Meet Mark Corey

We were lucky to catch up with Mark Corey recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mark, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I get my work ethic from the example set by my father. Growing up, he worked three jobs to provide for our family—clothes, food, a home—everything we needed. Watching him sacrifice so much to support us left a deep impression. His dedication to making sure we had what we needed taught me that hard work is the foundation of success.

From an early age, I was expected to contribute. My chores weren’t just about helping around the house—they were about learning the value of earning. Taking out the trash, cleaning up after the dogs, mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, raking leaves, sweeping the porch—these tasks weren’t optional if I wanted to earn an allowance. I quickly learned that nothing came for free. If I wanted something, I had to work for it. This mindset shaped how I approached everything in life.

By the time I was 12, I had a newspaper route. At 17, I landed my first job. Each step along the way reinforced the idea that I was responsible for my own success. My work ethic became the driving force behind everything I did, whether it was school, jobs, or eventually, building my dream—YoHaTdawg.

Of course, like anyone, there have been moments where I’ve fallen short. Times when I’ve felt like giving up. But each time, I’ve been able to tap into the well of work ethic that was built over the years, drawing on the lessons from my father and my own experiences. It’s not about never failing—it’s about getting back up and pushing forward.

I also recognize the importance of balance. I’ve learned that it’s not enough to just work hard. I need to rest, recharge, and fuel myself so I can keep going. This balance has helped me avoid burnout and stay focused on my goals.

YoHaTdawg was born from a foundation of hard work, and that work ethic continues to guide me as we grow. Every challenge, every setback, is met with the same resolve: work harder, stay focused, and keep moving forward. It’s not always easy, but I know that the effort I put in today will pay off in the long run.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

YoHaTdawg: Where Hats Come Alive

What do you do?

I’m not just a hat maker—I’m someone who brings hats to life. As the founder and Creative Director of YoHaTdawg, I design and create hats that do more than sit on your head. They are experiences—streetwear-bold, expressive, and dynamic pieces of art that reflect who you are and what you stand for. Each hat tells a story-my story is your story. And is made with a purpose: to inspire, empower, and make a statement, so the wearer feels as though they can conquer the world.

For me, it all started as a boy. A simple fireman’s hat was my first taste of the magic that hats hold. Over time, this passion grew into an obsession—a desire to not only wear hats but to reinvent them. So, I created YoHaTdawg: a brand that combines color, innovation, and versatility to bring you hats that are as unique as you are.

YoHaTdawg is where style meets function, and where tradition collides with bold, new ideas.

What’s most exciting or special about it?

What sets YoHaTdawg apart is creativity and innovation—we make hats that come alive. They do more than just complete your outfit; they make a statement, turn heads, and spark conversation. Our designs are meant to stand out and break away from the ordinary into the extraordinary. We don’t just make hats; we redefine them.

One of the most exciting things we’ve launched recently is our Bag & Brim Collection—an innovative, patent-pending hat that allows you to create multiple looks all from one hat. Letting you change the style to fit your mood, outfit, or occasion. But that’s not all: the hat comes with a hidden storage compartment that lets you stash your go-to items—cash, credit cards, driver’s license, chapstick, condom, perfume stick, sunglasses, compact, daily medications, snacks, keys, even things like a tampon, blunt, or hair ties—without ever needing a bag or bulky pockets.

Picture this: you’re at the beach, lounging at the jacuzzi, going for a run, or playing golf—no pockets, no bag, but everything you need is in your hat. It’s an extra layer of convenience that allows you to carry what you need without the bulges in your pants or skirt. YoHaTdawg has got you covered.

And then, there’s our Must Haves collection: reversible, interchangeable, handmade, one-of-a-kind, wearables that make any outfit pop. These pieces are designed for those who crave uniqueness, allowing you to style and flip the hat for fresh, bold looks. You get up to eight different styles with these, and each piece is crafted to add personality and style to your wardrobe—whether you’re going out for a casual day or dressing up for something special and everything in between.

