Pioneering Inclusivity with Rosebloom Headwear

I discovered Rosebloom Headwear through their captivating posts on LinkedIn, which highlighted their commitment to inclusivity and a refreshing approach to headwear. It’s rare to encounter a product that stands out as genuinely different in today’s market. Rosebloom is carving a niche for headwear in underserved communities, challenging the status quo that has persisted since the mid-1800s when hats were primarily designed for white men in baseball, excluding diverse ethnic backgrounds and women. According to Emily Benka, the founder, hats are a central element of sports culture, fashion, and collector enthusiasm, underscoring the need for greater diversity.

The genesis of Rosebloom Headwear traces back to Emily’s tenure at Lids. Working for a hat company meant Emily was expected to don a hat during her shifts, sparking a creative journey. With her mother’s assistance, Emily began reconstructing these hats over weekends to accommodate her signature high bun hairstyle. Beyond her personal needs, she recognized a gap in the market for customers with textured hair, who found limited options available. Emily’s frustration at the lack of suitable products led her to sell youth hats to women as a makeshift solution, exclaiming, “But it’s 2024!”

What sets Emily Benka apart from her peers? Creativity and drive. “Who is missing, and what are their needs?” This question, posed by Emily at the beginning of our interview, reflects the foundational ethos of Rosebloom Headwear. The company prioritizes understanding and meeting the unique needs of its community, designing headwear that is not only unique and custom but also inclusive.

Looking ahead, Rosebloom is preparing to launch a Hijab baseball cap for the Muslim community, offering both a sporty and a fashionable version. This initiative exemplifies the company’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to inclusivity. “Representation through headwear,” as Emily succinctly puts it.

When asked about challenges faced along the way, Emily humorously mentioned her struggle with Anatomy and Physiology classes at 8:00 AM during college. However, this knowledge became invaluable as she delved deeper into understanding the anatomical differences between male and female skulls, ensuring her products cater effectively to both. This isn’t about merely adjusting the “placement of a hole”; it involves patented technology developed from the ground up.

Managing a business means wearing many hats, from marketing and web design to accounting and product design. Emily’s journey is a testament to the growth opportunities and learning curves new entrepreneurs face, highlighting the importance of leaning on experienced mentors and peers along the way.

Emily Benka and Rosebloom Headwear are not just selling hats; they’re crafting a movement towards inclusivity and representation in fashion. Through creativity, innovation, and a deep understanding of their community’s needs, they’re redefining what headwear can be.

Rosebloom Headwear | Rosebloom Headwear | Emily “The Bun” Benka | Stevi Jenkins-Kelly, PharmD