Wild West Mag Interview
The Story Behind Chris Thompson Bags: From Passion to Success
**Interviewer:** Chris, your brand has become a symbol of quality and unique western style. How did Chris Thompson Bags get started?
**Chris Thompson:** It all began with a love for beautiful cowboy boots and a need to find a creative outlet. I had taken an interim job as a manager for a national western outfitter. I had to "look the part" so I bought my first (of many) pair of cowboy boots. It was love at first sight! In August, we ran a sale where customers could bring in their old boots for a discount on new ones. By the end of the month, I had a pile of boots sitting in the storeroom, which eventually found their way into my garage. When I left that job, I knew I wanted to do something different, something that combined my natural creativity with my new-found love of boots. And be able to make a living! That led me back to the pile of boots, and I started experimenting with ways to repurpose them. My first project was making a little tote I put a wine bottle in. When a friend said it was so cute she would wear it as a purse, I lengthened the strap so she could just that! That’s when I realized I had stumbled upon something special.
**Interviewer:** It’s amazing how something as simple as a pile of boots led to such a unique business. What challenges did you face as you transitioned from that first project to building a full-fledged brand?
**Chris Thompson:** The transition wasn’t without its challenges, that’s for sure. At first, it was just about seeing if I could create something useful and beautiful out of these old boots. But as I began to develop more products, like handbags and totes, I had to figure out how to turn my passion into a sustainable business. There were practical challenges, like sourcing more boots, learning new techniques, and understanding the market. But there were also personal challenges—doubts about whether this idea could really take off. It was a lot of trial and error, but each challenge pushed me to refine my craft and grow the business.
**Interviewer:** From those early days to now, what have been some key milestones that marked the growth of Chris Thompson Bags?
**Chris Thompson:** One of the first big milestones was when I sold my first purse! That moment was a huge validation that there was a market for what I was creating. As I expanded the collection to include different styles of handbags and the popular wine and whiskey bottle totes, each new product line felt like a significant step forward. Another milestone was when I left my job and decided to focus solely on Chris Thompson Bags. It was a scary leap, but it allowed me to pour all my energy into growing the brand. More recently, introducing leather earrings made from boot scraps was another exciting milestone, as it helped me reach a broader audience.
**Interviewer:** Your brand clearly reflects strong values. Can you tell us more about the vision that drives Chris Thompson Bags?
**Chris Thompson:** The vision behind Chris Thompson Bags has always been about more than just creating beautiful products. I’m passionate about sustainability and giving new life to something that might otherwise be discarded. If you've ever been to a landfill, you leave with a different mindset. Each bag and accessory is a piece of art with a story, and I want my customers to feel a connection to that story. Quality is also at the forefront of everything I do—I want these bags to be durable, functional, and something my customers can cherish for years. It’s about blending creativity with craftsmanship in a way that resonates with people who love the western lifestyle as much as I do.
**Interviewer:** It’s clear that your values resonate with your customers. How do you continue to innovate and stay connected with them?
**Chris Thompson:** Innovation for me is about staying true to the brand’s roots while exploring new ideas. I’m always thinking about new ways to repurpose materials or introduce fresh designs that still capture the essence of the western lifestyle. Listening to my customers is key—they inspire me with their stories and feedback, and that helps me create products that they’ll love and use. I also stay connected with them through social media and events, where I can interact with them directly and understand what they’re looking for. It’s a dynamic relationship that keeps me motivated to keep pushing the boundaries of what Chris Thompson Bags can be.
**Interviewer:** Looking back on your journey, what are you most proud of, and what do you see for the future of Chris Thompson Bags?
**Chris Thompson:** I’m incredibly proud of the fact that I’ve been able to build a business that reflects my passion and values. Seeing my bags out in the world, knowing that they’re bringing joy to people’s lives, is the most rewarding part of this journey. For the future, I want to continue growing the brand, reaching new customers, and expanding the product line while staying true to the craftsmanship and creativity that started it all. I’m excited about the possibilities and can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next!
