3 Things I’ve Learned in 38 Years

Well, folks, it’s my birthday week, and I’ve been around long enough to know a thing or two — and forget about seven more things for every one I’ve learned. So, in honor of surviving another year, here’s a roundup of 3 lessons I’ve picked up along the trail.

1.  They say "hair holds memories," but I’d argue that boots hold even more.  Every time I look at my boots lined up on the shelf, I don’t just see leather and stitching — I see a timeline of events, both good and bad. 

There’s my old faithful pair — cracked and broken in just right — the ones I reached for when life felt heavy. Those boots have seen me through hard conversations, tough decisions, and long nights spent wondering what tomorrow might bring. Somehow, slipping those boots on made me feel like I could face whatever storm was brewing.

And there’s the pair that still smells like leather, barely broken in — the ones I bought when I decided to take Broker Leather online. Every time I pull them on, they remind me that fresh starts are both exciting and a little nerve-wracking — but always worth the step forward.

Boots have a funny way of being more than just footwear. They carry us through life’s dust storms — the messy, uncertain, beautiful parts of our journey. They remind us where we’ve been, what we’ve overcome, and how much stronger we are because of it.

So, if you ever catch yourself feeling lost or unsure, start by admiring your boots — they might just remind you that you’re stronger than you think and that you’ve walked through tough trails before.

2.  Never apologize for wearing something that makes you feel like your best self — even if it’s louder than a two-steppin' band on a Friday night.

Just like boots hold memories, I believe clothing and accessories do the same.

I can probably tell you where I first wore each piece in my closet. That fringe jacket? I wore it to a girls' night out where I laughed until my face hurt, sipped one too many margaritas, and left with a heart fuller than my glass. Those turquoise earrings? They were my go-to for a Waukon city-wide style show — when I nervously stepped out in front of a room full of ladies, hoping they’d love the new styles I picked out as much as I did.

And that wild western-print blazer? I wore that one to the Dallas Market Center — confidently walking through showrooms while ordering thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise in one go. Honestly, shopping for inventory at market feels a bit like gambling — you’re betting on what your Herd will love, hoping you’re stacking the odds in your favor. That blazer wasn’t just clothing — it was armor, a reminder that I belonged there, making bold decisions for my business with my chin held high [and maybe my fingers crossed a little, too].

But some pieces? They remind me of the moments I pushed through, even when I felt tired, stressed, or overwhelmed.

Like my favorite pair of worn-in boots — the ones I wore while driving hours into the night just to get my kids to a rodeo. I can still remember pulling into our driveway at the end of the night, feeling frazzled but proud — knowing that no matter how tired I was, I provided unforgettable core memories. Those boots? They’re a reminder that being a mom means putting one foot in front of the other — even when you’re running on fumes.

My closet isn’t just a collection of fabrics and leather — it’s a scrapbook of moments that mattered. Each piece tells a story of a time I felt brave, bold, or beautiful — and sometimes, a mix of all three.

That’s why I’ll never apologize for wearing something that speaks to me — whether it’s a loud blazer, bold boots, or chunky turquoise that jingles with every step. Because if it makes you feel confident, strong, and authentic — it’s worth wearing proudly.

So go ahead — pull out that statement piece, toss on those boots that turn heads, and show up feeling like your best self. After all, your story deserves to be told — and sometimes, your outfit is the perfect way to tell it.

3.  Don’t waste your time trying to fit in — the best folks are usually the ones who stand out.

I’ve learned that firsthand. I’m lucky enough to have held on to two of my best friends from elementary school and junior high. The kind of friends who have seen me through every season — from awkward box-dyed orange hair and questionable fashion choices to raising babies and chasing dreams. They’re the kind of friends who know when to offer advice and when to just pass the queso and listen.

But one of the most unexpected blessings of running Broker Leather has been the new friendships I’ve made along the way. Some of my most treasured connections have started with a simple conversation at the checkout counter or a message on social media about boots or bags. Little did I know that those chats would turn into genuine friendships — the kind where you skip the small talk and dive right into what’s real.

And you know what I’ve noticed about the best people I’ve met? They’re the ones who aren’t afraid to stand out. They aren’t chasing trends or trying to be someone they’re not. They show up as their authentic selves — sometimes loud, sometimes quiet, sometimes rocking turquoise from head to toe — but always unapologetically them.

Those are my kind of people — the ones who embrace their quirks, their passions, and their stories without hesitation. Because fitting in is overrated. The real magic happens when you’re brave enough to be yourself — even if that means wearing boots that are louder than a bull rider’s entrance song or a jacket that turns heads in Dallas Market showrooms.

So here’s to the friends who remind us that being different isn’t just okay — it’s what makes us unforgettable. And here’s to finding those people who celebrate you for exactly who you are — fringe, feathers, and all.

This birthday feels a little extra special as I’m closing the chapter on my storefront and stepping into a season of fresh opportunities. While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to my physical store, I’m beyond excited to take Broker Leather fully online — giving me the chance to spend more time with my girls, dive deeper into creative projects, and enjoy the simple things that fill my cup — like tending to my garden, which somehow grows better than I deserve. The best part? I’ll still be right here, bringing you the best boots, leather goods, and cowgirl confidence — just from behind a laptop instead of a checkout counter.

Thanks for celebrating this trip around the sun with me. Whether you’re a new friend or a longtime member of my Herd, I’m grateful to have you in my pasture. Here’s to another year of learning, laughing, and maybe getting into a little bit of mischief along the way.  

XOXO~ Brianne Evelyn

✙ Find something that feels like you from these Broker Leather goods today. ✙