Coleen Orr joins Dr. Chrysandra Brunson in this episode, providing a heartwarming narrative filled with lessons of hard work, legacy, and divine purpose. From traveling the world to searching for antique hat-making equipment, Coleen’s path has been anything but ordinary. Through trials including a devastating fire and the challenges of entrepreneurship, Coleen demonstrates unwavering faith. Tune in to learn about her personal and professional growth, and how she turns dreams into reality, one hat at a time.
Welcome, everyone, to The Calling’s radio show to all the dreamers. I’m your radio host, Dr. Chrysandra Brunson, founder and CEO of The Calling, and it is such an honor to be with all of you today. You know, at The Calling, we have realized that so many people are afraid to go after their dreams, that God has placed inside each one of our hearts Because they are afraid to fail. And that is just plain wrong because if God is giving us a dream and we’re not looking it out, we are wasting it. And we do not want to die with regret. That’s why at The Calling, we love to inspire, empower, and equip people done for God’s calling to reap the best kind of eternal legacy possible to have immediate impact on themselves and their families. We do this through custom tools and programs, workshops, conferences, but especially through this radio show where we bring on world-renowned guests, share how they’re going after their God-given dreams, and how you can do the same. You guys, today is so… special, spectacular, and historic. We are here on site at the National Western Stop Show Rodeo in the new headquarters, the Legacy Building, with the one and only Colleen Orr. And Colleen, we’re so honored to have you here. Can you just share with our listeners what room we’re sitting in and what makes this moment historic?
COLEEN ORR :
Wow, it’s going to be a great big year for Stock Show this year with the 120th anniversary and the opening of the Legacy Building, which we are in a very special spot. Maybe my favorite room in the Legacy Building is called the Reflections Room. As the hustle and bustle is going on out there and all the paddle shows starting that need to happen, this is a lovely place to sit and be grateful.
CHRYSANDRA :
Can you just share some of the leadership roles that you have played thus far?
COLEEN ORR :
Oh, wow. Well, you know, we show up a lot. Actually, I’m from Alberta and started coming to the Stock Show in 96. But my husband’s family, they are native Coloradans, and they have been showing cattle here for over 80 years. So yeah, so they really have a huge legacy here, and it has trickled down and out, and they travel for miles and miles to bring their show cow to show here at Stock Show.
CHRYSANDRA :
And Colleen, for you to be able to be in this moment now today, the very first day of this building being open to the public, The 150th birthday of Colorado, the 120th birthday of the National Western Stock Show Rodeo, and for you to be able to have a place where people can come together to create lifetime memories. What was that vision long ago that we’re now sitting in?
COLEEN ORR :
You know, we are so grateful for all that Stock Show has meant to Colorado and all the history and the legacy of the heritage from farmers and ranchers and all the people that grow our food to providing all our meat. So this is where they kind of get to come and shine. And we are so grateful for the people that have stepped up and donated their time, effort, funds, wisdom, all through the COVID years. We’re a struggle. And God is good. And we are so grateful because it takes a lot, a lot of people whether you’re directly related to, you know, ranching or agriculture or not. Right. There’s a lot of people that live in the city of Denver that love to come to Stock Show to just enjoy all the things. There is something for everyone at Stock Show to help teach and educate. I’m part of the scholarship trust fund and we give out scholarships. you know to throughout Colorado and Wyoming and we’re looking at expanding that because we are so grateful for the kids that want to learn and grow and serve others.
CHRYSANDRA :
I mean it’s truly life-changing just being able to be part of this moment and we just are so thrilled that we have this chance to be able to sit down with you, Colleen, to look at your childhood and how these dreams started being placed in your heart to be doing what you’re doing today. So as a kid, take us back to that time and what did that look like?
COLEEN ORR :
It was a long story, you know, but I was raised on a ranch in Alberta. In a town with no stoplight and still no stoplight roads and we have a pain straight now, but really that. You know, I would walk up my door and jump on a horse in the summer and it’s normal being in the winter. And that’s just was home to me. That’s what I knew very small town. And that’s lovely. I grew up and went to college and worked in a hospital for a while. But you never forget the things that mean the most to you. And you could always count on that. You know, when you know just places where you meet God. And that’s a great memory for me.
CHRYSANDRA :
Well, this really is telling me this is historic for your life and for your family’s legacy. And what are your parents like and the wisdom that they would… speak to your heart.
