Denton County Magazine • Sept

Successful Denton real estate agent and reputed queen of hats Chrissy Mallouf decided to combine her love of headwear with her business acumen and launch a new business. In 2022, she became an entrepreneur and co-owner of Mallouf Hat Co.

“I’ve always loved hats,” Mallouf said. “I have photos of me wearing hats when I was as young as 7. Whenever and wherever my husband John and I travel, he buys a T-shirt and I buy a hat. One day, he said to me, ‘Why don’t you just open a hat shop?’”

This casual remark soon evolved into a bona fide family affair. John left a 30-year career in banking to join Chrissy in her real estate business, then the hat enterprise. “He handles the tech side of the shop and chooses the men’s hats,” Chrissy said. “Our daughter Madison is good with marketing, sales and minding the shop. Son Holden is showing interest in helping when needed.”

The shop is a millinery mecca for hat lovers, both women and men. Rows of cowboy hats (including Stetsons), wide-brimmed beach hats, fedoras, ball caps, trucker hats, knit caps and more line the walls and display shelves. “We can help you find the right fit,” Chrissy said. “Angel, our professional hat shaper, is in the shop every Tuesday if you want your hat’s crown or brim reshaped. Take home a hat straight off the rack, or we’ll embellish it to your taste and style from our full selection of brooches, feathers, ribbon, jewels and more.”

If the shop does not stock a specific hat the customer wants, the Malloufs will do their best to find it, and the couple is dedicated to more reasonable pricing than other stores. The selection ranges from $20 to around $200, with an average of $60.

Customers can book a private hat party after shop hours to honor a special day or just to have fun with friends and do some serious chapeau shopping.

When wearing her real estate hat, Chrissy has always been a generous contributor to local charities. Therefore, it is no surprise that giving back is part of Mallouf Hat Co.’s business model.

The shop carries the Sunshine Tienda line of hats made in Guatemala by indigenous female artisans. “With every purchase from that line, we are able to continue sending them orders, sustaining a means of support for these women,” Chrissy said.

The shop has created a good balance for Chrissy to work in real estate and have the family shop, too. “Now I’m engaging in a different way with the Denton community, and because Dentonites are so diverse and creative, I believe there’s something in the shop for everyone,” she said.