If you’ve been to any of our events in the last couple years, you’ve likely met this charming, colorful cowgirl, Claire Kiser! (You’ve most definitely seen her in social posts – she was the gal catching all the BINGO prizes Cheryl was throwing around at the Mothership in that cute video!) Claire is a key component of the DDR design team and brings a unique liveliness to everything she does. It’s truly no wonder that Cowgirl Magazine saw fit to honor her as one of the industry’s 30 Under 30 for the class of 2025!
Her bio listed among her fellow honorees gives a quick overview of Claire and where she comes from:
Claire Kiser is a creative force behind the iconic Western brand Double D Ranchwear. Raised in Bandera, Texas, she was inspired by her family’s deep ties to rodeo and horse racing. Watching her mom select cowboy boots and turquoise jewelry sparked Claire’s passion for design as a form of self-expression. A graduate of The University of North Texas, she brings her vision to life at Double D Ranchwear, blending Western heritage with modern fashion. Claire’s journey from small-town Texas to the fashion world inspires others to pursue their dreams.
But we thought we’d get a little more in-depth with this remarkable woman by doing a little Q&A of our own – and a rapid-fire questionnaire just for fun!
DDR: What does being named to the 30 Under 30 mean to you? What was your response when you learned you’d been selected?
CLAIRE: Being named to the 30 Under 30 list is an incredible honor and truly humbling. It’s a recognition of the hard work, creativity, and passion I pour into my work every day, and it means so much to be acknowledged among such an inspiring group of individuals. To me, it represents not just a personal achievement but a reflection of the amazing teams and mentors who have supported and guided me along the way. This recognition fuels my passion even more, and I’m excited to continue pushing boundaries, bringing new ideas to life, and contributing to the industry I love. I hope to use this opportunity to inspire others to pursue their creative visions and take bold steps in their own journeys.
When I found out, my first instinct was to call my mom. I knew she would be so proud, and sure enough, as soon as I shared the news, she screamed with excitement and immediately asked who she could tell and when. It was such a special moment to share with her!
DDR: What’s your DDR origin story? How’d you come to be a part of this eclectic crew of geniuses?
CLAIRE: DDR has always been a part of my life, lingering in my peripherals. Whether it was a table lamp my grandmother owned, or the ladies in my life wearing a jacket. It wasn't until my Aunt (shout out Jennifer Welan, Double D Addiction member) nudged me about a job posting that was shared on the Facebook Addiction page. I felt a rush of adrenaline and messaged Cheryl directly a couple nights later. The rest is history. I feel like I've been here forever.
DDR: What or who would you say influences your design aesthetic the most?
CLAIRE: Hands down, my dad. I had a very unique upbringing — he dressed head to toe in the best Western fashion he could find. He had an incredible eye for styling, from proportion to color, and taught me the importance of looking and feeling good in what you wear. He also had a big heart and a passion for old-time country music—Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams, Bob Wills—and passed that love down to me. He had me singing Patsy Cline at the ripe age of six. He and my mom packed us all up every summer and took us to Santa Fe to shop jewelry and treasure hunt. He had me believing turquoise was more valuable than diamonds. All of this shaped who I am as a designer today and inspired my love of retro and vintage fashion. It’s all I know. My dad has since passed away, but now I find influence with my husband, Daniel, who pushes me to think outside the box with my fashion. Believe it or not, he is a bigger shopper than me, and will ALWAYS tell me to buy the jacket. He has a heart for vintage fashion and design and is always teaching me something new about fashion history.
DDR: You do have a very distinct vintage vibe about you. In what era do you wish you could’ve lived/think you would’ve thrived?
CLAIRE: For the sake of fashion alone, I think I would have loved to experience the 1960s. For multiple reasons. Number one: the hair. I prefer my hair teased to the skies. Number two: the silhouettes. There was something so effortlessly sexy about 1960s fashion while still being modest at the same time.
DDR: What would you say roots you in the Western lifestyle?
CLAIRE: I spoke about my dad earlier, but our roots go even deeper. My grandpa lived in custom cowboy boots and had my dad’s first pair made before he was 10. On my mom’s side, my grandpa was a bull rider, and my uncle was a well-known horse trainer. My mom lives in boots and turquoise. With so many ties to the Western lifestyle, it feels like it was meant to be—it’s just a part of who I am.
DDR: What is your life motto or a mantra you try to live by?
CLAIRE: I live my life by Proverbs 3:5-6. And in the little moments, I find joy in connections with people I love and the thrill of a great thrift find.
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl
Wine or whiskey?
Coca-cola
Phone call or text message?
Text, always… please!
Sweet or salty?
Salty
Playlist or podcast?
Vinyl Record
Squash Blossom or Cluster Cuff?
Squash blossom
Concho belt or tooled with a trophy buckle?
Concho belt
Shortie boots or classic cut shaft?
Classic cut
Midi or maxi?
Midi - show off those boots!
Jewelry or jacket, if you could only invest in one?
I don’t live my life limiting myself to “only one”. You can always have both. Get them both, be that girl.
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