Meet the Country Girl Behind Western Border & Co.
Caroline Riepler – Designer • Artist • Entrepreneur • Wife • Mom
Some dreams are born from success. Others are born from adversity.
Western Border & Co. is more than a Wyoming-based lifestyle brand—it is the story of faith, resilience, creativity, and the determination to never give up.
Founder and designer Caroline Riepler was raised by hardworking parents who immigrated to the United States from Germany and Switzerland. They instilled in her the values of integrity, perseverance, and entrepreneurship—lessons that continue to guide her every day.
Life, however, had different plans.
After becoming a new mother, Caroline faced postpartum struggles followed by a devastating head-on collision caused by a drunk driver. Rather than allowing life's hardships to define her, she returned to what had always brought her peace—creating. Sewing, designing, and building with her hands became part of her healing journey.
In 2004, Western Border & Co. was born.
What began as handcrafted western and country-inspired clothing and accessories for babies and children became a beautiful journey that took Caroline's designs into boutiques across the United States and into magazines and media. While the baby and children's collection is no longer part of the Western Border & Co. product line, Caroline is now offering her experience and expertise as a designer to companies and entrepreneurs who want to create their own baby or children's line. From original concepts and design to prototypes and production-ready development, Caroline brings years of hands-on experience and industry knowledge to help others bring their ideas to life.
The baby and children's chapter was a beautiful ride, and Caroline is grateful for every part of it. But every season brings something new—and today, she is off creating and teaching new things.
The road wasn't always easy. Two additional automobile accidents—a hit-and-run and another collision—forced Caroline to slow down and rebuild once again. Yet with unwavering determination, the support of her husband Daniel, their son, family, loyal friends, and her faith in God, she refused to quit.
Today, Caroline believes every setback became a stepping stone.
Her handcrafted creations have been carried by boutiques across the United States and featured in People Country Magazine, alongside the daughters of country music artist Craig Campbell, as well as with World Champion Barrel Racer Fallon Taylor. Her work has also been showcased by Channel 9 News, Canadian Cowboy Magazine, Western Horseman, Western Lifestyle Retailer, and numerous other media outlets.
Today, Caroline shares more than beautiful handcrafted products. She teaches creative workshops where she inspires others to discover their own artistic talents through jewelry making, hat burning, needle felting, sewing, and western-inspired crafts. Her greatest joy is watching students leave with confidence, new friendships, and something they created with their own hands.
Her newest chapter is about creating, teaching, and inspiring. Through Western Border & Co., Caroline offers creative DIY kits, workshops, handcrafted designs, and opportunities for others to discover the joy of making something with their own hands.
Every design Caroline creates carries a little piece of her heart and her belief that even life's hardest seasons can become beautiful beginnings.
Whether she's designing in her Wyoming studio, developing a new creative project, helping someone bring a product idea to life, teaching a workshop, or spending time with her family, Caroline's mission remains the same:
To inspire others to live their dreams, embrace creativity, and trust God's plan—even when the trail gets rough.
Thank you for being part of the Western Border & Co. journey.
Live the Dream with Me.
~ Caroline