We had the time to sit down with Amy Sheets, granddaughter of Bob Marrs, who founded Bob Marrs Saddles Shop in Texas. She has extended the brand in continuation of Bob’s legacy and created her own brand, Marrs Makers. We want to share with you all about Amy, her grandfather, his brand and created an off-shoot of her own brand to continue his legacy, and we want to share with you all about Amy, her grandfather and the heritage of Bob Marrs custom-made saddles and western goods she has expanded for the modern generation.
Amy currently lives with her husband in New York City and together, they are continuing the Bob Marrs brand. Amy is from the Texas Panhandle and grew up in Amarillo. She fell in love with fashion at 5 years old and went to the Parsons School of Design as well as supplemental classes at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). Before relocating to NYC, she completed a work study internship program in Paris at a fashion press agency as part of her undergraduate studies at Boston University. Amy worked for J. Crew and Ann Taylor, as well as many corporate fashion apparel brands in NYC before officially launching Marrs Makers as a sub-brand of the Bob Marrs brand she is continuing the legacy of her grandfather, who opened the Bob Marrs Saddles Shop in 1954. Amy is passionate about the preservation of Bob’s work and preserving his legacy and carrying forward his craftsmanship. We asked Amy some more questions about Marrs Makers and Bob Marrs:
Tell us about the name of your brand and what it means.
Marrs Makers brand name is inspired by my maternal grandparents, Bob and Betty Marrs who built the Bob Marrs Saddle Shop business spanning over 62 years. Growing-up seeing my grandfather’s leather carving techniques and artistic motifs in his saddles formed my vision in recent years for a line of small leather goods, accessories and women’s clothing featuring his designs.
In 2017, I noticed a gap in the market of not being able to find an American brand of women’s quality clothing having an authentic western point-of-view that could be integrated and styled within one’s modern wardrobe looking like a costume.
I was intrigued at a young age, observing and not understanding why female characters in western film/TV series could not wear their version of tough chic, fierce, streamlined and elegant cowboy style like that worn by their male counterparts. Creating a a feminine appeal in western apparel and the tradition of my grandfather’s work and cowboy culture became Marrs Makers aesthetic. Bob Marrs as an individual and as a brand is very well-known in Texas, the Southwest, California and across the American West for his saddles, tack and cowboy gear (ie: chaps and spur leather straps.) His name is synonymous with quality, craftsmanship, performance, durability, service and artistry in hand-made custom saddles and leather goods.
Bob’s saddles are collected worldwide by museums, libraries, galleries, cultural institutions and private collectors. https://en.
We continue to provide saddle provenance services from the shop ledgers to his 4,000+ customers as well as new owners who have purchased, or inherited a Bob Marrs saddle and to institutions such as museums. Even though Bob passed away in 2022, his legacy lives on in our Bob Marrs Poinsettia Paisley Bandana he designed incorporating his own motifs and signature within the American classic paisley bandana. With more of Bob’s designs to be featured in our upcoming products, we are stewards of his legacy committed to delivering quality products with distinctive design that are made to last.
What kind of woman wears Marrs Makers?
The Marrs Maker woman is comfortable in her own skin (bien dans sa peau); likes to mix it up in terms of fashion and trends with her own personal style, has a sense of humor about herself and the world, appreciates balance in life, embraces her feminine essence, is on the move and loves color tension and patterned prints. She also digs vintage and thrifted rare finds, with an affinity for tailored/fitted silhouettes true to her roots. Perhaps she also holds close to her heart her treasured adventures out West, or her unique blend of American Spirit lifestyle moments as she writes her own script in an urban environment. The type of woman who wears Marrs Makers appreciates not only the object or product, but also the maker. She has an appreciation for history, legacy, conservation, cowboy culture and wisdom. She is also a lover of hand-made, time-tested craftsmanship in leather and quality natural materials with an eye for the arts.
What is the meaning behind your grandfather’s Poinsettia-Paisley Bandana design?
During the pandemic, we were unable to travel from NYC to spend time with family in Texas. Despite the geographic distance, we continued to collaborate working with my grandpa Bob on a series of new bandana designs where he was in full creative control. By Summer 2021, when I was able to visit in person after quarantine was lifted, he surprised me with 12-15 unique bandana compositions of his motifs from his artwork. We were blown away to discover he had hand-drawn his signature poinsettia (cactus) directly onto a store-bought paisley bandana sample, of which he then autographed! Bob redefined the cowboy bandana as a symbol, making good on a promise, keeping his word to me and my partner who had bought the family business in 2018, despite relatives relentlessly interfering. His bandana represents resilience- triumph of the human spirit emerging from the pandemic toward an infinite horizon of possibility.
Can you tell us about your bolo tie, “Bowlo” leather necklace?
Marrs Makers bow on our bolo tie necklace and shoe accessories was inspired by prize ribbons seen at county fairs, horse and livestock shows we went to in the Panhandle when I was young. After drawing my version of this bow, I sent a layout to my grandpa who ‘tooled’ it in saddle leather. From there, my partner and I developed this bow into a product as leather jewelry. Initially, my bow represented an award as an achievement of accomplishment worn as a stylish accessory sparking conversation. More recently, our Bowlo necklace has become a symbol to me of perseverance over struggle no matter what life may bring. During some of my most challenging days as an entrepreneur, a bolo necklace will “fly” away to a new customer dressing-up, going out, choosing joy against all odds. On a lighter note, this necklace is a fun, tongue-in-check nod to the secretary blouse, or pussy bow blouse asserting feminine swagger.
Can you give a few examples of outfits you would pair with your bolo tie, “Bowlo” necklace?
T-shirt or tank with jeans + bolo necklace, Chambray, denim, or favorite button-down shirt with leather pants/leggings + bolo necklace, Your ‘go-to’ blazer + bolo necklace;, Add a pop of color/texture to your LBD, or accentuate a plunging neckline with our bolo necklace!
What are price points of your current offering for Marrs Makers and Bob Marrs?
$15 for a Bob Marrs bandana, $75-85 for Marrs Makers leather bolo necklace and wallets, clothing prices upon request IE: for our denim riding blouse, since only one pants style currently featured online.
Do you have any other unique and fun projects in the works?
We will be interviewing all Bob Marrs saddles owners about their experience, history and storytelling pertaining to their saddles, life and times with my grandparents and the saddle shop. During this survey, with permission of course, we will be photographicaly documenting the designs and motifs of Bob Marrs reflected in his saddle body of work for application in design of future products as well as enhanced provenance services and cultural initiatives. Proceeds from the bandana go directly to this project. Looking forward to the next Bob Marrs bandana we release, as well as the first Marrs Makers bag!
Where can we find you online? https://marrsmakers.
Instagram: @marrsmakers ; @bobmarrssaddles
Facebook: @marrsmakers; @BobMarrs (listed as a public figure)
Interview by Holly Glasser, CEO and owner of MITH Magazine
All images property of Amy Sheets and Marrs Makers