Hayden's Story

Hayden Kessel's earliest memories are bonding with his dad at the workbench, and being encouraged by his mom to raid the cache of recycled materials next to the sewing machine for his projects. Hayden's parents fostered his creativity from a young age, laying a foundation for his lifelong passion for craftsmanship. His family moved to an idyllic 2 acre homestead in the hills of southern California in 1998, where they grew avocados, citrus, and stone fruit. Hayden remembers extensive chores and outdoor projects, hunting dove with his dad near the Mexico border, overeating sweet peas from the garden, paintball wars in the grove, huge treehouses, and the freedom of living in a rural neighborhood.

College was underwhelming for Hayden. He studied graphic design, fine art, and architecture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, but took learning more seriously after dropping out. Hayden was influenced by Michael Pollan's writings, Kristen and Mark Kimball’s farming adventure in “The Dirty Life,” and other sustainable how-to books from the used book stores of SLO. His personal garden, squad of chickens, and involvement in his community gardens led him to meet Don Carlos Andrade of California Custom Knives, who taught him to forge chef knives. Crafting chef knives bridged his connection between craftsmanship and agriculture, and this quest eventually led him to a farm in western Colorado in 2014.

​

In Colorado, Hayden helped his friend Toby start Colorado Pastured Pork. Together, they implemented ethical livestock management and regenerative farming practices. Hayden’s role extended beyond farming to include graphic design and photography, which he used to visually communicate their commitment to responsible farming. He balanced farm work with knifemaking and outdoor adventures. He immersed himself in the local food community that remains at the center of his life today.

​

He moved to Carbondale, CO in 2017, where he worked at Cold Mountain Ranch, mentored by ranchers Bill Fales and Marj Perry. He followed with a season growing pasture, sheep, and meat chickens at the Aspen Farm Collaborative. Each season, he added to his farming skill set while continuing to craft knives, sew clothing, and tackle other unique creative projects. His time at each farm not only honed his skills in agriculture but also deepened his commitment to sustainability, practical design, and community.

​

Hayden is now the creative director for Cutweather, a brand specializing in handmade natural fiber outerwear in Troy, Montana. Kessel's role involves pattern development, prototyping, go-to-market strategies, website and graphic design, photography, modeling, art direction, and leading the sewing team. Simultaneously, Hayden is the creativity coach at Starpointe Consulting. Hayden shares his experience with neurodivergent young adults, fostering their creativity through sewing workshops and entrepreneurial guidance. This role reflects Hayden's belief in a holistic approach to creative design. He encourages his clients to see the connections between different aspects of their lives and foster a mindset of innovation and problem-solving. Kessel draws on his broad range of experiences to help others see the interconnectedness of their own lives. 

​

Hayden’s journey from farming and ranching to craftsmanship and coaching illustrates his dedication to sustainability, creativity, and community. Kessel’s story is one of continuous growth and learning, driven by a deep appreciation for the natural world and a commitment to making a positive impact through his varied endeavors. Hayden Kessel's career is an eclectic convergence of a unified vision; his journey exemplifies how personal experiences can shape a professional path dedicated to making a positive difference.