By Amy C. Witt
Instagram: @caliiforniadreamin
www.caliidreamin.com
Cheetah, floral, tribal and solids, they come in all different colors and patterns, but you can always be guaranteed Buck Wild Custom Rags will protect you from the sun, wind, rain and cold. The durable 100% silk and 100% polyester provides a strain for drinking cold creek water, a drape to cover the eyes of a spooked horse, the starting flag for a wild horse race or an accessory to enhance any cowboy or cowgirl!
Bakersfield brand prides itself in non-traditional wild rag fabrics, 100% made in USA. (Jamie Changala photo)
Tell me a little about yourself
My name is Sharon Buys. I am a wife, daughter, mother and grandmother. I grew up in Bakersfield, CA. I married my very first crush and together we have five beautiful kids and five even more beautiful grandchildren.
Why were you inspired or motivated to establish Buck Wild Custom Rags?
What I really wanted to do when I grew up was become a registered nurse. After my kids grew up, I thought this was still my dream. I even went so far as to get into nursing school. But after a few months, I realized that this dream was just that…a dream. After leaving nursing school, I was desperate to find something to do with my time so I took up sewing. I hadn’t sewn in several years, but my daughter, Sarah, suggested I sew up “wild rags” for a local charity ranch rodeo. When my girls were younger, I used to make them all their wild rags and as you know, when you’re first married, funds are limited, so I made wild rags for family and friends as gifts. At the time, I thought this was a silly idea and no one would really wear them. But, I figured why not, if I didn’t sell any, at least I got to watch my kids compete in their rodeo events This was May 2010.
What separates you from other wild rag companies?
I like to find what no one else has. That’s what makes this job so fun. I try to avoid “chain stores” when buying fabric. When you purchase from these places it just takes the individuality out of it and you just become cookie cutter. I pride myself in keeping my business practices ethical. I will not, nor have I ever taken someone else’s ideas and made them my own. I want customers to look at my rags and KNOW that it’s a Buck Wild and no matter what, they won’t find it anywhere else!
Why should cowboys and cowgirls wear your rags?
I want my customers to know that when they buy my wild rags, they are buying a rag that no one else will have. I also want my customers to know that all my wild rags are made in the USA and all by hand. I stand by my word and my workmanship. I was raised that your word is everything and a handshake is a contract.
Tell me about fabrics and styles
I like to think outside the box when selecting my fabrics. If I like it, I buy it! (Sometimes if I don’t like it, I still buy it).
What’s the difference between a silk and polyester rag?
Since silk is a natural fiber it will allow for better breathability. Silk will act as a natural wicking agent and draw perspiration away from the skin in the summer as well as provide warmth in the winter months. Polyester is generally brighter in color and more vibrant and is more forgiving over time. If wearing a scarf is only for warmth, then polyester is more economically feasible.
How should one take care of their rag?
Believe it or not, the fabrics I choose are quite forgiving and wash well in a machine with cold water and hung to dry.
How do you select your rags?
I never know what I’m looking for. I find happiness when I go out hunting for fabrics, designs and colors. I like to feel my fabrics, which is why I don’t buy a lot online.
Favorite part of the business?
I like to see a customer’s face light up when they walk into my booth and see exactly what they’ve been looking for!
Who or what inspires you?
My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My Nana Echenique, she was the hardest working, self-sufficient woman I ever knew.
Fashion inspiration?
Having four daughters over a 10-year span keeps me in the fashion loop. I like to read fashion magazines for trending styles.
Tell me about Buck Wild’s upcoming fabrics. Spring/Summer trends, colors?
This time of year I transition into lighter weight fabrics with vibrant colors. Wild rags make great sarongs at the beach. The Coachella Scene has brought the gypsy/boho style onto the wild rag stage. The “Twilly” style scarf makes cute head wraps, neckerchief scarves and even wrist ties! The possibilities are endless.
“Life is too short to wear boring rags!”
Buck Wild Rags can be found at: www.buckwildrags.com and on Instagram at buck_wild_custom_wild_rags; Ariat Outlet Store, Fresno Calif.; NRS World Catalog and Flagship Store, Decatur, Texas.
Upcoming shows: Western Heritage Classic May 10-12 Abilene, Texas; Wild Rag Cattle Classic, May 16-20, Fort Worth; Texas High School Rodeo Finals June 10-17, Abilene; NRHA Derby Classic, June 22-July 1, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Wild rags add flair to any outfit, along with endless tying and styling options. (Jamie Changala photo)
The author of the blog, California Dreamin’ (www.calidreamin.com), Amy Witt’s articles have appeared in magazines and newspapers around the world. A fashionista, cowgirl and journalist, Amy strives to motivate and inspire people around the world.