10/14/2025
Our girl Leslie is absolutely the best! Truly so talented! Couldn’t be prouder of her!
As I sit here this evening processing all that this past month has thrown our way, a slew of emotions overwhelm me.
When I say this past month has been a roller coaster ride - I mean the lows have been seriously and gut wrenchingly low and the highs have been over-the-top highs.
This 👇 right here - was definitely one of my all time career highs!
I’m still shocked and reeling from this outcome, but I am certainly honored and proud to say the least.
This weekend, I won the Intermediate Artistry division of the boot competition at the annual Boot and Saddle Makers Show in Wichita Falls!
I have NEVER thought that my boots are close to comparable to what some of the amazing and talented boot makers show up and show out with - so I’ve been waiting to enter the competition until I thought my boots were “good enough” or worthy to compete. I STILL don’t think I’m good enough. BUT - I have an apprentice in my shop and in order to push her to move out of her comfort zone, challenge herself and enter a pair of boots - I couldn’t rightly push her without pushing myself and entering a pair as well - even while thinking they would never win anything.
Please don’t think I’m selling myself short, I’m not - but I’m absolutely not going to sell myself long either. I know exactly what my boots are, and I’m proud of what I do - but I also know everything they’re not, and I strive to become a better boot maker with each pair that I build.
I feel like I’m rambling - and it’s truly because everything I want to say and attempt to express in words - well, it’s just too much for one post, but I do want to thank a few people before I go any further.
Guy Spikes - you are my friend and my mentor and I owe you a lifetime of gratitude for the knowledge and help you’ve freely given me over the years. Words cannot express how deeply grateful I am to have you in my life. Thank you for never giving up on me - even when I’ve wanted to give up on me.
Lisa Sorrell - you have been a HUGE inspiration to me and so generous of your time, wisdom, knowledge and experience. I’m so honored to know you and call you my friend. Thank you so much - for encouraging me and for believing in me.
Clint Hickman - you never miss an opportunity to encourage me but you never miss an opportunity to call me on my BS. You’re not just a part of my boot maker family - you’re a friend to me and to Josh and you love my kids like they’re your own.
Like Josh said, you’re like my ground rod - and I don’t think I could describe you any better!
ALL of my CLOSE boot maker friends/family - you know who you are - thank you for your acceptance of me, for the endless hours of conversation on how to do things better that have helped me grow and be better, and for always lifting me up and for your constant friendship. Sometimes being in a shop can make you feel extremely isolated - but any chance I get to spend time with my boot maker friends and community helps me stay grounded and connected to this craft that we all love so much.
Marki Willden - you are my accountability and stability in the shop! Before you came along, I truly didn’t know how I was going to make it - and you pulled me up out of the depths, and made me believe it was possible to move forward. You have helped me so much more than I have helped you and I am eternally grateful to have you with me.
Joshua Paul Stacey - you are my rock - and I know that life has thrown us some curve balls that we didn’t see coming and this past month has been hard - but you’re my person and I’m yours. Thank you for always holding me accountable, for loving me through my unlovable days, and for encouraging me to never give up! I don’t even want to think about life without you. I love you.
Ok - even though I have so much more to say - I’m gonna stop here!
One last quick words of thanks - to my customers and followers. Your comments of encouragement over the years fueled the fire that kept me wanting to do and be better, and your patience with me has not gone unnoticed and I’m thankful for you all.
So, I guess that’s all for now! Hope you all have a lovely rest of your weekend!
