Tommy Breeze’s hats are often spotted all over Marin and beyond. And with his new flagship store in Fairfax (a collaboration with retail brand California Cowboy), things are only looking bigger and brighter.
What do you do?
I design, sew, write emails, dream and hang out with awesome people all day.
Where do you live?
Forest Knolls, in “The Valley.” I grew up in Fairfax, where I have my studio.
How long have you lived in Marin?
29 years, minus four years at college in eastern Washington.
Where can we find you when you’re not at work?
Probably hiking somewhere in Marin, but I might be hard to locate. I prefer the secluded trails. Other safe bets include getting a bite in downtown Fairfax, listening to live music or hanging out at the Marin Museum of Bicycling.
If you had to convince someone how awesome Marin is, where would you take them?
If I liked them, I’d take them along West Ridgecrest Boulevard on Mount Tam. If I really, really liked them—that’s a secret.
What’s one thing Marin is missing?
A dynamic events venue featuring live music, live art experiences, live manufacturing, and popups with local food and beverages. Drop me a line—investors welcome.
What’s one bit of advice you’d share with your fellow Marinites?
If you want Marin to become better in some way, you can contribute to that future.
If you could invite anyone to a special dinner, who would they be?
My parents, for three reasons: They’re amazing, they’ve always supported me and I know they’d say yes.
What is some advice you wish you knew 20 years ago?
Hi, nine-year-old Tommy. Don’t worry: You’ll never need to grow out of make-believe and dreaming big.
What is something that 20 years from now will seem cringeworthy?
Over-reliance on gasoline.
Big question. What is one thing you’d do to change the world?
I’d like to figure out a way for more artists and musicians to be paid really, really well for their work.
Keep up with Breeze at tommybreeze.com and @tommybreeze on Instagram.
Nish Nadaraja was on the founding team at Yelp, serves on the San Anselmo Arts Commission and attempts to play pickleball at Fairfax’s Cañon Club.
Hats seem very pricey.