Our Story!
The African Cowgirl was founded by Heidi Nicole Peterson who
decided during her travels to Senegal that she wanted to collaborate with the artists/tailors of Senegal.
Heidi Nicole Peterson's initiative, The African Cowgirl, reflects her vision of merging cultural heritage with modern fashion. Inspired by her travels to Senegal, she sought to collaborate with local artists and tailors to create unique designs that celebrate African craftsmanship. This endeavor not only promotes the rich artistic traditions of Senegal but also empowers local artisans by providing them with a platform to showcase their skills.
The African Cowgirl represents a blend of traditional influences and contemporary style, appealing to those who appreciate the beauty of African culture while supporting sustainable practices and local economies. Through her work, Peterson aims to highlight the stories and talents of the people behind the creations, fostering a deeper connection between fashion and cultural identity.
Click the picture below to learn about Heidi Peterson
She is dedicated to the following principles:
Empowerment: Supporting African artisans, especially women, by providing fair trade opportunities that promote economic independence and personal growth.
Cultural Heritage: Celebrating Africa’s rich history and traditions, blending equestrian influences with contemporary fashion to honor the continent’s unique identity.
Sustainability: Committed to ethical and eco-conscious production methods that respect both people and the environment.
Inclusivity: Offering products that are designed for all genders, uniting people through shared appreciation of African craftsmanship and horse-inspired style.
Connection: Bridging cultures and communities, from the local African villages to global customers, through storytelling and fashion.
MEET OUR TAILORS
These Senegalese tailors make Heidi Peterson's wearable art designs come to life to create
The African Cowgirl.
We ensure that our tailors are fairly compensated for their skills and time spent creating quality garments.
The African Cowgirl fosters collaboration among a diverse co-op of talented Designers, Seamstresses, Tailors and Artists in Senegal and Denver to create unique, high-quality pieces that appeal to modern consumers.
Click on the pictures below to learn about these AMAZING tailors!
Alpha Sow
Ousmane Gueye
Emmanuel Ohene
OUR PARTNERS
OOMPH SPIRIT is a 501(c)(3) organization is dedicated to supporting the well being of humans, children and animals hrough education and events. Oomph- Spirit.org is working with artists, artisans. and tailors to bring arts education to youth in Gueoul, Senegal. Now in it’s seventh year, GueoulARTS has added theatre, sewing and drumming to it’s curriculcum.
GueoulARTS is an arts and trades school in the small town of Gueoul, Senegal working with underserved children to provide arts and trades education.
Alioune Badara Wade is featured artist and director of the "GueoulARTS" program.
Check out GueoulARTS on Facebook.
Oomph-Africa Oomph-Arts Oomph-Service Oomph-Spirit
The Copper Children is a folk band from Denver blending original soul and psychedelic rock into a moving performance. Like a roller coaster, their “Psychedelic Gospel” experience leaves audiences feeling transported to the rail-yards of freedom. Over the past three years the band has performed for audiences at Summer Camp, Northwest String Summit, Arise Music Festival, and several national tours around the United States. They have released three albums, "Copper Child", "What We Are" & "Speaking in Spirits". The lead vocalist of The Copper Children, Zea Stallings has been to Gueoul, Senegal twice and lead music workshops and events with the youth.