COLEEN ORR :
Interesting. Um, yeah, I mean, I have, you know, wonderful parents, hardworking, hardworking, resourceful, you know, we just was kind of a different time, right? So grateful for the, you know, the freedom we had, and, and it was a different time, I would get on a horse and leave the ranch, and they didn’t even know what direction I was going. Really? Right. And you probably could do that nowadays with your kids. We knew we helped by supper. And if we weren’t, there was trouble to be had. But if we were misbehaving out there somewhere, word always got back to us before dinner. before we ever returned home, but they instilled just how to live a proper life and work hard and, you know, earn and look after what you have. So yeah, and so I grew up and moved away, did a little bit of traveling that I’m so grateful. It’s a big old world out there. I’m so grateful. Where did you travel? So I took actually nine months after I was finished my college and went through Australia, New Zealand, a little bit of the South Pacific. Yeah, and travel backpacked and wandered all around and down that way.
CHRYSANDRA :
And Colleen, so just, I mean, a little side note for anyone that’s thinking about traveling in between different transitions in life, would you say absolutely?
COLEEN ORR :
You know, I certainly do not regret it. Yeah. It was always kind of funny because I had, you know, finished college and I was working in the hospital and older people would come to me and say, you need to travel because if you don’t do it now, you’re going to get married and then you’re never going to do it. So I said, you know, maybe I know something. I don’t know. Right. So I went and talked to my boss and said, hey, give me a few months off because I wasn’t just taking two weeks. Right. Right. It takes me a couple of months to just kind of get set up. And they said yes, that I could have my job when I got back and I was free to go. So I packed a backpack and signed a few cashier checks and got on an airplane. And it was fabulous. So I would say yes, it’s good just to understand and see the world.
CHRYSANDRA :
Yes, and Colleen, so from those travels, you were able to get these design concepts and as everyone can see from tuning in as well as just even hearing you, you can tell that you’re a designer by nature. It’s so fun. How did you incorporate starting your own company? What was schooling like for you?
COLEEN ORR :
So I started out, I was working in a hospital, and did that for a few years, and it just wasn’t what I wanted to do forever. And so, you know, as you think about all your roots at the ranch, I’ve always loved quality products, and didn’t need to be, you know, too fancy, but just something that’s a good quality product. And so a friend of mine needed a half fixed, and I was like, huh. I love cats. I want cats. I’m going to go do that. Wow. There wasn’t a whole bunch of strategy that went into it. I was like, yeah, that sounds good. I’m going to go do that. The challenge was that it needs a lot of hundred-year-old equipment to be able to make cats. Which I don’t think people know or understand. Right. Maybe not. Right. Even every hat maker is using 100-year-old equipment. The blocks and the flanges and the heavy equipment is very, very old. So you need to find that before you can make hats. So anyway, so I’m going to date myself here, but I had a couple weeks off work at the hospital and had come up with this idea that I wanted to go make hats. And so I took the Bible on cassette.
CHRYSANDRA :
We like that cassette.
COLEEN ORR :
Because I’m like, I’ve got to find time to get through this Bible. Right. And I’m thinking in my young 20-whatever-two-year-old mind that I’m like, once I read it, I’m going to know it all. Yeah. So I get the Bible on cassette, take two great big maps, because this is well before the Internet and cell phones. None of that going on. Yeah. And I took a couple weeks off work and I headed south, jumped in a sports car and drove south from Canada into the U.S. and all throughout looking for this anticoagulant.
CHRYSANDRA :
Wow. So you had to find it in different areas.
COLEEN ORR :
Absolutely. And it was the kind of situation where was a little bit of an old boys club. So this was, you know, 30 plus years ago. So it was a little bit of an old boys club. And if you picked up the phone and called people, they weren’t very receptive. And it’s just easy to say no. So I’m like, well, I’m going to go knock on doors and let’s go see. And I literally, so I’m- So courageous. It’s a fine line. So I’m listening to the Bible on cassette my whole trip. And I didn’t even know where I was going. I’m like, okay, Lord, you’ve got to take the wheel. And I literally would take an exit off of the interstates or not. I literally just followed… mind holes in the Lord.
CHRYSANDRA :
We hate to stop you there. We need to take a short break around the edge of our seats or in the car with you. We can’t wait to hear how you were able to acquire all of this equipment. You’re listening to All in Three Birds radio show. We’ll be right back. Twist and shout with Lee & Co. They are the premier oldies band delivering the rock and roll vibes you’ve been missing. Great songs, great memories. Book them at LeeAndCo.com. Hi guys, this is Chrysandra Brunson, host of To All The Dreamers. I am so happy to introduce personal training, nutritional guidance, and behavioral change coaching. Healthy, happy, and heavenly for your wellness, spirit, soul, and body. Contact Mimi Kroger at healthyhappyandheavenly.com. Continue to grow in the calling God has for you through ORU Online.
