Meet Meeka Robinson Davis

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Meeka Robinson Davis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Meeka below.

Meeka, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room is a feeling I know well—sometimes too well. The only Black woman. The only designer without formal training. The only voice questioning the norm. And for a long time, that feeling came with a weight: a quiet pressure to shrink, to blend in, to not make waves.

But I don’t make things to blend in. I make hats that stand out. That’s the soul of One of a Kind Hats—pieces that don’t whisper, but speak truth. And over time, I realized: that’s exactly what I needed to do too.

I had to teach myself to treat the room not as something to survive, but as something to shift. I started walking in understanding that my difference wasn’t a disadvantage—it was my superpower. The way I saw color, form, and texture? That was mine. The way I connect with clients on a personal level, crafting hats that reflect who they are, not just what they wear—that came from my own lived experience. I stopped trying to prove that I belonged and started building work that made it impossible to ignore that I do.

Being the only one in the room taught me to listen deeply, speak intentionally, and move with both fire and grace. It taught me how to claim space without waiting for an invitation.

Now, when I walk into a room, I don’t bring just myself—I bring legacy. I bring my grandmother’s sewing machine. I bring South Los Angeles roots and a crown full of ideas. I bring every door that closed and every window I climbed through anyway. And I bring a hat, of course. One that says: I’m not just in the room. I am the room.

So yes, it’s hard being the only one. But I’ve learned to turn that spotlight into a stage. And once I’m on it—I shine so others can see the way in.

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?

I’m Meeka Robinson Davis, the heart and hands behind One of a Kind Hats, based in Los Angeles, California. I’m not just a milliner—I’m a storyteller. Every hat I create carries a piece of my journey, stitched with purpose, shaped with soul, and made to crown confidence.

My story didn’t start in fashion school or on a runway. It started at home—watching my grandmother sew, watching the way her hands moved with grace and intention. Those early memories taught me that creativity is a birthright, especially in Black households where beauty is often created out of necessity. I carried that lesson with me into adulthood, and eventually into a small, sunlit studio where One of a Kind Hats was born.

My brand is about more than just style. It’s about identity. It’s about honoring individuality in a world that often pushes for sameness. Whether it’s a bold fedora, a dramatic wide-brim, or a reimagined classic, each piece I design is made to make a statement—without the wearer saying a word.

What’s most exciting to me is the emotional connection people have with their hats. I’ve seen tears. I’ve seen joy. I’ve seen people stand a little taller when they put one on. That’s the magic: the transformation. Hats may be an accessory to some—but to me, they’re an extension of spirit, confidence, culture.

Right now, I’m focused on expansion—not just in scale, but in reach and impact. I recently launched a limited “Legacy Collection” that celebrates Black pioneers through modern design, and I’m collaborating with artists and photographers to turn hat-making into a multidisciplinary experience. I’m also preparing for a pop-up tour this fall, bringing One of a Kind Hats to cities like Atlanta, New York, and Oakland—places where style meets soul.

Something else I’m passionate about: mentorship. As I grow, I want to pour into other creatives, especially Black women navigating industries where we’re often overlooked. I know what it’s like to be the only one in the room—and I want to help others not only get in the room, but own the space.

At the end of the day, One of a Kind Hats isn’t just about hats. It’s about legacy, voice, and visibility. It’s about showing up fully and unapologetically. So whether you wear my work or witness it—I hope you feel the power in it.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three most impactful things on my journey weren’t things I learned in a textbook—they were earned through experience, trial, and a whole lot of faith.

1. Resilience
There were many moments I wanted to quit. When doors didn’t open, when people didn’t take me seriously, when money was tight, and confidence was even tighter. But resilience kept me going. It taught me to bend without breaking, to get creative when resources were limited, and to see every setback as a setup for a comeback.

Advice: Don’t wait until you feel strong—build strength by showing up anyway. Keep something close that reminds you why you started: a journal, a vision board, even a hat. And remember, rest is part of resilience too.

2. Authenticity
In an industry that loves to put people in boxes, staying true to myself has been my most powerful tool. I didn’t fit the traditional mold, so I made my own. My hats reflect me—bold, intentional, and rooted in Black culture. The more I leaned into what made me different, the more I attracted people who valued that difference.

Advice: Your story is your superpower. Don’t mute it to fit in. Whether you’re creating a product, telling your story, or building your brand—lead with who you are, not just what you do. Authenticity can’t be duplicated, and that’s what makes it valuable.

3. Community-Building
One of a Kind Hats didn’t grow in isolation—it grew through connection. From clients and collaborators to mentors and supporters, the people who believed in me helped push the vision forward. I learned to ask for help, to listen, and to give back when I could.

Advice: Build real relationships. Connect with people not just for what they can give, but for what you can grow together. Say thank you. Show up for others. And don’t be afraid to find (or create) a community that feels like home.

To anyone just starting: your journey is yours for a reason. Don’t rush it. Learn as you go, stay open, and most importantly—don’t shrink to fit into rooms. Bring your full self. You might be the first, the only, or the different one—but that’s exactly where the magic begins.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

The 2025 Met Gala was a moment I’ll never forget. Seeing Jasmine Tookes step onto that carpet wearing a custom One of a Kind Hat—it was surreal. We designed a piece that was both sculptural and regal, a bold statement that elevated the entire look. It was more than just a hat—it was a crown. And Jasmine wore it like the queen she is.

That night wasn’t just a fashion moment; it was a cultural one. For a Black woman designer from South Central L.A. to have her work on that carpet—it meant something. It was proof that our stories, our style, and our creativity belong at the highest levels of fashion. It also pushed me to dream even bigger for what’s next.

But let me be real—this kind of visibility comes with pressure.

The growth of my social media presence and servicing influencers has been both a blessing and a beast. When one post can lead to ten orders overnight, or a DM from a stylist turns into a production sprint, you have to learn how to move fast, stay professional, and still protect your creativity. And while it’s exciting to have my work seen by millions, it also means you’re always “on.” Algorithms don’t care if you’re tired, and neither do tight red carpet deadlines.

The biggest area of growth for me this past year has been learning how to scale with soul. I had to build better systems—production, communication, and boundaries. I started saying no when something didn’t align, and yes to things that allowed me to grow without burning out. I brought on help. I streamlined how I collaborate with stylists and influencers. And I finally allowed myself to see this not as a hustle—but as a business.

I’ve learned that growth isn’t just about being everywhere—it’s about being rooted, intentional, and sustainable. That’s how I plan to move forward: still bold, still creative, but more centered than ever.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://1ofakindhats.com
• Instagram: @oneofakindhats
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oneofakindhats1/

Image Credits

WWD, Ruth Carter