Kristen Decker is the founder of DESERT BLOOM™, a cowgirl boot brand redefining Western fashion with plant-based materials and sustainable practices. What started as a family conversation at a reunion seven years ago became a mission: to create boots that honor cowgirl culture without requiring animal products.

Growing up on a small farm, cowgirl boots were always part of Kristen's life—comfort, style, and identity all in one. But she wanted more. She wanted boots that made a difference. So she dove into the unfamiliar world of fashion, experimenting with premium plant-based leathers made from corn and wheat.

Today, DESERT BLOOM™ is more than boots; it's a movement for style and compassion. Kristen is focused on building brand awareness through events, pop-ups, and partnerships, all while staying true to her roots.

Quote:

“I've always believed that surrounding yourself with people who actually know more than you do is the best way to create a team. Because I'm definitely going to pretend that I do not have all the answers. But if I bring my team together, and we all discuss and put our heads together, then we're going to come up with something amazing.”

- Kristen Decker

Show Notes:

💇🏽‍♀️ [00:45 ] Why vegans want environmentally safe clothing that doesn’t sacrifice quality.

✨ [02:55 ] How Kristen decided to create boots made from corn and wheat leather.

✌️ [05:42 ] Can experience of building a business bring you confidence in a completely new territory?

👩‍💼 [07:40 ] The importance of researching, being out there, learning, and connecting.

😇 [09:51 ] Kristen’s approach to building a team; learning about the industry from the best. 

😍 [14:14 ] Why childlike positivity and curiosity are essential for resilience.

👢 [19:28 ] How Kristen collects feedback through the customers’ club to design her next products.

…

Thanks for listening to Pivot, our vegan business interview podcast. This is recorded as a live-streaming session, so I hope you’ll join us for future interviews as well! If you are feeling inspired but unsure of how to take actionable steps to improve your business, I invite you to explore our online course and free resources at veganmainstream.com.