My Story
If you have made it this far, don’t stop – read on about how a simple idea worked!
I make hats for Zac Brown. He has worn them on videos, at awards shows, and concerts. Let me tell you how it happened.
I’m from Georgia. I lived there for 21 years. I lived in Dawsonville, right next to Dahlonega, where Zac Brown is from. I didn’t know that would be important later in life, but it was.
I moved to Oklahoma, married (for 31 years), and had two daughters. They are now grown and married and have given me five grandkids. In my free time, four years ago, I started crocheting hats (beanies) for the homeless ministry at my church. I did this for two years and gave them at Christmas. My daughter, Rachel, introduced our family to Zac Brown’s music shortly before “Chicken Fried” came out on the radio. We all immediately loved his music. I learned he was from Georgia. Not just from Georgia, but born in the county next door to where I had lived for all those years! Noticing that he always wore a beanie, I decided to make him a hat. I sent it to his management in California in the fall of 2009. I also included a letter telling him about myself. I didn’t hear from him and just put it in the back of my mind. I never thought anything would come of it. One day, Rachel asked me to watch the ” Highway 20 Ride” video in order to help her understand the story line. I went to the living room to listen, and all of a sudden my hat came into view. He was wearing MY HAT on TV! I started yelling for my husband, Larry, to come watch. I was so thrilled. I want to thank the person in California who got my hat to Zac.
I made three more hats and sent them to California. Guess what? He wore another one on the video “Free”. The same hat is in the video “As She’s Walking Away”! He was wearing the hat from “Free” when he won his first Grammy. I felt like I had won a Grammy! In June, his wife Shelly called and asked for a black hat to wear to the CMT Awards in 2010. I was so excited to talk to her and know that he liked my hats.
I went to his concert in Oklahoma City in September, 2010. I was in front of the sound booth when the concert started. Zac and Shelly came walking down the aisle, to the sound booth, to watch the opening act (I went to the concert with lots of hats in case I got to meet him). Jessica, my oldest daughter, said, “Mama, get your hats out! He is coming this way!”. There I stood, holding out my baggies of hats, looking right at him, and probably grinning like crazy. He recognized me, smiled, and shook my hand. That made me feel so special, BUT that was not the end. His bodyguard, Massif ,came and found me during the concert. He told me to meet him after the concert in front of the stage. Zac wanted to meet me, BUT that was still not the end. During the concert, Zac said, “I want to wish Donna Windsor Happy Birthday – she is a sweet lady that makes my hats”. I didn’t know that my son-in-law, Greg, had told him it was my birthday! After the concert, which was an absolutely INCREDIBLE show, I went down and found Massif. He took me back to Zac’s bus. I met Zac and Shelly on the bus. They were so sweet to take the time to meet me and spend a few minutes talking with me. As I walked off the bus, I felt like Queen for the day.
Well, now I am trying to start a business making hats. My hats aren’t special alone. They are special because Zac Brown wears them. He made the simple idea of sending him a hat, grow into this great story. Thank you Zac!
Wasn’t that worth a few minutes to read – thank you for visiting.
64 responses to “My Story”
Abby
June 11th, 2011 at 02:34
Oh my gosh, that is an AWESOME story!!!!
southernthreadsforheads
June 11th, 2011 at 22:36
Thank you Abby. It was so awesome that night of the concert! ZBB had a great show & I was queen for the day!
Gary Amos
November 3rd, 2012 at 21:30
A fantastic story Donna, “IF YOU THINK YOU CAN, OR THINK YOU CAN’T, YOU’RE RIGHT”, so go for it, and I’m sure that you’ll be a big success. By the way we have family that lives in Tulsa.
Good luck
southernthreadsforheads
November 4th, 2012 at 01:56
Thank you Gary:) I love Zac & making hats:) At the Tulsa concert Zac wore “Barley & Hops”. I sang every song & smiled the whole concert watching him sing while wearing my hat:)
Delores Simpson
June 11th, 2011 at 13:12
You go, Woman!! Donna, y’all did a mahvelous job on this, and I loved reading it! Of course, I’d heard it, but it’s good to see it down in print and on this wonderful site. I’m totally proud of you, and I’m happy to know Zac is such a kind man. luv ya, ATO
southernthreadsforheads
June 11th, 2011 at 22:35
Thank you Delores. I am trying and we’ll see what happens. No matter what I have had the pleasure of making Zac’s hats and him liking and wearing them! The rest will be icing on the cake!
Sheryl
June 11th, 2011 at 14:56
I love YOUR story, Donna….and I’ll always remember you being so excited about meeting Zac & when you first found out he was wearing your hats!!! So cool!!! I may never get to meet Zac, but it’s been awesome because you’re a friend of mine and I share in your excitement!!! Good luck with your continued success!!! Love ya!!!
southernthreadsforheads
June 11th, 2011 at 22:33
Thank you Sheryl – the story never gets old to me and I love that I got to share it with you! Thanks for checking my webpage out!