We’re incredibly proud of our Viral YoYo Wraps Collection—a styling sensation taking over social media. These wraps are more than just accessories; they actually look exactly like a crown. They’re a crown for a King but made for a Queen. A crown for a Queen but made for a King. Inspired by the powerful symbol of royalty, they embody confidence, self-assurance, and individuality. With their one-of-a-kind designs, YoYo Wraps are extremely limited, so when you wear one, you’re not just rocking a royalty and individuality—you’re making a viral statement. People are already buzzing about them, and who wouldn’t want to wear a crown that commands attention?

YoYo Wraps aren’t your typical headwear; they are bold symbols of your personal style. These wraps are for those who want more than just a hat—they want a piece that speaks to their confidence and uniqueness. Whether you have a ponytail, locs, twists, a fro, big hair, or a man bun—or if you simply want to rock a crown for the day—YoYo Wraps have you covered. Designed to fit and flow with any hair type, these wraps elevate your look with effortless style.

But act fast—YoYo Wraps are a viral sensation, limited edition and won’t last long. Get yours now before they’re gone!

Anything new?
We’re always innovating and pushing boundaries. As part of our ongoing expansion, we’ve been working on some new limited-edition collections that will drop soon. These collections will feature fresh takes on the Bag & Brim and YoYo Wraps, as well as YoYo PoPs-Part of our BangN Beanie Collection-with so much more POP! YoHaTdawg will continue to create new designs that will continue to challenge the norms of headwear. Each new drop will be more exciting than the last—so if you haven’t already, make sure to check our website regularly to snag your next favorite hat before it’s gone!

Along with new releases, we’re focusing on collaborations with other designers, influencers, and artists to bring even more creativity and flair to our hats. Our goal is to bring YoHaTdawg into more communities, giving more people a chance to experience the magic of these hats.

What else would you like folks to know about your brand?

At YoHaTdawg, we don’t just create hats—we create experiences. Every hat is an opportunity to express yourself, stand out, and turn heads. Our brand is built on the foundation of creativity, individuality, and innovation. We’re here to make hats come alive—to bring color, movement, and personality into a product that’s traditionally simple and ordinary.

YoHaTdawg is for the bold, the creative, the free spirits who aren’t afraid to stand out. When you wear a YoHaTdawg hat, you’re not just putting on an accessory—you are the star attraction and you’re wearing your best friend. And we’ve designed our hats to help you carry everything you need, with style and convenience, while adding that perfect touch to whatever outfit you’re rocking.

So, if you’re ready to redefine what a hat can be and stand out from the crowd, join the YoHaTdawg movement. Whether you’re eyeing our Bag & Brims, rocking the YoYo Wrap, Banging a BangN Beanie, Popping a Traditional HaT with a Twist or grabbing one of our Must Haves, remember: it’s not a hat until it’s a YoHaTdawg Hat.

YoHatdawg’s Hats for the Unsheltered: Giving Back with Warmth and Protection

YoHatdawg’s Hats for the Unsheltered program is driven by my deep passion to give a voice to those less fortunate—individuals who are often left behind and discarded by society. I believe in the power of small acts of kindness, and that’s why I give away beanies in the winter to protect and warm those enduring the harsh cold, and brimmed hats in the summer to shield them from the sun and the elements. This program is one of my greatest passions, as it allows me to give back in the same way help was given to me when I needed it most. There is no greater joy in life than making a positive impact on someone else’s day, and through this initiative, I hope to bring a little warmth and relief to those who need it most.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey with YoHaTdawg, three qualities stand out as being pivotal to my evolution is perseverance, the ability to never give up, and having faith. These elements not only kept me going through the toughest times but also shaped the foundation of the brand I’ve built today. Here’s how they shaped my journey, and my advice for anyone starting out on their own path:

1. Perseverance
From the very beginning, I faced countless obstacles that would have made many walk away. I encountered three brand changes before I landed on YoHaTdawg, a mentor who flat-out told me my first hat collection was “nothing special” “This isn’t it” and to go back to the drawing board. I faced rejection after rejection, including three Accelerator Program rejections. One of the programs even encouraged me to apply, yet my application still got turned down. And then, to top it off, COVID hit just as I was planning the next stage of the brand’s launch.

