Hi I’m Kate, an adventurous, outdoor loving human with a huge heart for all things big and small. I’ve been told many a time that I “care too much” or I “feel too big” and that having empathy is a sign of weakness, which I just don’t agree with. I recon if I wasn’t meant to feel this much for others and care about everything, it wouldn’t have been apart of my nature from the get-go!

I think loving others and showing up even when life is in the messy, uncomfortable, painful and downright dirty stages of growth, grief and everyday life in general- is literally a superpower.

Oly B is my outlet for loving others, to set a reminder on each head, every time a hat is worn, that you’re needed. You’re loved, cared for and the things you’re struggling with aren’t too much to share. We all want to help others, but when it comes time for others to help us, it’s a burden… at least that’s what we tell ourselves it is. And it never could be with the right people around you.

Life is not linear and we are not robots. Depression and mental health loves to spin a big yarn, telling us big lies and diminish our right to feel things deeply, loudly, proudly and honestly. To wear our hearts on our sleeves and just show up exactly as you are, navigating life. No pretences. It’s the whispers to not go out, to stay silent, that no one cares or they’ll just laugh if you speak up.

I made 2 hats. An orange and green and a red and blue, they had a heart on the right-hand temple to symbolise “loving your mind the right way” a daily reminder that what you put in your mind, body and soul on a daily basis matter. What you consume and who you communicate with on a daily basis, matters. Taking the time to slow down, matters. And they all sold out. So, I made 8 more designs and they sold out too. I made 11 new designs and brought back the OG caps; they have nearly sold out. Drop 4 is only a week or so away with no signs of stopping, to keep helping people speak up and reach out to others on a daily basis.

Reaching out to someone before you’re down the spiral, matters. Standing up for those that can’t speak yet, matters. The criticism, bad jokes, poor behaviour and bullying, matters. It’s a nick in someone’s confidence every, single, time. It matters. You matter. The words we speak, matter.

But why is it named “Oly B.” Because I say it, “okay love you bye” every time we part. We wave, all the way down the driveway. Because life is short, shit happens and I’ll be damned if I forgot to tell those around me, they’re loved.

I want you to know, I understand that every family isn’t always a caring one, a protective one or a loving one. But I genuinely want you to know that you’re loved and cared for every single time you put on a hat. It’s just a hat, until the day you’re looking in the mirror needing that reason to stay and I hope that me pouring time, effort, consideration and love into these designs - that’s it’s enough to make you pause. To just hold out till tomorrow and you continue to do that, till you forgot you ever had to hold out and life looks a whole lot like the uphill of a roller coaster you love to ride.

To know that the kettle’s always on, the inbox is always open, you’re not a pain, it’s not too much and if we don’t have the answers- we’ll find them together. When you choose to wear Oly B, you’re leaving each day with a promise to come home safely, take care of those around you and be the light someone else may need.

It’s a hard life sometimes, but it doesn’t have to be made any harder searching for a small business selling great hats with an even better message and “WHY”.

Okay love you bye!

Kate x

Kate is currently illustrating her first Children's book " Pippa and the flying machine" a book based on a small farm dog with a big sense of adventure and fun... To keep an eye out for news and updates relating to this series and more, follow ktee_cowgirll on TikTok or the_oly_b on Instagram for daily snippets. Who doesn't love books based on real-life memories made in the Aussie outback and framed in a way that is heartwarming and educational for kids of all ages?!