Jill Holley
June 13th, 2011 at 03:34
Donna I love the story! I asked a girl today where she got her headband and it turned out to be your daughter. I knew I went to that movie for a reason today! I love your stuff keep up the good work!
Jill
ROCK
June 13th, 2011 at 20:06
ATB ,
I am so proud of your accomplishment & the joy it brings you! Jessica did a great job of getting the website going. Here’s to business!!!!!
Love,
ROCK
John Titchen
June 27th, 2011 at 09:39
Dear Mrs. Windsor just wanted to drop you a line and say im glad i found your site ive searched long on hard to figure out wear zac got his hats . Im a beanie wearer myself and musician and former miltary and GA boy . My wife thinks im crazy for wanting one of your hats and the fact its $30.00 but i guess im gonna just have to pull a fast one . I guess forgivness is easier than permission. Love your work OOOORAH!
southernthreadsforheads
June 27th, 2011 at 18:28
Dear John – Thank you for finding me and may I ask how? I have been wanting to get my story out, and now that it is, I am thrilled to know someone found me. I would love to make you a hat. Which one do you have your heart set on? I hope your wife won’t mind too much after all is said and done!
John Titchen
June 28th, 2011 at 20:56
Dear Mrs.Windor
really i googled my butt off to find who made his hats also tried ebay but was unpleased with the results i really stumbled onto you by accident but read your story and putting the pictures and story together i knew i found the right place i love the multi colored hat also love the fact you have the sizing down to a science i like the zac size because i can relate to zac being from GA i cant wear beanies al the time its just too hot but with the “zac” size i may be able too… when i get my G.I. check i should be able to place an order thank you so much for responding so fast i hope to do business with you soon.
southernthreadsforheads
June 28th, 2011 at 21:21
Dear John, I googled often & ask the question “Who makes Zac’s hats” – I wanted to say me but not until he gave me the OK! Saw some hats kind of like mine – but I knew they weren’t what he wore. I hope to see lots more finding me! Thanks for being interested in my story – I love Zac’s music and think he is a down to earth kind of guy. I’ll be right here when you are ready.
Amy Holbrook
October 18th, 2011 at 16:03
I bought a hat from American Eagle and new it wasn’t right. Brought it home and sure enough it wasn’t what he wanted. Googled Zac Brown hat and found you “Donna”. I’m was so happy to read your story, how awesome that must make you feel, I would of peed my paints and cried with great happiness.. I of course purchased a hat “The Original” for my husband, he is gonna be so excited, I can’t wait to see his face when it comes..We seen him in concert with Kenny Chesney, we knew more song’s of Zac Brown then Kenny, plus I knew My Name is money from Sonia, the people around me where looking like I was crazy singing her song and screaming her name. LOL good Time’s.. Now it’s back to American Eagle to RETURN the one I got..Thank’s for sharing your story and making these’s beanies of yours, for the public, homeless people and Zac. I wish you much success. Have wonderful day, a new fond fan of yours, southernthreadsforheads. A love of the Zac Brown Band. I have there CD along with Sonia Leigh, plus a T-Shirt from Southern Ground Artist.. Take care, Amy 😉
southernthreadsforheads
October 18th, 2011 at 20:39
Thank you for all the kind words – I love my story w/its simple start to this:) I love to know people love my hats because I love to make them:) DJ
Bob Elliott
October 19th, 2011 at 13:19
Love your story and that is why we love ZBB and this great country:-)
southernthreadsforheads
October 19th, 2011 at 19:23
I agree Bob – Zac made my day by wearing my hats:) Thank you!
Kathy Bartolomucci
October 20th, 2011 at 15:03
What a great story, thanks for sharing it! I hope you don’t get tired of hearing that LOL I just went to my first ZBB concert last Friday and my husband and I had the great joy of meeting Zac and the guys! But I have to agree with the other person, the whole bus thing and all, I would have peed my pants too!! : ) How nice to meet his wife also! Anyhow, what a great story, and I wish you much success!! I will be ordering one for SURE! It’s getting cold here in Ohio!!! Best wishes. -Kathy
southernthreadsforheads
October 20th, 2011 at 16:38
It was a great night:) Thank you for your interest & I know you had a great time at the concert! I’m going to his concert in Tulsa in Nov – can’t wait – hope to give him more hats – thank you DJ
Linda Martin
October 20th, 2011 at 16:22
Donna ~ Do you have a web site. I would Love to pass your site on as my facebook status : )
southernthreadsforheads
October 20th, 2011 at 16:39
http://www.southernthreadsforheads.com Thank you so much for the support & interest. I love my story & I love Zac’s music. He is just a really nice guy:) DJ
b3ckpwnzuSean Dolan
November 17th, 2011 at 17:45
Good day Donna!
