Meet The Hatter
Björkstam was founded by Elle Truax, a lifelong mountain athlete, creative, and craftsperson with an unshakable drive to build something real and enduring.
Elle originally came to the Gunnison Valley to attend Western Colorado University, where she studied business while pursuing her goals of freeride skiing professionally. Years spent competing, training, and living in mountain towns shaped not only her work ethic, but her appreciation for functional design, timeless style, and products that can stand up to real life both in the outdoor and fashion space.
After college, that same focus and curiosity led her to traditional hatmaking — a craft rooted in patience, precision, and repetition. Drawn to the process as much as the finished product, Elle sought out mentorship and committed herself to learning the trade, from shaping and sanding to fit and finish. What began as a single skill quickly became a practice, and then a purpose.
In June of 2021, Björkstam opened its doors on Elk Avenue in Crested Butte. Since then, the brand has expanded thoughtfully, growing both in-person and online while staying true to its foundations in small-batch production and hands-on craftsmanship. Today, Björkstam operates between its flagship storefront in Crested Butte and a dedicated workshop in Hood River, with two shows annually in Round Top, Texas.
At its core, Björkstam celebrates a life lived boldly — whether carving lines down a mountain, exploring new landscapes, or making a statement through style. Each hat is meticulously handcrafted to endure the outdoors, elevate your wardrobe, and become a trusted companion for wherever life takes you.
Björkstam's Roots
Björkstam is built on tradition, place, and the belief that what we wear should carry meaning.
The name Björk comes from the Icelandic word for birch tree — a symbol of resilience, renewal, and deep connection to nature. That spirit guides everything we do. Each Björkstam hat is handcrafted using time-honored techniques, natural materials, and a slow, intentional process that honors classic hat making from start to finish.
What began in the mountains of Crested Butte, Colorado has grown into something bigger — while continuing to make hats in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Today, Björkstam hats are crafted between our workshop in Hood River, Oregon and our flagship storefront on Elk Avenue in Crested Butte, Colorado. Twice a year, you’ll also find us at Round Top, Texas, for both the spring and fall shows, sharing our work with a wider community of collectors, creatives, and hat lovers.
Every hat is shaped by hand, one at a time. No shortcuts. No mass production. Just honest craftsmanship and thoughtful design meant to be worn for years with real materials— and eventually, passed down.