask for a head measurement to be sure I use the correct sized block for their head. I get people making up their measurement (based on what they think their hat size is) or incorrectly measuring, or just plain guessing their size. This is the biggest problem I have.
Also, since I started, the cost of used hats has gone way up. I think it’s due to people seeing what I’m getting for my used hats (quite a few of my first customers have tried to copy me, the results aren’t close). They don’t realize the amount of work I do to get a used hat ready to sell. A few hours work on each. A new hat is 10 to 12 hours of work, so even though my prices are very fair, many want a less expensive price.
Movie Hats and More – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am very proud to have made hats for some well-known stars (movie, TV, singing) and a few have been in movies. While I specialize in Cowboy hats that look like they have been worn (my slogan is “Why look off the rack when you can look off the Range?”) for a while, I also make new hats of all types. Fedoras, Bowlers, anything felt. My hats have a look that you just know I made it. I use the highest quality materials (felt is Beaver mix or 100% Beaver from a great maker in Tennessee) so I know you are getting the best.
Having been in the movie and stunt business for years, I know what the camera is seeing so I can figure out how much aging or the style needed based on what the Director or Costume Designer wants.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is doing what you are passionate about. My wife is Japanese and she says making hats is my “Ikigai” (not sure if spelling is correct), it means “the thing in Life that drives you”. I love creating a hat for someone that they love. I can’t quit my day job to make hats just yet, but I am happy making them in my time off.
I am lucky to have surrounded myself with friends who are successful because no matter how much money they make, they do what they love every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://moviehatsmore.com/home
- Email: moviehatsandmore@yahoo.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moviehatsandmore/
Image Credit:
Bill Belah
Guy Atchley
Philip Falkenheiner
Loop Rawlins
Peter Sherayko
Jerry Woods
Pat Neff
Kenn Barrett
Stephen Keith
John Scott
Eddie Perez
Steven Hobbs
Gary Wellborn
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