At the beginning of the pandemic, when everything seemed uncertain, I made the decision to take a sewing class with Gwen Couture, who had 35 years of experience. With masks on our faces and my sewing machine and tools in tow, I was determined not to let COVID delay my growth. I wanted to create handmade hats but didn’t know how to sew, and I knew Gwen’s expertise was exactly what I needed. In that class, I learned the basics of pattern-making, sewing techniques, and the craft itself. It wasn’t always easy—I made plenty of mistakes—but each one was a lesson, and I kept pushing forward, even in the midst of a global crisis.

Gwen was the guiding force behind my journey to craft my own designs. As an expert stitcher, designer, and instructor, her knowledge of garment construction and hat-making became the foundation for everything I’ve accomplished. It’s because of her that I got my start, and I will always be grateful for her patience, mentorship, and unwavering support.
Advice for those starting out: Perseverance is your best friend. The road will be rocky, and challenges will arise, but every failure is just a stepping stone toward success. Don’t get discouraged by the tough moments. Instead, embrace them as opportunities to learn, grow, and refine your craft. Keep pushing forward, and you’ll be amazed at how far persistence can take you.

2. Never Giving Up
There were many moments in my journey where I could have easily given up. I went through two leases falling through in a seven-month period, which would have stopped most people in their tracks. But I kept learning, and most importantly, I kept going, believing in my vision even when it felt like everything was falling apart.

I didn’t document the journey with photos and videos of the struggles, challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way on social media at first. I wanted to shock the world with my results, not the process. I believed that opening a store on Melrose would provide all the visibility I needed, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen. After a 9-month buildout, when it was finally time to open, the customers didn’t come rushing in as I’d hoped. No one knew who YoHatdawg was.

This lack of visibility and the failure to document the journey meant that, when the doors finally opened, I had no built-in audience, no story to share, and no one waiting to see what I had created. Now, I’m still working to get the word out, which has been especially challenging without a marketing budget. It’s been a tough lesson in understanding that simply opening a store in a high-traffic area isn’t enough to guarantee success—building a community and sharing your story along the way is just as important. There were days and months with little to no sales, and I thought more than once, I can’t do this anymore. But each time I thought about giving up, I remembered why I started—my passion for headwear design and the innovation I was bringing to the table. That was much bigger than any temporary setback.

Advice for those starting out: Persistence and resilience are key. There will be days when things don’t go as planned, when you question whether you should keep going. In those moments, remember why you started and what drives you. Don’t focus on the lack of immediate results; focus on building something that lasts. Stay the course, and the people who resonate with your passion will find you.

3. Having Faith
Spirituality has been the cornerstone of my entire journey. While I’m not religious, my faith has been my guiding force in everything I do. I believe that when you align your work with your higher purpose, everything falls into place. For me, I know that God put the gift of artistry in my heart, especially when it comes to streetwear headwear design. This calling drives me and has kept me grounded through the ups and downs. Designing and crafting headwear has been my therapy—a creative sanctuary that has carried me through some of life’s toughest moments, helping me heal and find clarity along the way.

Throughout the years, I’ve been mentored by some incredible individuals who have taught me not just about business, but also about the importance of spiritual and personal growth. I’ve stayed open to their guidance, knowing that the strength I gain from my faith will help me succeed. Working on myself has allowed me to build a strong foundation for YoHaTdawg, and more importantly, it’s allowed me to build a life that feels fulfilling and true to who I am.

Advice for those starting out: Spiritual and personal development are essential to building a business. No matter your field, if you focus on growing yourself—mind, body, and soul—the work you do will be more meaningful and impactful. Your faith, whether in God, the universe, or simply in yourself, will give you the strength to face challenges and the clarity to make decisions that align with your true purpose.

Final Thoughts
Looking back, those three qualities—perseverance, the ability to never give up, and faith—have shaped who I am today, both as an entrepreneur and as a person. My advice to anyone starting out is to embrace the journey with open arms, learn from each experience, and stay true to your passion. The road will be tough at times, but with perseverance, resilience, and faith, you’ll be able to build something truly remarkable.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely! Collaboration is a huge part of my creative journey, and I’m always looking for passionate, like-minded individuals and brands to partner with. I believe in the power of collaboration to push boundaries, spark innovation, and make something truly unique. The right partnerships can amplify what YoHaTdawg is all about—innovation, boldness, individuality, and style that speaks volumes. Here are some of the folks and brands that I’d love to collaborate with:

1. Versace
Versace, for many years since 1985, has always been a huge inspiration for me—especially because of their bold, statement-making designs and those unforgettable, wow-factor colors. Their pieces have always had that unapologetic flair, and I would be thrilled to design a reversible, interchangeable, streetwear headwear collection for them. I see it as a perfect opportunity to combine my love for headwear with their iconic, luxurious style.

