About The Owner of The Rebel Ghost Hat Company

My name is Russell Griffin, and I’m the Owner and Shaper of The Rebel Ghost Hat Company in Lynchburg, Virginia — a custom hat‑shaping studio dedicated to handcrafted Western hats and personalized shaping services. I started Rebel Ghost because I fell in love with the craftsmanship behind shaping unique, one‑of‑a‑kind hats. After watching expert hat shapers transform open crowns into signature styles, I knew this was a craft I needed to master.

Before becoming a hat shaper, I spent 23 years as a mechanic and 20 years working with the public at FedEx Office. Those decades taught me two things that define my work today: how to work with precision and how to treat every customer like they’re the most important person in the room. When someone trusts me with their cowboy hat, felt hat, or Western fashion piece, they get my full attention — every crease, brim, and detail shaped with intention.

Born in Rockville, Maryland, my path carried me through 13 years in Moneta and a decade in Wilmington, North Carolina, before finally leading me to Lynchburg, where I’ve now lived for the last 8 years. I’m a husband, a father of four, and a grandfather to five energetic boys. I proudly support Veteran‑owned businesses and have deep respect for the Veterans and First Responders who’ve influenced my values and friendships.

At The Rebel Ghost Hat Company, my mission is simple: create hats that feel personal, meaningful, and built to last. I want every customer to feel valued, understood, and excited to wear a hat shaped specifically for them. Whether you’re looking for a custom cowboy hat, a reshaped felt hat, or a signature Western style, I’m here to help bring your vision to life — with a touch of mystery and a whole lot of passion for the craft.