There’s a new look at the former outlet mall in Kimball Junction. In addition to rebranding as Junction Commons, the shopping destination is migrating away from the outlet concept to engage a wider variety of retailers and shoppers. One of the newest brands to join the mix is Layton-based JC Hats & Belts, which has opened JC Country. The business has been a regular fixture at Park Silly Sunday Market for years and decided to open a store in Park City last winter and continue their presence at the popular local event.

Who is the JC behind JC Hats & Belts and JC Country? Jasmin Correa, a third-generation leather artist who never thought she’d end up in the family business, is the proprietor. Correa studied political science to become a lawyer, but fate had other plans.

Correa grew up in Southern California with an entrepreneurial mother from whom she continues to draw inspiration. Her mother’s father was a leathersmith in Mexico and made beautifully handcrafted handbags and wallets. Jasmine grew up helping with the family leather business at swap meets and flea markets. But then she fell in love with a Utah boy and left the sunny shores of California.

JC Hats & Belts was born when Correa decided to rent a booth at the Fourth of July fair in Ogden. She asked her parents to come out and bring some of their inventory to see if there was demand. The hats and belts were an instant success, demonstrating a real need for affordable, high-quality Western accessories in northern Utah.

After several years of local fairs and festivals, JC Hats & Belts opened a retail store and after a bit of trial and error, landed in their current location at Layton Hills Mall. Based on the success of her time at Silly Market, Correa had a Park City store on her radar. When Junction Commons moved away from the outlet format, Correa knew it was time to open a second store, JC Country. 

Most of the company’s products are still designed in Utah and manufactured in Mexico. “I’ll put the quality of our products up against any of our competitors,” says Correa. It’s the number one thing that drives her business and creates repeat customers, she explains. Boots also have been added to their shelves based on customer demand. The combination of good quality and reasonable prices appeals to Utah ranchers as well as Park City locals and tourists, she says.

With the expansion of the business, the team has grown as well. Correa’s husband left his full-time job to join her, and their three kids will grow up helping their parents just as she did. Her dream is to eventually have up to five stores and be profitable enough to start a philanthropic arm of the business. 

The first step is getting the word out about the new Park City location and building local clientele beyond her Silly Market regulars. They are also dipping a toe into e-commerce with an online store at jchatsandbelts.com. But to truly understand the value of their products, you must experience the quality in person. “It’s vital that neither quality nor affordability is compromised in our product line,” says Correa. 

JC Country is located at the eastern end of the lower level at Junction Commons, next to Ulta. In addition to browsing during store hours, customers can book one-on-one sessions and private parties for up to eight people. Take part in the design and see how hats are branded and burned. It’s a unique experience that results in an amazing hat to wear for years to come. jchatsandbelts.com