Ramble and Company Co-Founder, Kathryn Hager Makes T-shirts with Intention 

By Jillian Mitchell

Empowering women to find beauty in the mundane through intentional living is at the center of Ramble and Company’s vision. For co-owner Kathryn Hager, entrepreneurial inspiration struck in her final year of college. 

As her career took shape, she dabbled in photography, design and printing tees, while juggling motherhood. It wasn’t long before she and her husband and business partner discovered their niche’: Insanely comfortable, small-batch, hand-printed tees that inspire women. 

11 years of growing a mission-minded business from scratch have shaped the supportive community at Ramble. Their message to stand with the challenges of motherhood comes through in every product. You can score their t-shirts, home goods, and accessories on their online store, or visit their shop in downtown Wichita Falls. 

Check out what Kathryn has to say about her one-of-a-kind brand:

What is the best part of being a creator? 

I get to work for myself alongside my husband, and I can involve my kids. Plus, I’ve had the opportunity to meet wonderful people while doing what I love. 

How do you stay inspired and avoid creative ruts? 

REST! Part of my job is learning what that is and how important to creating it is.

Favorite song(s) for boosting creativity?

I’m an Enneagram 7, so anything happy and fun is my jam! I can’t believe I’m going to admit this, but the Trolls soundtracks are amazing. Go, Justin T! Also, “The Git Up” song that my kids’ request is good. 

How does creativity bring goodness to your life? 

If you have the desire to create something, do it. Don’t sit on the idea. It’s freeing. There’s a satisfaction in having a vision and seeing it through. Seeing it through is key. Creating can be isolating, but it makes me feel seen.

What did you want to be when you grew up? 

I had no idea. I didn’t have the knowledge or guidance to know I wanted to work for myself, but It was clear I didn’t work well under others. 

What do people NOT know about what you do?

That while it fuels me to run my own brand, it can be extremely lonely and draining. I’m continually careful to not let the hard parts get to me. 

What made you decide to start doing what you do? 

I was desperate. I didn’t want to take out student loans, so I figured out how to make ends meet and avoid debt. 

Where do you go when you need a break?

Anywhere outdoors. I love to garden, and we have chickens. Running protects my mental health, and I like to travel. 

Let’s be real, what’s the hardest/most frustrating thing about what you do?

Being truly authentic. In a world filled with constant media, you have to watch what influences you. Staying self-aware, and knowing your values and morals is a CONSTANT part of having a brand. It’s easy to be lazy and not do the work. 

“Staying self-aware, and knowing your values and morals is a CONSTANT part of having a brand.”

Have you ever considered throwing in the towel? What stopped you?

Of course, but the alternative is working for someone else and not having the freedom to create. That’s not an option for me.

Favorite way to celebrate a job well done? 

Ah, with others! I love people, hosting, and celebrating. I’m all about FUN! 

Advice for creatives looking to start their own business? 

The list is long, but I’ll say this: know that you are not the hero of your brand. Your customer is. Essentially, what you do and create is for them. 

“You are not the hero of your brand. Your customer is.”

Any tips for the business/mom juggle? 

Early on, I learned that saying yes to clients/projects that weren’t ideal meant saying no to my kids and family. Set boundaries and avoid those who will take advantage of you. Saying no more often has actually landed us better opportunities. And turn off your phone!

Get on Team Ramble by following them on Instagram at @rambleandcompany and checking out their online store: shop.rambleandcompany.com