GIGI GASKINS never set out to become a hatmaker. The idea came to her in the most unexpected way as she was sitting in a movie theater watching the opening scenes of “Coco Before Chanel.” On the screen, a hat was being carefully stitched and shaped, and in that instant, she thought, “I want to make a hat.”
Who could have guessed that a fleeting moment of inspiration would one day lead to two thriving businesses in Nashville and Winchester, and a reputation that extends far beyond the state?
Gaskins was no stranger to creativity before hats came into the picture. She had always worked with her hands and her imagination. For 23 years, she operated a family business in Hendersonville that combined furniture, gifts, picture framing, and stained glass. The shop even carried fireworks, a detail that showcased both her versatility and entrepreneurial spirit. “I had done other creative endeavors previously,” she explained, pointing to those years as foundational to the design instincts and business skills she would later carry into hatmaking.
That foundation of artistic exploration gave her the courage to dive headfirst into hatmaking. In what Gaskins described as a fluke, she stumbled upon the name and number of a man who made hatmaking equipment. That connection led her directly to Winchester Hat Corporation. Few people outside the industry realize the significance of this company, but it supplies the beaver felt that has become the standard in fine hatmaking.
“Not only do I buy my material here,” Gaskins said, “but Winchester has been instrumental in helping me along the way. I’ll forever be grateful. Most people in town don’t realize how important that operation is to the hat industry, and it still amazes me. I try to tell people where and when I can.”
With the right materials at her fingertips, Gaskins began to practice and refine her craft. She opened her first small workshop in Nashville, immersing herself in the learning process. Just a year later, she relocated to a larger shop on Eighth Avenue. Word began to spread rather quickly. Customers traveled from all over the country, drawn by the combination of classic craftsmanship, modern style, and the knowledge that each piece was made with care and intention. Within a short time, her shop was recognized as one of the premier hat stores in the nation
Gaskins knew her story in Nashville would not be the final chapter. She had long envisioned moving her workshop to a quieter setting outside the city. That possibility became clear during a visit to Winchester Hat Corporation in 2021. “In all my trips here since 2009, it never occurred to me to move here until that day,” she recalled. The decision set a new course, and after an 18-month renovation, she opened the Winchester shop on Oct.1, 2023.
The space combines Gaskins’ love of hats with her earlier retail background. In addition to custom hats and well-known brands, the shop includes a selection of accessories and gifts — items that give it the cozy feel of an old-fashioned general store. Still, hats remain the heart of her work. Her creations are more than functional; they are wearable art, each with its own personality and story.
Although the shop draws some local customers, Gaskins knew from the start that success in Winchester would depend on reaching a broader audience. “One thing about hats,” she explained, “is that people who wear them will travel for a good hat shop, since they’re few and far between.” Thanks to strategically placed billboards, the store welcomes travelers passing along I-24 almost daily, many willing to detour an hour out of their way. “We just hope we don’t disappoint,” she added.
She is also candid about the realities of the market. “I think most people would agree that these are challenging times for retail, especially for such a small town,” she noted. Yet the workshop maintains a steady flow of business. “At least here, we can spend time creating beautiful hats, whether they end up sold in Winchester or in Nashville.” Most of her specialty pieces are one-of-a-kind designs made from beaver fur felt produced locally in Winchester. “These are more like art pieces with a higher price point than the thousands of other hats we sell from leading brands.” By balancing authentic, handcrafted work with a wide selection of popular labels, Gaskins has ensured that her shops, both in Nashville and Winchester, remain among the most respected hat retailers in the country.
What began as a brief moment of inspiration has grown into a business that carries national recognition while remaining deeply rooted in a small Tennessee town. Her shops are the product of years of learning, risk-taking, and persistence in an era when retail faces undeniable challenges. Yet rather than be deterred, Gaskins has embraced those challenges as opportunities to refine her craft and expand her reach. Through her work, Gaskins demonstrates that good news can take the form of resilience, creativity, and vision lived out over time. Her story is not just about hats; it is about building something lasting, investing in people, and showing how dedication can transform both a business and a community. GN
