Handcrafted in Lyman, Maine
Hats Made to Tell Your Story
HEAL. PROTECT. CROWN.
I believe a hat isn't just an accessory—it's your tell. It lets the world know you're holding the winning hand.
SALTWATER to heal.
SAGE to protect.
The CROWN because you are the Queen of your own story.
Welcome to The Saltwater Sage Hat Company, where Old West charm meets Coastal spirit.
Meet Your Milliner
"I love using my hands to craft the most beautiful hats. I make my hats with the finest quality materials, and take my time hand stitching each hat. I love the collaborative journey of working one-on-one with you to create a piece that feels like a natural extension of who you are. By blending traditional tools with modern technology, I’m able to tailor every hat to your specific shape and style. We’ll hand-select premium felts, and obsess over the details together to ensure your hat is built to last. For me, the joy is in the making, and I can't wait to help you create a piece of wearable art you’ll love putting on every single day."
Dana Karukin
The Atelier: Hattie's
I share an old schoolhouse with other Maine creatives in the woods of Lyman, ME, the unique energy of the other artists, and the educational spirit of the space helps set the tone for creating beautiful, timeless custom hats. I have limited open studio hours at Hattie's. Please reach out if you'd like to visit!
Four Ways to Work Together
Each offering is built around small, personal interactions. No rush, no mass production, and no one-size-fits-all experience.
Custom Hats
A one-on-one custom process for people who want more than a hat. This is a custom crafted experience that considers the shape of your head and face, your personal style, and the story you want to tell.
Palm Leaf Socials
A relaxed, memory-making gathering for small groups. Shape your hats together, enjoy the conversations and experience, and leave with a custom crafted hat you can wear home. We can host the event at Hattie's, or find the perfect location for your special night.
Workshops
A two-day immersive experience for a small group of people who want to learn the craft from the ground up and leave with a finished felt hat. Come to Maine to get cretive and have fun while learning a new trade.
Hat Restoration
Bring in an old hat and we can either restore it to its original shape, or we can collaborate and create something new. Schedule a 1/2 hour consultation to discuss options. If you already have a hat you love, let's not be wasteful... we can upcycle your hat to meet your new style.
Why Slow Fashion Matters
Saltwater Sage was built in direct opposition to fast fashion. The goal is not to make more things. It is to create quality, unique items that last a lifetime. Hats that feel personal, wear beautifully, and stay with you for years with proper care.
Custom Fit
Every custom piece starts with a personal fitting using a conformateur and formillion, a unique to you 3D printed hat block, and is then hand crafted with love to create a unique hat that tells only your story.
Natural Materials
Quality starts with what the hat is made from. I only work with ethically sourced Rabbit, Beaver, Nutria, and Toquilla Palm from sustainably built companies who are humans that value the quality of their products.
Made to Last
A Saltwater Sage hat can last a lifetime, if properly taken care of. These hats are not trendy pieces, they are heirlooms meant to be loved and lived in for decades. This hat will be the last one you ever need!
The Feeling of a Custom Hat
Something Made for You Feels Different
Owning a Saltwater Sage hat is about wearing something built specifically for you. From the first time you put it on, you’ll feel the difference of a hand-blocked crown and a fit that actually matches the shape of your head. It’s designed to be a part of your daily uniform—a piece of wearable art that carries the quiet confidence of wearing a crown. My goal is to create an enduring, high-quality hat that doesn't just sit on you, but truly belongs to you.
Start Your Custom Journey
Ready to create something truly unique? Whether you're dreaming of a custom hat, planning a Palm Leaf Social, or eager to dive into a hands-on workshop, we're here to bring your vision to life. Connect with us today to book a consultation or inquire about our offerings. Let’s craft something extraordinary together.