COWGIRL STORIES: Hayley Chavez

May 2

Written By Kirah King

JOURNAL

The California Cowgirl & Interior Designer

Hayley in our 1991 Sunday boots in Chocolate suede

Meet Hayley Chavez

Introducing OUR next cowgirl of our cowgirl series Hayley Chavez. An interior designer, mother, and Creative rooted in California, Hayley is drawn to the quiet, in-between moments— slow mornings, foraged branches, the sound of hooves on dirt, and spaces that invite you to breathe.

About Hayley:

From an early age, Hayley Chavez was immersed in the world of design. As the daughter of an architectural designer, she spent her childhood walking job sites, absorbing the intricacies of craftsmanship, and developing a deep appreciation for the details that turn a house into a home.

Her career began in construction, where she honed invaluable skills—mastering project management, budgeting, procurement, and team leadership. But her true passion always lay in the artistry of interior design. After years of working behind the scenes in the building industry, she took a leap of faith, channeling her expertise into transforming spaces with both beauty and function. In 2020, Her interior design studio, HLC Studio, was born.

When she’s not designing, Hayley finds inspiration in California’s landscapes, horseback riding, wine country escapes, time with her family, and travels to the Pacific Northwest and East Coast—each experience enriching her love for curated, lived-in luxury.

About Hlc Studio:

Hayley runs an interior design studio called HLC STUDIO — based out of california and idaho — HLC focuses on creating timeless, lived-in homes inspired by European craftsmanship and the natural warmth of the American West. they work with clients across the country to design spaces that feel rooted, intentional, and deeply personal that reflect a way of life of balance, sophistication and comfort.

On top of her design studio Hayley has a storefront in Clovis, california where she curates old and new furnishings and decor.

How does being a cowgirl inspire your design?

This lifestyle has shaped the way I see the world and the way I design. While I am still learning, it’s taught me to value simplicity, authenticity, and things that stand the test of time.

I’m drawn to natural materials that carry character — aged wood, sun-washed linens, the patina that only comes from use and love.

There’s a quiet beauty in the imperfect, the worn-in, the well-loved — and that’s what I try to bring into every space I create — Homes that feel lived in and lasting. Spaces that feel like a deep breath.

Much like time in the saddle, good design is about presence, intuition, and creating something that feels honest and enduring.

Hayley wearing our 1991 Sunday boots in chocolate suede

Tell us your story: how did you get into the lifestyle, what do you love about it?

I’ve been riding since I was young. Horses have always been part of my life—not just as a hobby, but as a quiet refuge. There’s something about being in the saddle that shifts everything. The noise of the world fades.

What I love most about this lifestyle is how it brings me back to myself. It grounds me. It teaches presence, patience, and how to move through life with intention. Whether I’m out riding or just spending time at the barn, it offers a kind of mental clarity I rarely find anywhere else.

It’s not just part of my routine, it’s a way of resetting, reconnecting, and remembering what matters.

What does being a cowgirl mean to you?

To me, being a cowgirl means resilience softened by grace. It’s the art of knowing when to stand your ground and when to move with the wind. It’s dirt under your nails, a braid over your shoulder, and a quiet kind of confidence. It’s about living with intention, working with your hands, and having reverence for the life you’re building.

“Being a cowgirl means resilience softened by grace. It’s the art of knowing when to stand your ground and when to move with the wind. It’s dirt under your nails, a braid over your shoulder, and a quiet kind of confidence.”

— Hayley chavez

What advice do you have for cowgirls?

Don’t be afraid to build a life that looks different. One that is rooted in what truly matters.

There’s a quiet kind of strength in choosing presence over perfection, in honoring rhythm over rush. The world may try to pull you in a hundred directions—come back to what grounds you.

Where can we support you and buy your products?

We have a small brick-and-mortar shop located in clovis, cAlifornia, where we offer a curated selection of timeless pieces for the home—things we truly love and live with ourselves.

An online shop is also coming soon for those who aren’t local but want to bring a bit of our aesthetic into their own spaces.

in the meantime, we offer full-service interior design for clients across the country. you can learn more or inquire through our website: https://www.hlcstudio.com