Maresa Keene shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Maresa , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I’m chasing the chance to build something bigger than myself. Creating experiences that connect people and leave a lasting impact. If I stopped, I’d feel like I let that vision go unfinished. I think I’d always wonder what could have been.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! My name is Maresa Keene and I’m the co-founder of Coastal Cowgirls Collective. What started as a simple love for fashion and creativity has grown into a space where people can come together to create something that feels completely their own. Our hat bar experience is all about self-expression, every hat tells a story, and it’s so fun to watch someone’s personality shine through as they design theirs.
What makes us special is that we’re not just selling a product — we’re creating memories. Whether it’s a private event, a pop-up, or a one-on-one hat bar visit, it’s about celebrating individuality and having fun in the process. Right now, I’m especially excited about expanding our private events and finding new ways to bring the Coastal Cowgirls vibe into more communities.
At the end of the day, I want people to walk away with more than just a hat — I want them to leave with confidence, a little spark of creativity and something completely unique to them.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work is definitely my dad. Growing up, I watched him build his own business from the ground up, and I saw firsthand the kind of dedication, resilience, and creativity it takes to be an entrepreneur. He never sugarcoated the challenges, I saw the long hours and the sacrifices. But, I also saw the pride he took in creating something of his own.
That example shaped me in a huge way. It made me want to follow in his footsteps and chase the same kind of independence and fulfillment that comes from building your own path. Whenever things feel tough, I think back to his work ethic and persistence, and it pushes me to keep going.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be trust yourself – you’re capable of more than you realize. I’d remind her that the doubts and setbacks are part of the process, not proof that she’s failing. Every risk, every stumble, and every small win adds up to something bigger. I’d want her to know she doesn’t need to have it all figured out right away, just keep moving forward!
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that what really matters to me is creating meaningful connections and experiences. Whether it’s through my business, spending time with the people I love, or just showing up for others, I care a lot about making people feel seen and valued. They’d probably also say I put my heart into everything I do, when I’m passionate about something, I’m all in.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
What I would regret most is not staying true to myself, my passions and following my own path. I know how easy it can be to take the “safe” route or do what’s expected, but I’d always wonder what could have happened if I had trusted myself and gone after what I really love. For me, the biggest regret would be letting fear or doubt get in the way of building something that feels authentic to who I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coastalcowgirlscollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coastalcowgirlscollective