COLEEN ORR :
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CHRYSANDRA :
At Ignite Brilliance Coaching, you will get 34 years of science teaching, a decade of university level instruction, and over 10 years of instructional coaching to empower educators with the tools, mindset, and confidence to thrive. Contact Ignite Brilliance Coaching on Facebook. We are back. Thank you for listening to all the dreamers radio show. We have the world renowned Colleen or on with us. Entrepreneur, leader of leaders sitting live at the new National Western Stock Show and rodeo headquarters in Colorado. And Colleen, you were just telling us how you were following the Holy Spirit and the direction that he had for you of acquiring this equipment that you needed, that was a dream in your heart. So what happened?
COLEEN ORR :
Yes. So I’m taking exit or not and kind of just trying to be resourceful and follow and listen to God and listening to the Bible. Okay. And I, you know, would chat with people and stop in and found a lead for a fellow in Corpus Christi, Texas. And so I drive to Corpus and find the fellow and he opens this storage locker that he’s been getting storage on this equipment for two years. And I really don’t really know what I’m looking at. I’m like, I think this is what I need. And so we made a deal with him. And needed to get it all back to Alberta. But yeah, so that’s where I keep going.
CHRYSANDRA :
Was he like, was it a giant in the way? Or was he.
COLEEN ORR :
Which if he left your vision and went to, you know, I think he was tired of paying storage on it. Let somebody else. Probably I didn’t ask. I was like, okay, if you’ll take this, this is all the money. I don’t take it or leave it. And he took it. And I mean, it’s true when it, when it happens. So then I’m like, holy mackerel, what am I going to do? I just gave that guy all my money. And I’m in Corpus and I need a tractor trailer to get it back to Alberta. So I called, I mean, God’s hand is absolutely woven throughout my whole story, continued throughout my whole life. Because I needed to get it moved. So I called the only trucking company that I knew of the name of in Alberta. And I said, hey, what’s the chance you have a backhaul from Corpus to Alberta? Because I just gave all my money away. And they did. And I get back to my hotel where I’m staying. Some of my equipment is like 600 pounds. And so the little gal working at the hotel, she says, you’re doing this, these hats, so you should meet Howie. He’s a bootmaker. And so Howie walks in, and Howie is about 6’4″, 250. And so Howdy helped me get all of my heavy equipment.
CHRYSANDRA :
The Goof Maker. Yes. Oh my gosh. It’s a real chat to this day. So Colleen B, we love on this next chapter of your following God’s plan on your life and starting this hat making company. Take us to what that was like and starting it and then what giants you encountered along the way.
COLEEN ORR :
oh there’s always always challenges for sure because it’s physical work and there’s no book and you can’t teach there’s nobody to teach you and people don’t necessarily want to share their secrets and um right so there’s all of that and then you’re on the book you know you got to go rent space and and try to get employees and figure out how you’re going to pay for all this yeah you know so so there was plenty of challenges Plenty of challenges. And I had people that come back to me years after and say, we gave you six months that we thought you’d be gone.
CHRYSANDRA :
Oh, I’m still here. National Western Stop Show and Rodeo. That’s God’s vindication.
COLEEN ORR :
That is so good. And truly, God has led me through the ups and the downs and the people in my life. you know when there were days when i just didn’t think i could do it and somebody and there was a fellow i would call and he picked me up and and put me back up and say try this try this work on this it’s going to be okay yeah come see this and yeah yeah so like you where did you start the the first headquarters per se so in the shop yeah
CHRYSANDRA :
Can you tell us what happened with the fire?
COLEEN ORR :
Okay, so I first started my hat shop in Alberta and then as I was traveling around the states looking for more and hunting for this other equipment, I met my husband. so that’s how i ended up in colorado how did you and your husband meet each other we were he is um a brother-in-law of a fellow hat maker i was hunting equipment and stopped by this other hat maker and she is a sweet lady in the whole wide world and So she says, oh, I got someone you got to meet. And I’m like, oh, no, thank you. I’m here for head equipment. I’m fine. And God bless her. She worked for four years just to get us to actually visit because we didn’t know she was kind of trying to really set us up. So four years goes by.
CHRYSANDRA :
And for all the single ladies out there, right? Hold on. Be open.
COLEEN ORR :
Yeah. So finally, one time when I was down here looking for equipment, we visited. And it was kind of an option for both of us. And we were married within six months.
CHRYSANDRA :
oh my goodness how wonderful is that oh my married in six months yeah and you just knew yeah yes that is incredible and okay so you so you get married and then you start this new headquarters for the hat shop right so there’s a colorado yeah and then there’s a fire
COLEEN ORR :
yes so moved down here you know raised my kids making making hats and um in 2017 had a horrible fire in the middle of the night and i had complete loss of my headshot so it was pretty sad um pretty sad what was that yeah really was yeah i mean how did you get the news oh well so it’s on site on our acreage is the building and it was in the middle of the night and um yeah so we you know we don’t know and it’s so hard when you don’t understand why things happen um it could have always been so much worse but it was pretty bad because you can’t just go buy the stuff in here and i didn’t think i was dumb But it was a very good reflecting time for me about who I was and what was important to me and where my identity was grounded. So it really was a time to look at myself and figure out, was I a child of God or was I a hat maker? Was I a wife? Where are my priorities?
