The Feather Junkie

“You must be free be light and like a feather take flight. Wherever the wind my take you, wherever you shall fly, live life to the fullest until the day that you die.” – The Feather Junkie

Is it a coincidence or simply ironic that the founder of The Feather Junkie happens to be none other than Ashley Featherston? Especially when she began her company by accident. She founded her company in the summer of 2010 after purchasing a pair of feather earrings.  Wishing to recreate them for friends, family, and herself in other colors, she started purchasing an array of fly fishing feathers and exploring different crafts with them. And, hence, The Feather Junkie was born.

Locally based in the Dallas area, Ashley expanded the line to include feather hair accessories, dreamcatchers, clothing, and a full line of jewelry. And, now, just this past Christmas, hoping to expand her creativity in the business of colored plumes, she decorated a pair of vintage boots for her sister to enjoy. Her sister received so many compliments- friends of hers began to ask Ashley for a pair of boots as well.  Thus, The Feather Junkie then expanded its offerings to vintage boots.

The flair behind The Feather Junkie, designer & founder, Ashley Featherston

The feather earrings Ashley first purchased that inspired The Feather Junkie….

photo by: Jessica D’Onofrio

Ashley begins with a pair of vintage boots and decorates them with special styles of ribbons including Aztec, Baja, Leopard, Natural, and Tibetan.  She often mixes these ribbons with denim, beaded belts, leather, metallic, furs, and of course, feathers. In fact, I had the pleasure of visiting Ashley’s studio where she had an array of feathers hanging right above her computer (and in every other open corner in sight).  It was lovely to also see her craft table- where she comes up with the designs and decorates.  As they are vintage, each pair of boots is unique – no two are alike and that is what makes them so appealing! You can be sure you won’t run into anyone wearing the same boots.

Currently, The Feather Junkie is sold online and locally, at The Gypsy Wagon in Dallas. This week, it is shipping boots to stores in Little Rock and North Carolina.  I stumbled upon a pair of the custom boots for the first time several weeks ago at The Gypsy Wagon.  When I returned, days later, every single pair was gone!  Just four months into custom production, they’re wildly popular and I believe it’s been difficult for the boutique to keep them in stock. Ashley is certainly keeping busy with the high demand and custom boot requests she’s receiving on a weekly basis. And, recently, The Gypsy Wagon was stocked with an array of boots.

photo by: Jessica D’Onofrio

I think the beauty of these boots rests in their unique details and in the craft and thought placed behind them.  Ashley designs and decorates each and every pair she offers.  Additionally, they truly are eye-catching.  It’s incredible the amount of compliments one receives when they’re worn- and of course, the inquiries of “where did you get those!” They look incredible paired with denim shorts, a floaty white dress, or your favorite mini-skirt. I only see wonderful things to come for this company and I can’t wait to see what feathered creations are around the corner for The Feather Junkie.

available at the Gypsy Wagon

* check out more photography from Jessica D’Onofrio here