2. Nike
Nike’s “Just Do It” tagline has been a personal mantra of mine—it’s about pushing through obstacles and going for it, no matter what. As someone who’s loved Nike shoes for years, it would be incredible to collaborate with them on a streetwear hat collection. I see it as a natural fit, where we can blend their athletic, cutting-edge style with my unique twist on headwear.

3. Louis Vuitton
I’ve watched Louis Vuitton’s spring and summer collections for years, and I’ve always been captivated by the way their hats add that perfect finishing touch to the models’ outfits. Their pieces have that undeniable PaPow factor. For years, I have always believed and said, one day Im going design a hat for them. Who better than a streetwear headwear designer who created an innovative, one-of-a-kind product to bring something fresh and bold to the table? A collaboration with LV could elevate the world of headwear in a way only they can.

4. Zara
Zara has always stood out to me for its ability to blend streetwear with chic elegance, creating pieces that have a distinct yet accessible vibe. I’ve shopped there for years and admire their ability to stay on-trend while offering items that can elevate anyone’s wardrobe. I’d love to collaborate with Zara to design a standout streetwear hat—something that’s stylish yet functional and captures the essence of today’s fashion-forward culture.

5. Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg has been an icon for me since I was a kid. His name alone fits perfectly with the vibe of YoHaTdawg, and I can’t think of anyone better to collaborate with on a YoWeed Collection. I know Snoop would appreciate the fusion of streetwear and his love for the culture. With his influence and my passion for unique, expressive hats, we could create something that resonates with fans of both fashion and cannabis culture.

6. Todrick Hall
Todrick Hall’s words, “The easiest thing in life to do is be you; the hardest thing in life is to be you” hit me hard and deeply resonated with my own journey. He has consistently used his platform to stand for who he is and has inspired so many to embrace their true selves. I admire his authenticity and creativity. I’d love to collaborate with Todrick to create a collection of hats that speak to the freedom of expression—something bold and unapologetically unique, just like him.

7. Target
Target has always been a brand I’ve supported—whether for their affordable fashion or the wide variety of products they offer. I’d love to partner with them to create a streetwear hat collection that’s accessible and stylish for everyone. Target’s commitment to bringing great style to a wide audience aligns perfectly with my mission to make bold, unique hats for the masses.

8. Fashion Social Media Influencers
I’m a huge fan of fashion influencers who make waves on social media, like Jonas Maier, Erica De La Cruz, and Adrian Burgos. Their ability to bring style and personality to life is something I respect and admire. Collaborating with influencers like them would allow me to reach a broader audience and give them the opportunity to showcase YoHaTdawg’s versatility. It’s all about influencing culture and adding those personalized, standout pieces to everyday wardrobes.

9. Marni Senofonte
Marni’s streetwear style is simply on fire. She has an incredible way of mixing high fashion with everyday wear, and I’ve been so inspired by her outfits. A collaboration with Marni could bring some seriously innovative and wearable streetwear hats into the world, blending her impeccable style with the bold, expressive pieces I create at YoHaTdawg.

How to Connect
If any of these names or brands resonate with you, I would love to connect and explore how we can collaborate! Whether you’re a brand, influencer, or fellow creative, if you’re passionate about pushing the boundaries of fashion and innovation, let’s chat. The best way to reach out is by connecting through our website contact form or on social media—DM me, and let’s see what magic we can create together!

Collaboration is all about sharing vision and elevating each other. I’m all about building lasting partnerships that are authentic, creative, and forward-thinking. So, if you’re ready to make bold moves in the world of headwear, YoHaTdawg is ready for you!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yohatdawg.com
• Instagram: @yohatdawg
• Youtube: @yohatdawg
• Other: Tik Tok @YoHaTdawg