From Scraps to Custom Hats: The Journey of R.Cappelli

  R.Cappelli's studio in Greenville, SC

Starting a business often begins with a simple idea and a spark of creativity. For me, that spark was a hat I made from scrap fabric and wore around town. That day quickly turned into a thriving hat-making business that now has a dedicated studio and store in Greenville, South Carolina. From humble beginnings to a flourishing local brand known for unique, handcrafted hats.

How It All Began: A Hat from Scrap Fabric

Three years ago, I made a hat from leftover fabric scraps. The curiosity and interest I received when wearing it around town sparked an idea for a creative, fun and unique business. I purchased a large amount of fabric, got busy sewing and R. Cappelli was born!! My little idea quickly grew beyond just making hats at home. I created a website, developed hat designs and participated in local art and craft markets. My "idea" expanded so much that it started to take over my house. At that point, a strong push from my husband encouraged moving the business out of my home and into a new space.

The Opening of R.Cappelli Studio and Boutique

In March 2024, R.Cappelli opened at 1211 Pendleton Street in The Village of West Greenville. Combining a studio, boutique and event venue in one historic location. R. Cappelli offers a welcoming space where visitors can explore a wide range of fabrics and hat styles. The store also serves as a place for personal interaction, where customers can collaborate on designing hats that fit their style and personality. This hands-on approach has helped build a loyal community around the brand.

Learning to Sew: A Passion Turned Profession

My journey with sewing began long before the hat business. When I was 16, I worked at Burger King while I was in high school. I always had a desire to look stylish, but I didn't have the money for it. I remember cashing my Burger King check and going to Cloth World to buy fabric. Patterns were too expensive, so I would lie down on the fabric and draw around myself with a pen. I tried to make something new every day. I started selling prom dresses my senior year. Feeling confident, I applied to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City, one of the world’s top fashion schools, and was accepted! The experience of studying in New York and graduating with a speech by Oscar de la Renta at Radio City Music Hall was unforgettable. For the next 25 years I was a designer/custom dressmaker. 

That's Not My Name

The name R.Cappelli is not my name. Instead, it reflects my love for Italy, a favorite travel destination. Simply, Cappelli means "hats" in Italian and R is for me, René.

Building Community Through Private Events

One of the most rewarding parts of running R.Cappelli is meeting people and helping them design hats that suit their personality and style. The studio has become a place not just for shopping but for socializing and creativity.Hosting private events such as team-building activities and girls’ nights out has become a natural extension of the business. These gatherings allow people to enjoy a fun, interactive experience while creating something special and one-of-a-kind. My love for entertaining and spending time with friends shines through in these events, making them popular and memorable.

The Future of R.Cappelli

After over 2 years of building recognition of our brand, we look forward to expanding our reach while continuing innovation of hat designs.  The studio remains a place where creativity meets connection, and every hat tells a story. Whether you are a local visitor or someone discovering the brand online, R.Cappelli invites you to explore the world of handcrafted hats and find a piece that speaks to you.