New Hat Bar in town has got you covered

By Mike Trueblood

Published in The Burg Nov. 7, 2024

It used to be that a Galesburger looking for diverse, trendy and quality headwear might have to travel all the way to Nashville, Tenn. to find a satisfying selection.

Not anymore.

Calling itself a Hat Bar, on Oct. 19 Showbarn Creations opened at 14 W. Main St. in Galesburg carrying an impressive display of hats which can be customized and accessorized to the customer's desire.

"It's the first one in Galesburg," Jonelle Schmalshof, owner and operator said with certainty.

Coming from a farm family that has lived near Avon for the past 16 years with her husband Adam and daughters Peyton 11, Carrina 9 and son Dixon 6, opening a brick and mortar business was a new experience for her.

"I always designed my own hats," she said. "I talked to my husband about having people design their own hats and it came from there.

"I did my own and figured I'd make it a business." 

Schmalshof, who also works as a nurse at the Order of St. Francis, has gained experience designing and selling hats two years prior to opening Showbarn. She has worked special events in the area and a highlight will be a trip for a two-week stay at the Cattlemen's Congress in Oklahoma City, Ok., in January where her daughters will also be showing livestock.

A local event on the schedule is an appearance at Brunch, Sip & Shop with Santa at the Vault at Reserve Artisan Ales in Galesburg on Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will include specialty drinks, brunch menu at the RAA food street car and free photos with Santa.

What will you find at Shownbarn?

"You come in and choose a hat and you design it yourself," said Schmalshof. "I have the client help me but it's their ideas on a hat. 

"I do custom bands on leather and felt.

"I do cowboy hats, wide brims, beanies, jean jackets, koozies, scarves and hat chains and trucker's hats."

With help from a friend, Amber Slagel, she also does bandanas, pet jean jackets and handmade wild rags.

Gift cards are available.

Showbarn is also offering itself as a venue for birthday parties, bridal showers, girls night, team building, wedding receptions and other events.

"People have always asked me 'Do you have a shop, do you have a shop?" said Schalshof of her interaction with the public at various functions.

"Now I have a shop."

Shownbarn can be contacted at JONELLEAS5@GMAIL.COM or (309) 338-5720 and can be found on Facebook and Instagram.