In a world of carefully curated brands, the story of I Love My Hats feels refreshingly authentic. It all started with love, quite literally, when Ruby gifted Simon a custom “I love my wife” hat. The internet’s heartwarming response propelled this sweet sentiment into a successful business run by the couple.
In this interview for The Paige, they offer a glimpse into their lives, interviewing each other about the joys and realities of building a brand as partners in both life and work – and the exciting anticipation of their next shared adventure: starting a family.
Simon: What inspired you to create the original ‘I love my wife’ hat that you made for me?
Ruby: It all started when you made custom “I LOVE MY WIFE” stickers – I think to put on your race car alongside the sponsors? I also remember one ending up on your Pelican camera case. I thought to take it a step further and make it into the perfect hat as a Christmas gift. I knew you would love it and actually wear it in public; you’re that kind of husband. There’s nothing embarrassing or cringe to you about being obsessed with your wife.
Ruby: What’s it like working with your wife?
Simon: It’s very easy. Ruby does most of the work, like packing orders, replying to messages and making sure everyone receives their hats. I take a few photos and make sure the website is ticking along. Luckily, I have unwavering trust in everything she does and we are yet to find anything we disagree on during this project.
Simon: Be honest, is it hard working with your husband?
Ruby: There is honestly nothing challenging about it. Our skills are so complimentary – both spending a decade in our respective fields – you being a commercial photographer and me in social media, we trust each other’s judgement and opinions. We also share the same creative vision and our aesthetic taste is very similar. Let’s be real, if there was any chance working together would cause any conflict between us, I wouldn’t have wanted to do it.
Ruby: What does being an amazing father and husband mean to you?
Simon: Fundamentally, I want to set a standard that Ruby and our daughter come to expect from all men. I want to be present, loving, honourable and emotionally open for them both.
Simon: What scares and excites you the most about our next joint project, having a baby?
Ruby: I am so excited to watch you flourish as a father. I can’t wait to see you nurture and love our little girl and experience how that love makes you evolve as a man. I am so confident that you will be not only the best team mate in this new chapter but also an endless well of support for me when any challenges arise postpartum. Another thing that is so exciting to me is that I get to do all of this with my best friend.
Ruby: Who is your dream person to see wearing an “I love my wife” hat?
Simon: In the next season of Drive to Survive, I’d love to see Toto Wolff at home casually wearing a hat whilst spending time with Suzie.
I Love My Hats are available for purchase here and you can also follow the brand on Instagram.
