Mary Bradford, Designer/CEO/President Bolt Headgear Inc.

Bolt Headgear Inc. was launched in the Spring of 2007 by motorcycle enthusiast, Mary Bradford. "This all began out of the frustration of not being able to find biker headwear in colors & fabrics that still made me feel like a woman. It was always a challenge to find anything that was comfortable and would keep my long hair in place and protect my ponytail at the same time. Most items on the motorcycle market today are geared towards men & not women. So, I took on the challenge of sewing my own headwear in fabrics that were soft, comfortable & fashionable. I started designing & making headbands and specialty headwear for myself. I got many compliments--even from people whom I did not know. Eventually I got requests from family & friends to make some for them as well and so I started to sew more & sell them online.

I saw the need for better, higher end & stylish headwear that would appeal not only to women riders, but also to cancer-chemo patients as an alternative to a wig or other head covering. My design & patterns are very different than those on the market and I am very particular about the fabrics that I use. All of my fabrics are purchased right here in the USA and my product is MADE here in the USA. Even if it costs just a little more, I firmly believe in keeping American workers busy and I am proud to be an American female biker that truly supports our troops, POW's and American-made products. It's more than just a label to me and it's the least that I can do to support what our country stands for. I guarantee that as long as I remain as CEO, my product will always be "Made in the USA."

Obtaining my motorcycle license was a major accomplishment for me. As a wife, mother & professional educator, I have a lot of roles to fill and high expectations to meet. No one EVER expected to see me ride my own motorcycle. Words cannot describe the feeling of freedom, power & accomplishment that one receives when riding a motorcycle especially from a "short" woman's perspective. It's something that I am very proud of. Although there are similar products out there, I truly believe that my product stands out because of my unique design and use of rare, high quality, comfortable stretch fabrics that appeal to both men & women.

Like a bolt of lightning, Bolt Headgear products are typically bright, vivid, colorful and different. They have style & sophistication unlike any other headwear on the market today. They are very easy to wear & comfortable for most persons. Whether you are a fellow biker, a cancer-chemo survivor, a surgeon, a cook, or a fashion diva, Bolt Headgear has something different for you. I thank my fellow Ladies of Harley members for their words of encouragement to just "do it." I also thank my husband for his support & help--I certainly could not do this without him. I also thank all of my patrons who have blessed me with positive feedback and the local retailers who "took a chance" in carrying my product. I really love hearing back from people about how pleased they are with my product--especially from cancer/chemo patients who wear my Softailz®. That alone is intrinsically rewarding. Because of you & the referrals that you have given me, business continues to slowly grow and hopefully in the future Softailz® & Softbandz® will be recognized as the leading brand of specialty designer-style headwear.

That is my story! Now get out there, enjoy life & ride safe!!!!

Mary Bradford-aka "Steel Horse Diva"
Designer & President--Bolt Headgear Inc.
H.O.G/Ladies of Harley-LOH Life Member
Ocean City, MD Eastern Shore Chapter