**Interviewer:** Chris, your brand has become a symbol of quality and unique western style. How did Chris Thompson Bags get started?
**Chris Thompson:** It all began with a love for beautiful cowboy boots and a need to find a creative outlet. I had taken an interim job as a manager for a national western outfitter. I had to "look the part" so I bought my first (of many) pair of cowboy boots. It was love at first sight! In August, we ran a sale where customers could bring in their old boots for a discount on new ones. By the end of the month, I had a pile of boots sitting in the storeroom, which eventually found their way into my garage. When I left that job, I knew I wanted to do something different, something that combined my natural creativity with my new-found love of boots. And be able to make a living! That led me back to the pile of boots, and I started experimenting with ways to repurpose them. My first project was making a little tote I put a wine bottle in. When a friend said it was so cute she would wear it as a purse, I lengthened the strap so she could just that! That’s when I realized I had stumbled upon something special.
**Interviewer:** It’s amazing how something as simple as a pile of boots led to such a unique business. What challenges did you face as you transitioned from that first project to building a full-fledged brand?
**Chris Thompson:** The transition wasn’t without its challenges, that’s for sure. At first, it was just about seeing if I could create something useful and beautiful out of these old boots. But as I began to develop more products, like handbags and totes, I had to figure out how to turn my passion into a sustainable business. There were practical challenges, like sourcing more boots, learning new techniques, and understanding the market. But there were also personal challenges—doubts about whether this idea could really take off. It was a lot of trial and error, but each challenge pushed me to refine my craft and grow the business.
**Interviewer:** From those early days to now, what have been some key milestones that marked the growth of Chris Thompson Bags?
**Chris Thompson:** One of the first big milestones was when I sold my first purse! That moment was a huge validation that there was a market for what I was creating. As I expanded the collection to include different styles of handbags and the popular wine and whiskey bottle totes, each new product line felt like a significant step forward. Another milestone was when I left my job and decided to focus solely on Chris Thompson Bags. It was a scary leap, but it allowed me to pour all my energy into growing the brand. More recently, introducing leather earrings made from boot scraps was another exciting milestone, as it helped me reach a broader audience.
**Interviewer:** Your brand clearly reflects strong values. Can you tell us more about the vision that drives Chris Thompson Bags?
**Chris Thompson:** The vision behind Chris Thompson Bags has always been about more than just creating beautiful products. I’m passionate about sustainability and giving new life to something that might otherwise be discarded. If you've ever been to a landfill, you leave with a different mindset. Each bag and accessory is a piece of art with a story, and I want my customers to feel a connection to that story. Quality is also at the forefront of everything I do—I want these bags to be durable, functional, and something my customers can cherish for years. It’s about blending creativity with craftsmanship in a way that resonates with people who love the western lifestyle as much as I do.
**Interviewer:** It’s clear that your values resonate with your customers. How do you continue to innovate and stay connected with them?
**Chris Thompson:** Innovation for me is about staying true to the brand’s roots while exploring new ideas. I’m always thinking about new ways to repurpose materials or introduce fresh designs that still capture the essence of the western lifestyle. Listening to my customers is key—they inspire me with their stories and feedback, and that helps me create products that they’ll love and use. I also stay connected with them through social media and events, where I can interact with them directly and understand what they’re looking for. It’s a dynamic relationship that keeps me motivated to keep pushing the boundaries of what Chris Thompson Bags can be.
**Interviewer:** Looking back on your journey, what are you most proud of, and what do you see for the future of Chris Thompson Bags?
**Chris Thompson:** I’m incredibly proud of the fact that I’ve been able to build a business that reflects my passion and values. Seeing my bags out in the world, knowing that they’re bringing joy to people’s lives, is the most rewarding part of this journey. For the future, I want to continue growing the brand, reaching new customers, and expanding the product line while staying true to the craftsmanship and creativity that started it all. I’m excited about the possibilities and can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next!