Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Likens.
Hi Dawn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I lived on a farm in rural Mississippi and worked as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor for over a decade. Once back in Memphis, I needed to find a new way to spend my time. I needed a creative outlet. Something purposeful, and uniquely my own.
I’ve always had a passion for art, but hadn’t yet discovered how to put that passion to work in a meaningful way. Then, after a spontaneous hat purchase sparked my curiosity, I decided to try designing one myself. When friends began noticing and asking to buy my creations as gifts, their encouragement gave me the push I needed to take things further.
In the spring of 2024, Purlicue Pinch was born. I built my online presence and began selling at markets and festivals. What began as a creative outlet has since grown into a deeply fulfilling venture—one that allows me to connect with others, tell stories through craftsmanship, and rediscover a sense of purpose and joy through artistic expression.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Mostly, it’s been a lot of fun! I love what I do, but every creative journey comes with a few bumps in the road. Weather-related cancellations have been frustrating, especially when you’re counting on a market or event. Navigating the ever-changing world of website performance and SEO has definitely been a learning curve, and sourcing quality vintage pieces to use in my designs can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt with no map. Standing out in such a saturated market is always a challenge—but it pushes me to stay original and true to the heart of Purlicue Pinch. Right now, my biggest conundrum is figuring out how to expand my product offerings without sacrificing the quality and authenticity that make this brand special.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m probably best known for creating one-of-a-kind hats with personality. No two are ever the same—and that’s intentional. Each design is crafted to reflect individuality, and I want every customer to feel like their hat was made just for them. There’s a kind of magic in that. I truly believe every hat I’ve made has found its perfect person.
What I’m most proud of is how Purlicue Pinch has grown through word of mouth and genuine, personal connections. I have many wonderful repeat customers who seek me out at markets and festivals. There’s nothing better than someone walking up with a smile and saying, “I already have one of your hats, but I had to come back for another.”
A particularly proud moment for me was when three-time Grammy nominee Sharde Thomas of The Rising Stars Fife and Drum Band asked me to make a custom hat for her. Seeing her wearing it on the cover of Living Blues Magazine was an absolute honor.
Purlicue Pinch isn’t just another hat brand. What sets it apart is my ability to take unexpected, repurposed materials and turn them into something special—something that catches the eye and makes someone say, “Wow. I need this hat!”
What matters most to you? Why?
Authenticity and personal connection matter most to me. I believe that when something is made with heart and intention, it carries a kind of energy that people can feel—and that’s what I strive for with every hat. I don’t want to just sell a product; I want to create something that speaks to someone’s story. Some of my favorite moments have come from meeting customers in person, hearing what drew them to a particular piece, and why they have fallen in love with it. That kind of connection reminds me why I started Purlicue Pinch in the first place. It’s not about mass production—it’s about making something meaningful, and building relationships through shared appreciation for creativity and individuality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.purlicuepinch.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purlicuepinch
