Meet the Founder: Vanessa Whitby,
Wild + Rae

We chat to Vanessa Whitby, the inspiring founder of Wild + Rae, about building a brand that delivers stylish and comfortable cowgirl boots, now stocked at Meri Meri

Left: Vanessa Whitby and her daughter Harlow Rae. Right: Moonlit Lovestruck Boots.

Tell us how Wild + Rae got started. What inspired you to launch the brand?

Wild + Rae began when my daughter Harlow was a baby. I was a single mom who needed a creative outlet, so I opened an Etsy shop and had my mom hand-sew each piece to order. I wanted to create items that felt meaningful and could be passed down. Over time, I saw how much joy these pieces brought to little girls and how confident they felt wearing them. That’s when I knew this was bigger than just clothing.

Eventually, I set out to create something I couldn’t find anywhere – a cowgirl boot that was actually comfortable. It took over a year of testing, but we created the first-ever comfortable cowgirl boot for girls and everything changed from there.

As a single mom, how has your journey shaped the way you run your business?

This business has always been my dream. I worked multiple jobs while building Wild + Rae during the first six years because I solely support my daughter. The day I was finally able to quit my job and focus on this full-time was life-changing. Being a single mom taught me how to be resourceful, resilient and intentional with my time and energy.

Wild + Rae is built on heart and hustle. I know what it means to create something out of nothing, and I want every piece we make to reflect that same strength and magic. I also wanted to show Harlow that she can do anything she puts her mind to.

Your daughter Harlow Rae is a big part of the brand story. How does she steer the creative process?

Harlow is involved in everything and the brand has evolved with her. From sparkles to hearts to all the pink, every design needs her stamp of approval. She’s my mini-CEO. Her perspective keeps the brand honest and fun and it’s such a joy creating something she feels proud to be part of. It’s so special for her to see her ideas come to life.

Designing a stylish but comfortable cowgirl boot – how did you tackle that challenge?

It took a lot of trial and error and over a year to perfect. I wanted to create a boot that didn’t just look cute but felt good to wear all day. That meant using an athletic shoe insole, soft flexible materials and perfecting the fit. Every detail was thought through with intention. I wanted girls to be able to run, play, and be wild and free – and still wear their boots.

You’ve described your boots as confidence boosters. Tell us how they do that.

When a little girl puts on something she truly loves – something that reflects her personality – you can see it instantly in her smile, her posture and her energy. These cowgirl boots make kids feel unstoppable. They love them so much it becomes their superpower. I’ve had moms tell me they can’t get their daughters to wear anything else and that the boots have become part of their personality.

How does living in California inspire you?

I was born and raised in California. We have sunshine, beach days, desert nights – and all of that shows up in the spirit of my designs. I love that mix of laid-back cool and a little wild energy. My latest collection, ‘Coastal Cowgirl’, was inspired by my favorite place: the beach. It’s an ode to growing up by the ocean and now raising Harlow here too.

Country music is seeing a big resurgence. How has that influenced you?

It has been amazing to watch. There’s this new energy around country style – all the sparkles, boots and fringe, but also storytelling and strength. That’s exactly what Wild + Rae is about. I love that girls are making it their own. It has definitely influenced some of our most popular collections.

Meri Meri Western Party Collection and Wild + Rae Cowgirl Goldie Boots

What does it mean to you to have Wild + Rae boots now available through Meri Meri?

It’s such an honor. I’ve admired Meri Meri for years. The brand’s attention to detail and commitment to creating magical, imaginative products is unmatched. To see Wild + Rae boots alongside their pieces feels like a full-circle moment. We both care deeply about making childhood feel special.

Meri Meri Horse Party Collection

Do you love to throw a party? Tell us how you approach party planning.

I absolutely love throwing a themed party. Childhood moves so fast and kids’ interests are always changing, so each party feels like a time capsule of who they are at that moment. One year it’s mermaids, the next it’s horses. I love leaning into those themes and creating a full experience around them. It’s a way to celebrate their imagination and make them feel seen. To me, party planning is just another form of storytelling.

Beijos Party event setup

What’s your ultimate party tip?

Creating magical moments is what Wild + Rae is all about, and the same goes for parties. When it feels joyful, personal, and full of love, that’s what people remember. The best celebrations capture the heart of who your child is at that moment. Also, my dear friends at Beijos Events have helped with every celebration I’ve ever done. They always make the vision come to life.

Finally, what’s next for Wild + Rae? Any new designs, collections or ideas you can share with us?

The moment one collection wraps, I’m already dreaming up the next. I get so much inspiration from our community, so if there’s a theme or collection you’d love to see, we’re all ears. I’m also expanding into storytelling through books and games – creating even more magical ways for girls to express themselves, build confidence and shine in their own unique way.

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