CHRYSANDRA :
And how did you get in alignment to have that supernatural peace to know that you’re in the middle of God’s will and He would take care of the circumstances?
COLEEN ORR :
Yeah, and bad things happen still. You just, you know, you gotta keep getting up every day and do what you can do and be kind to yourself. Yeah, and you know, some days you just gotta put one foot in front of the other. Sometimes you need to be busy and sometimes you need to be quiet. And yet time is good. And God is good. And God is good. Yeah, bad things happen. So, and now we look back and, because then God stepped right back in, you know, God knew this was all going to happen, right? I was surprised at him, just because I got to, you know, sit for a minute.
CHRYSANDRA :
I mean, did you have questioning in your heart that maybe this was the end of the chapter? Oh, absolutely.
COLEEN ORR :
Oh, no, because this stuff is rare. i was so i mean it felt like a miracle the first time i got yeah to think that it could ever happen again i really didn’t think it would ever happen again yeah um i was taking welding lessons i’m like okay you got to go find something else to do with your hands um so i was you know working on that and um and then god threw a couple other crazy little miracles God gives me head equipment again. And it was literally like a miracle. And I’m, you know, I’m just like, oh God, you’re so kind to me. So, so, so I don’t take any of it for granted. You know, it’s funny as you age, you know, things work out. That is good. And I’m not afraid about little things. Like I maybe once did. And God is just good. And I’m grateful to be patient and let him take the lead.
CHRYSANDRA :
This is just priceless wisdom. And Colleen, we’re coming up to the end of our show. I don’t know where time goes, but, you know… We know that there’s listeners that are tuning in, and one in particular, and they’re afraid to go after what God’s called them to. What would be your piece of wisdom to them to know that they can go after what God’s called them to, and they can start to be?
COLEEN ORR :
Yeah. You know, and I didn’t come up with this. I read it in a podcast or a sermon that I was listening to, but you can only do all that you can do and God will give the results. That’s not up to me.
CHRYSANDRA :
Yeah.
COLEEN ORR :
I’m not in control of all that. I’m going to do absolutely all I can do for each and every day. Yeah. And that’s all I can do. And God will sort out the rest.
CHRYSANDRA :
Amen. That is so powerful. Well, Colleen, you are being so humble. Everyone tuning in, this is celebrity hats. If you are wanting a hat, Colleen, it really has been you are the person to go to in your company. And before we do go, we know that people want to be able to get in touch with you, how they can be able to get one of these iconic hats. pieces of fashion and history first off real quick we’re saying we’re you know having this interview at the headquarters for the national stock show and rodeo we need to know real quick how did they come up to have your own restaurant here within the headquarters it takes it takes a lot so many people have given
COLEEN ORR :
yeah we are just we are a small part of a huge group that is helping to fund and allow all of this building it just takes millions and millions and millions of dollars yeah bigger small part so many people can get involved yeah and be part of it and so i i encourage people to come and enjoy and then you know what step out and be part of something bigger than you That is going to last for decades. It’s about education and entertainment and looking memories with families and teaching kids where food comes from. Yeah. And so get off the couch and come on down and be part of it.
CHRYSANDRA :
Amen. And Colleen, how can people get in touch with you within your amazing company as well as be a part of membership?
COLEEN ORR :
My website is CowboyUpHatters, which is an old rodeo saying. I love it. And you can, you know, look at my website and call me. Because if I’m not with the client, I answer my phone. And I would love to meet whoever wants to stop by and check out hats.
CHRYSANDRA :
And they are, they’re stunning. They’re stunning. And if they want to become a member, be part of the National Western Stock Show, yes, get on their website.
COLEEN ORR :
Come on down. I know you can buy tickets to all the events. I think they still have a free day. There’s so many events from the rodeo to the fiddle contest to… Turkey Legs Day. Just a little contest. Yes, the whole contest was today’s today. So many things.
CHRYSANDRA :
I think there’s something special, you guys. And then you can go dine in Colleen’s beautiful restaurant at the Legacy Building. And we just honor you so much, Colleen, for your legacy, for just your humility and integrity and fearlessness. for chasing after God’s calling on your life. You’re such an example.
COLEEN ORR :
Honored and so grateful to you. Thank you.
CHRYSANDRA :
And challenge everyone, please connect with Colleen right now. You are tuning in for such a time as this. As Paul says in Ephesians 4.1, as a prisoner of the Lord then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Till next time, dreamers. Keep dreaming big.
