Denim & Velvet is a woman owned and operated full-service marketing company based in Mineral Wells, Texas. The five women behind the brand combine a collective passion for the Western lifestyle with their digital talents to better our industry.

JANZEN TEW, CEO/OWNER

When Janzen Tew picked up a camera as a side hustle during college, she knew she’d unlocked something special.  Five years later, she founded Denim & Velvet Marketing + Design, a full service marketing company for which she is the photographer. In March 2020, Janzen was honored onstage at RFD-TV’s The American Rodeo as a member of the first class of COWGIRL 30 Under 30.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY IN YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE?

There is nothing typical about my days.  From the moment I step out of bed, I am on the go.  By 8:00 AM, I am rolling.  It can be anything from prepping for shoots, to answering emails, scheduling photo shoots to shooting on location, answering questions the girls have… It is an ever-growing and evolving cycle of to-do lists and not enough hours in the day, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

Making people feel empowered.

BEST CAREER ADVICE?

Be honest in all that you do.  Never be afraid to ask a question; the worst someone can do is tell you “no.”   Too often, people miss out on opportunities because they are afraid to introduce themselves to someone or ask questions that could change their future, whether personally or professionally.  I love it when I have that butterfly feeling before I speak to someone. It shows me that I still have a passion for what I am doing.

SIERRA JADE, GRAPHIC DESIGNER

The perfect mix of urban and western, Sierra Jade has used the skills and talents she learned from her family, high school rodeo career, and online videos to find her home on the Denim & Velvet team.  Her inspiration stems from the world around her, from billboards on the side of the road to art, music, and her artist-filled family.  She enjoys and excels at helping small business owners bring their goals and visions to life, one design at a time. 

BEST CAREER ADVICE?

Be you. No one else can be you.  When you are truly comfortable being yourself, no matter what career path you are chasing after, you will easily find success.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CAREER PATH?

I don’t have a formal education when it comes to art.  However, I have an extremely talented family in all different mediums, and we all teach other new skills and techniques.  I have learned all of the Adobe computer programs via YouTube and Google. 

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE YOU’VE OVERCOME?

It was deciding to let my art be my job.  I had a very secure job in the finance portion of real estate, and when I applied for this position, it was from the push of great friends.  I have always drawn and made art for family and friends, but to have it as my t was a scary change.  I am very thankful that I leaped into it.

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE ON YOUR COMMUNITY?

Just to inspire others. Y ou can live out your dreams no matter where you come from.   Your upbringing and status do not define you.  The work ethic that you have is what will be the most significant driving factor.

CARLIE CONAWAY, WEBSITE DEVELOPER

Home-schooling and rodeo set Carlie up to be a self-starter.  The first person in her family to graduate from college, Carlie has a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a Website Design focus. Carlie’s support system has encouraged her to be diligent and work hard toward her goals; she’s eternally grateful for the lifestyle in which her parents raised her and the core values they have instilled in her along the way.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

Once I am caffeinated and my inbox is clean, I dive into work.  I love having a variety of sites to work on; they are all in different stages, so I keep a fresh mind.  No two days are the same, and that is one thing I love about my job.

WHAT STRENGTHS DO YOU BRING TO THE COMPANY?

Thinking outside the box is my best strength. I am super detail-oriented.  I like to be diverse, innovative, and ahead of the curve. 

HOW DID YOU HONE YOUR SKILLS FOR YOUR POSITION?

Trial and error. I watch a lot of videos and tutorials on new tips and techniques.  I learned so much in school with my degree.  You can’t take your professors with you forever, so I have continued my education online. 

BEST CAREER ADVICE?

Learn from others that are already excelling. Don’t copy them, but learn from them.  They have become successful for a reason and have also crafted skills that make them the best. Pay attention to their mannerisms; even the smallest of things can largely impact you.

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE ON READERS?

Keep faith that you will find that perfect job for you.  One that you love and are excited about every day. 

CASSIDY BOGGS, SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETER

Cassidy paved the way for her career both in and outside of the college classroom; she went to school for rodeo, but it was her Business Administration major that made her fall in love with digital marketing. When she’s not working, she’s still roping on the side—either in her backyard or at a rodeo. 

HOW DID YOU HONE YOUR SKILLS FOR YOUR POSITION?

Research. I believe it is essential to look outside your daily accounts and see what major corporations are doing.  After all, they are successful for a reason.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE THAT YOU’VE OVERCOME?

Knowing when to lay my rope down professionally and getting a job to supplement my income.  When you grow up with a rope in hand, it can be a hard transition. 

BEST CAREER ADVICE?

Do something that you enjoy. When you love what you do, you like to get up and tackle your tasks daily.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOALS?

I want to double the number of clients I am managing and continue to have customers believe in my skills and ability so that they are with us long term.

KAITLYN FISHGRAB, OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Kaitlyn has always been on the move.  Living in seven different states and spending most of her childhood on a Wyoming ranch, she has learned to adapt, accomplish, and tackle each challenge as it comes her way - both in and out of the rodeo arena.  She is continuing to pursue her career goals and is currently completing her business degree at Tarleton State University.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

My biggest inspiration would have to be any strong woman that has stood for what she believed in.  I love an excellent Boss Babe story. I strive to be a strong woman for my nieces to look up to.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE YOU’VE OVERCOME?

It’s probably my own self-doubt.  I am definitely my own worst enemy. 

WHAT IS SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I lived in Alaska for 6 months in the winter—the worst winter of my life!

BEST CAREER ADVICE?

Do something that you enjoy.  When you love what you do, you like to get up and tackle your tasks daily.

AVERY SHIFFLETT, GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Avery was born and raised in Weatherford, Texas and will graduate from Texas Tech University in the spring of 2021. She found her passion in her freshman year of college after she took her first graphic design class, and the rest is history. She loves listening to music, watching her favorite movies with her pup and letting her creative juices flow, that’s where she does her best work. Avery has an amazing family that supports her through everything she does, she says, "I have no idea where I’d be today without them."

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY IN YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE?

Each day I get the pleasure of doing what I love best, expressing my creativity. I spend my day making digital illustrations on my iPad, and turning those pieces of art into logos or graphics for Denim and Velvet’s wonderful customers. I also communicate with our customers by phone or email, talking about ways that I can capture the ideas they have for their artwork. Although I have just started, I have quickly found out that I work alongside strong, amazing women who lift one another up so that each of us can be the best of our ability. 

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

Being the best version of myself is what motivates me. I like working hard to achieve personal goals for myself, I have always loved the saying or quote “you’re your own biggest fan” and I think about it every day! 

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CAREER PATH?

I have been a creative person for as long as I can remember, I knew I always wanted to do something that allowed me to play with bright colors and create something meaningful out of it! Helping people start or revamp their dream business through a logo or graphic is something I pride myself on and I love watching how far their dreams take them. 

BEST CAREER ADVICE?

Kindness and a good work ethic go a long way! I’m a firm believer in kindness over anything and that includes a professional setting. You can’t get anywhere in life if you aren’t kind to the people around you and aren’t willing to work for your goals.