When the idea for Smokeshow was born, we hit the ground running—sketching logo concepts, designing hats, filing for an LLC—checking every box to turn this dream into reality.
We spent days putting into words exactly what Smokeshow stood for—our mission, the undeniable importance of trucking, and our vision to change how the world sees this industry through fashion. We poured our hearts into grant applications for women-owned businesses, convinced we were the perfect fit: two young women in a male-dominated field, determined to make trucking respected.
What more could they want?
Apparently, not us.
(We get it—truckers aren’t exactly America’s sweethearts. “Unpopular opinion” doesn’t even begin to cover what it’s like advocating for this industry.)
Still, we were crushed.
But here’s the thing about us—it’s a blessing and a curse—once we set our minds on something, we don’t stop. Giving up wasn’t an option. So, we started small: a few hats, a few designs, and a whole lot of determination.
Meet Outlaw Originals—the collection that set the tone for everything Smokeshow stands for: grit, rebellion, and an unshakable love for trucking culture.
To bring it to life, we knew we needed two things: a video to tell our story and photos to showcase our hats. On a TIGHT budget, we called in some friends and spent a weekend road-tripping across Arkansas. We hit a bar to capture the fun, carefree side of Smokeshow, then a customer’s truck yard, where they generously let us borrow some badass rigs and even a driver (because, safety first!).
Outlaw. Truckers have long been the outlaws of the road (see: Smokey & the Bandit). By pure coincidence, parked right outside the bar where we shot our first photos, was a General Lee-inspired car—solidifying the energy we wanted for this collection.
Originals. The first collection of many. Our first pride and joy.
And just the beginning of the Smokeshow legacy.