I just purchased a hat from your site, and I am really excited that it’s homemade and comes from such a rich background, if you want to know how I found your site I googled: “where does zac brown get his hats?” and found a link about 6 links down which was “http://wsocfm.radio.com/2011/08/24/why-does-zac-brown-wear-the-hat/” read the only comment which was from you and now here I am =)
Thanks again for all your hard work!
-Sean
southernthreadsforheads
November 17th, 2011 at 23:11
Thank you Sean – I just made the hat you requested last night so it will be on its way tomorrow:) I appreciate everyone that looks for me & my story! I love Zac’s music & he really made my day when he wore my hat! DJ
Sean Dolan
November 22nd, 2011 at 00:37
Just received my hat in the mail, and it looks great.. so warm and not itchy! It’s great and thank you for the kind words in your little note =)
-Sean
southernthreadsforheads
November 22nd, 2011 at 02:48
Thanks so much for the kind words and for letting me know you received it!
southernthreadsforheads
November 25th, 2011 at 19:54
I love to hear good reports & I try to put a note in everyone’s order! Thanks for finding me:) DJ
Senjin
November 20th, 2011 at 01:47
Mrs. Windsor I must say I love your story and I think it’s awesome that your hats have become one of zac’s signature trademarks. I feel like I’ve stumbled upon something truly original and from the heart wich now a days is very rare. Anywho I can’t wait to sport your hat around town I just ordered one but I’m from Oklahoma and I love our skies!
southernthreadsforheads
November 20th, 2011 at 21:43
Thank you so much – they are made from the heart & I love my story & ZBB! Yours will be in the mail Mon!
michael bouwman
November 23rd, 2011 at 00:50
Awesome story. I do not personally know you but as an american i am so proud of u and all that u have accomplised so far. Keep on keeping on. I wish you continued sucess and i will continue to buy from you.
southernthreadsforheads
November 25th, 2011 at 19:53
Thank you Michael – I love my story, I love Zac Brown’s music, & I so appreciate all of ya’ll looking for his hat maker:) DJ
michael bouwman
November 26th, 2011 at 21:10
Got my hat today thank u so much I love it.
southernthreadsforheads
November 30th, 2011 at 02:17
So glad you love it because I love making them:) Thank you so much DJ
PATTY VIZZA
December 5th, 2011 at 14:22
DONNA, YOU LEFT OUT A VERY IMPORTANT PORTION OF YOUR WONDERFUL STORY. HOW. MANY CHILDREN. YOU HAVE TOUCHED WITH YOUR SPECIAL ABILITY TO TEACH. YOU ALWAYS TOOK MY KIDS CALLS AT NIGJT TO ANSWER MATH QUESTIONS, EVEN AFTER THEY HAD PASTED 5TH GRADE. THANK HEAVEN AND GOD FOR TEACHETS LIKE YOU.
southernthreadsforheads
December 5th, 2011 at 23:11
Matt
September 18th, 2012 at 17:15
Your story is absolutely amazing! I love Zak’s music and it is indeed it is a very touching story of how the connection happened! The hats that you make are beautiful and I love that you even have the ‘zak fit’ in case one of us wants a smaller fit so the holes stretch! Now that I know about your hats and where to find them, I will most definitely be starting my collection! Thanks again for your beautiful work! 🙂
southernthreadsforheads
September 19th, 2012 at 01:09
Thank you Matt for checking it out:) I love Zac’s music & that he wears my hats! Makes me smile a lot. Hope my hats spread happiness to all!
Roxanne
November 2nd, 2012 at 00:44
I was in okc at the same concert and sat just west if the sound booth and watched him go over there and I wondered what was going on? I was there when he announced your name and your birthday wishes and I remembered thinking how cool it was that an okie made his hats!! Super cool! 🙂 Do you still make hats for the homeless ministry??
southernthreadsforheads
November 2nd, 2012 at 01:04
Thank you for remembering all those details – it was a super fun night for me! I don’t make for the homeless but have been making & giving away to babies in the NICU, cancer patients doing chemo (my mama is going thru this & I donate hats at her local chemo place) and have donated some to the efforts for Camp Southern Ground that Zac is building in GA. To be honest I can’t remember all the ones I have given away for various reasons but I do know that it blesses me every time I do:) I just got a big vase of flowers from Zac w/a card saying “Thanks for all you do” and it just meant so much to me:) Thanks for your comments & I think it is Super COOL also!
