Localist Guide: Sabreena Urness

Oct 24

Written By Laura Callahan

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Occupation: Hat Maker

Locale: Templeton

Sabreena Urness, owner of Stellar + Sun Hat Co, moved to San Luis Obispo county with her husband Bret in 2015 to pursue wine making together. But it was her hat-making hobby that would become Sabreena’s passion and full-time gig.

Sabreena’s stepfather was a hatmaker for 25 years in Orange County, and he taught Sabreena the traditional techniques of the trade. Upon moving to Cayucos and starting a winery in Paso Robles, it was the coastal cowboy culture of the area that inspired Sabreena to pick the craft back up.

“I’m not in LA, I’m not in San Francisco — I’m on the Central Coast and there are actual ranchers, cowboys, and makers who need quality hats.”

Sabreena’s hats are custom-made for each client using the finest American beaver and rabbit felts available. Finishing details like feathers, beads, gems, feathers, pins, hand stitching, and ribbons complete each unique design. And that’s exactly what turned our heads here at Nomada.

Nomada’s creative director Kimberly Walker approached Sabreena to create a capsule collection inspired by the design at River Lodge. Each hat will feature embellishments like fabric scraps from the custom furnishings that Kimberly designed for the hotel.

We can’t wait to see what Sabreena creates. The collection is launching soon and will be available for purchase in River Lodge’s lobby shop. Until then, you can get to know Sabreena more by reading on below.

Q & A WITH SABREENA

A: Sundays are my favorite! A slow morning, church & brunch at home. If I don’t have any hat appointments at the shop we pack a cooler full of wine and snacks, check the surf cams, and head to a sunny beach! Sometimes a little sunset tailgate at our vineyard in Willow Creek. Often a Sunday supper/ game night with best friends.
A: Morning matcha latte! Ceremonial grade, high quality, bright green, living matcha. Iced in summer, warm in winter. A month of traveling in Japan had this major influence on me so I'll always be a matcha > coffee girl!
A: We love cooking and usually enjoy a home-cooked meal over anything because our local produce can't be beat! That being said — we have so many great friends who are notable chefs in the area. It's a foodie’s dreamscape. Finca is a go-to for tacos. Lebber’s Pizza is a MUST try when they open their new location.
A: The farmers market in Templeton on Saturday mornings! I've always felt that markets are the fastest way to immerse yourself in a new culture — its my first line of business when traveling.
Of course wine tasting, maybe some olive oil tasting.
But what's a trip to the Central Coast without the coast!? So I say take the 46 West to Old Creek Road for a captivating scenic drive to Cayucos. Take your shoes off, take a beach walk, and look for whales :) it's my favorite place to be.

Photo: View of Morro Bay from Cayucos Beach, California

A: It's an obvious answer for me because my husband Bret is the world's best winemaker! LEVO Winery in Tin City - you'll love it I promise. His heart of gold is in every bottle and he's probably pouring in the tasting room <3
Clos Solene is a classic stop. Eat Solene's fresh homemade bread, gaze at the views, and enjoy the French accents.
Booker is a scene! It's the spot for a little day club feel. Plus you can sip & shop some of my hats there in the tasting room :)
A: I really can't pin my music taste down these days! Our record collection features everything from Charley Crocket to Khruangbin. Sturgill Simpson, Tame Impala, Dire Straits, The Arcs, Kurt Vile, Waylon Jennings, Midland, War on Drugs, Greta van Fleet. I don't even know where to start when someone asks what I'm listening to. It's probably a fringe podcast in my headphones if I’m being totally honest.
When I read its usually to study biblical text! I enjoy discovering all the mysteries and wisdom of the bible — it's an endless pursuit.
A: It's the first time in years we don't have a "next trip planned" and I quite like that for a change. But if I had to guess it would be to visit family at my in-law's cabin in the woods of Stanley, Idaho. I'm also overdue for a trip to Tennessee to visit my suppliers and all my beloved California transplants!