The funky fashionista behind the Among The Willow Wagon brand talks style and self confidence.
C&I: Tell us a little about yourself.
Lynlee: I am 27 years old and live on a ranch in a small rural valley in Southeastern Oregon with my boyfriend, Daniel. Our small town has more cattle than people with a grand tally of 68 residents. We like to call it Plush, but some refer to it as “God’s Country”. I like to describe myself as a visual artist, clothing designer of all things groovy and Western and a HUGE mental health advocate.
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C&I: What is your connection to the Western industry?
Lynlee: In 2015, I created my shop, Among the Willow Wagon. It started out as a small Western fashion inspiration page, and grew to something much more than that before I knew it. I had the opportunity of being a part of the “Bleacher Babe Squad” that was created by Brianna Bigbee in 2016. We had the pleasure of doing many fun things with many brands. Walking in RFD-TV’s, The American fashion show in the downtown Fort Worth Stockyards, is something I never would have thought I could say I had taken part of. It was a dream come true to experience. Since then, I have been putting my all into my business and online community, Tales & Trails with Amongthewillowz, on Facebook and Instagram. I am able to do all of this from here on the ranch with Daniel. I get to uplift women, design, create and move cows, all in one day!
C&I: What do you love about Western fashion?
Lynlee: Something I absolutely love about Western fashion, is that there really are no limits in today’s scene. Every day I see something new that someone has created, that genuinely amazes me. I cannot believe how much the Western fashion industry has grown in just the last five years. To see vintage and modern come together with Western fashion has been my favorite trend to date.
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C&I: How would you describe your style?
Lynlee: If I could think of one word to describe my style, it would just be FUN! I don’t see any limits when it comes to putting an outfit together. Give me all of the fringe and the funk! I like to keep it groovy and Western at all times; That’s just my personality.
C&I: What inspires your style?
Lynlee: ME! I am a true person of originality. I am someone that runs from the masses when I start to see a lot of one certain style. When I start to feel that I am starting to fall into the flows of others, I like to think of new ways to switch my style up. One day when I sat down and decided to love myself, my style just began speaking for itself. I began reading, connecting with God, going on adventures, and digging deep internally.
It’s like my ideas just started to run wild. I don’t look to anyone else for inspiration when it comes to my designs, I like to just show my audience my own perspective. I prove to myself daily, the power of my artistic abilities and it is a truly amazing experience.
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C&I: Who are your style icons? ‘
Lynlee: I live for style from all different industries/eras and I am not afraid to mix them up! Tanya Tucker, Janis Joplin, Tommy lee, Dolly Parton, Nudie Cohn, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Freddie Mercury, the list goes on. The fact is I was born in the wrong decade and I’m not afraid to stand out!
C&I: Tell us about Among the Willow Wagon.
Lynlee: In 2015, I created my shop, Among the Willow Wagon. It started out as a small Western fashion page, where I shared my favorite looks and my Western-inspired graphic designs. Before I knew it, I was a full blown business boutique sending orders out across the states. I’ve dabbled in wholesale with many boutiques across the country and finally decided that I wanted to just settle down with my own brand and create one of a kind pieces that can be only at my online store.
We are now offering new fashion items, handmade fashion items and vintage/second hand fashion items, and I have been working hard to get my art pieces available for purchase as well! It has really helped me to have an outlet for my creativity, I’ll forever be grateful for this little business of mine.
C&I: How has ATWW changed over time?
Lynlee: Phew. It has changed A LOT from the very beginning. I was not quite sure what I really wanted to do when I first got started, all I knew was that I wanted to create and share. I knew that I loved all things Western: the history, the lifestyle. From there it has been nothing short of a wild ride. I did not go to college, so I wasn’t sure that I would be capable of making a go at Among the Willow Wagon. Here I am, nearly four years later, supporting myself and my business.
There have been many ups and downs along the way. There isn’t a lot I would go back and change or do different. I learn something new every day, I’m molding and growing along with the business, and it is a fun experience that has opened so many doors for me. If I would have never said “yes”, I wouldn’t have the memories and relationships gained that I have today. You win some, you lose some, but no matter what, you ALWAYS keep going.
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C&I: What is your secret to confidence?
Lynlee: Oh gosh, I’m not sure I could answer this one. Being a mental health advocate and really incorporating that with my business has really helped. I believe that it is okay for fashion and feelings to coexist and I really promote that with my brand. This is the Modern West baby, times are changing! I always encourage everyone to be themselves, dress however you want to, and do not let anyone get to you. Never worry about the judgment of others, they don’t have the same story as you do. It takes all kinds of kinds to make this world go round, and thank goodness for that!
C&I: Give us three Western style tips.
Lynlee: 1. Anything goes - be confident in anything that YOU like. 2. Be creative! Find fun, one of a kind pieces and accessories that fit your personality. Your outfit speaks before you even have to. 3. The best place to find unique pieces, is at your local thrift store. Get out there, babe!
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You can find all available pieces at WWW.AMONGTHEWILLOWWAGON.COM