kristu derr
November 5th, 2012 at 19:58
Id b interested in purchasing a hat. My husband is always commenting on them
Carolyn Stephens
November 6th, 2012 at 03:59
The hats aren’t special because Zac Brown wears them, they are special because you made them. You are a special lady! (BTW, I’m a Georgia gal myself now transplanted to Vegas.)
southernthreadsforheads
November 7th, 2012 at 00:06
Thank you Carolyn – I love Zac & making hats:) It has been a fun few years:)
john perez
November 20th, 2012 at 07:15
I am interested in your beanies and love the whole story behind them. Plz email me so I can know what step to take from here…
Johnp360@yahoo.com
Brandon H
December 22nd, 2012 at 04:49
I really want one of those hats! Please! Been looking for one for effete it seems like. Please get back to me.
southernthreadsforheads
January 4th, 2013 at 17:33
Hope you order one:) Just let me know which one. You can order thru the store on this website:)
Gevan Spinney
January 3rd, 2013 at 23:34
I am a pastor in north Louisiana. I love your story about making hats for the homeless. The Zac Brown part is pretty cool too! How can I buy your hats?
diane gordon
January 8th, 2013 at 04:32
How cool for you! I’m happy and proud! I love their music and obviously was just searching all things Zbb, i heard he sang the National Anthem at the Sugar bowl so I was searching for it. He has a voice to compare to James Taylor and I truly can’t think of any song they have done that I don’t LOVE! Lucky you for meeting him and his wife! You must be a special person! I am in Greenville, SC. Closer to Atlanta than you, but not lucky enough to meet him or anybody. Just blessed and obsessed by and with their music!
Paul
January 30th, 2013 at 19:38
What a great story! I was actually at the OKC show that evening. I met the band that evening with a backstage pass and was there when he announced your birthday! What a great story.
southernthreadsforheads
January 30th, 2013 at 23:22
Paul I love my story and so thrilled you heard that birthday wish. Thanks for sharing:)
Tommy moore
January 30th, 2013 at 22:10
I like your story,but I love the style of beanie.
How can I get one?Please send a reply.
Email or text me or call 870-243-0191
My name is Tommy.Just a southern boy from the great state of Arkansas.
God Bless
southernthreadsforheads
January 30th, 2013 at 23:22
Tommy there is a store link on this site. Thank you for your kind words:)
Hope
February 15th, 2013 at 22:36
Can u make me a scarf? Like the colors u made my hat pls thanks
Hope
southernthreadsforheads
February 16th, 2013 at 00:01
I sure can but remind me of the colors:) They take longer are you in a rush?
Hope
February 16th, 2013 at 14:51
The colors that you made my hat when I went out there.
Love ya thanks again
Hope
February 16th, 2013 at 14:47
Can you make me a scarf? Like the colors you made my hat please.
Thanks so much love ya,
Hope
I had so much fun when y’all came out here we need to get together again! Except met in the middle
Hope
February 16th, 2013 at 14:48
Can you make me a scarf? please.
Thanks so much love ya,
Hope
I had so much fun when y’all came out here we need to get together again! Except met in the middle
Josh Belcher
October 20th, 2013 at 06:19
I Love this story!
Thanks for Sharing!
I would love to interview you for an article!
I write for The Daily Herald in middle Tennessee and http://www.rockinggodshouse.com
email me soon
I look forward to hearing from you! Thanks and God Bless 🙂
Josh
Kelli Frazier
December 30th, 2013 at 14:45
Awesome story Donna! That is so cool!!!
Sherry Long
April 17th, 2016 at 14:34
Hello. How much do you charge to make a cancer hat?
I read your story. I hope you do good with your business..
What do they look like? This for someone else who us in chemo therapy & radiation therapy in Mauldin, SC. Her name us Stacey Jones.
southernthreadsforheads
April 17th, 2016 at 18:23
Thank u for asking. Sorry your friend has cancer. U should b able to go to my store n see pixs n prices, but u can request whatever colors u friend likes. I hope good health is coming back to her soon.
Steven F. BOSTON, MA
August 25th, 2016 at 00:53
Hello…I really liked your story…I saw the ZBB play the other night (8/21/16] at Fenway park in Boston. The concert was awesome! It was my first time seeing ZBB…now I’m going to see them every year they come up this way. The hat he was wearing was really cool…it was like a short top hat…do you have any idea where I might buy a hat like this?
Thanks for any help you can give me.
Regards, steve feinberg
southernthreadsforheads
August 25th, 2016 at 01:02
Glad you had fun! I really don’t know where that type of hat is sold. Hope you find just what u want☺️
Tim Worst
April 14th, 2019 at 01:16
How do I get hats like Zac Brown?
southernthreadsforheads
April 14th, 2019 at 02:02
You can tell me what you want thru email
Donna@southernthreadsforheads.com