TraylorTrash: The New Tulane Tradition
Tulane students either know her, know her hats, or have seen one at football games in the fall or during Mardi Gras. From the “80k for this?!” hats that always make a cameo on Parents' Weekend to the unapologetically iconic “It won’t suck itself” designs that dominate Crawfest this year and every year before, TraylorTrash has made its mark on this campus — and then some.
Started by Taylor Golshan, it has an origin story we didn’t know we needed. A birthday present to a friend, which quickly spiraled into a full-blown brand. “I made a custom hat for one of my friends on Etsy, and she loved it,” says Taylor. “Like, really loved it. The kind of love where she didn’t just wear it once — she wore it all the time. That reaction stuck with me.” As someone who’s always loved giving personal gifts, Taylor found herself spiraling down a rabbit hole of DIY tools until she landed on a Cricut machine (her partner in crime). From there, she was hooked. She made hats for family and friends, and with all the hype (and let’s be real — demand), she opened it up to the public.
TraylorTrash was never meant to be just about hats. It’s about attitude. “I always felt like TraylorTrash is about adding personality to your outfit. It’s about standing out, being bold, and letting your outfit speak before you do,” says Taylor.
Her hats are conversation starters. Their statements are like billboards. They’re the piece that turns your outfit from chill to unforgettable — which is kind of the point.
If there’s one thing Taylor believes in, it’s the power of accessories.
“They’re what make your outfit yours,” she explains. “Clothes are cool, but accessories? Accessories are the pieces that say who you are.”
And when it comes to her hats, that personality shines through.
The best part about running TraylorTrash? The seasonal shift.
Tulane is a school of events — Halloween, Mardi Gras, Crawfest, you name it — and Taylor leans into every single one.
@alix_earle during Parents Weekend 24’
“Holidays like Crawfest are amazing because I get to design pre-made hats that people already know they want. For Halloween, people love custom designs because they want their hats to match their costumes. And Mardi Gras? I just go full color explosion and let the hats speak for themselves.”
The brand thrives on seasonal moments. She switches up colors, catches onto phrases that are trending or relatable to the wearer, and curates drops that feel so specific to the vibe of the moment.
You don’t wear a Crawfest hat just anywhere — you wear it to Crawfest. It’s like an unspoken rule now. Thanks, Taylor :)
Other fan faves? The custom “If lost, return to…” hats, especially in big friend groups. “It’s honestly the cutest thing seeing a whole group of girls walking around matching. It’s like summer camp, but with beer and body glitter.”
Crawfest and Parents' Weekend are her busiest times of the year, but it’s not just about the sales. It’s about people bonding over a look or even a conversation starter. “It’s wild how one phrase on a hat can bring people together — and make them laugh, too.”
If TraylorTrash had a Super Bowl, it would be Crawfest. “Crawfest is hands down my biggest event of the year. I’ve already started making hats — it takes time when you’re doing 200 by yourself,” she says.
Tulane continues to invite her back every year, and to Taylor, that’s everything. “No matter where TraylorTrash goes, I’ll always come back for Crawfest. It’s tradition now. There’s no TraylorTrash without Crawfest.”
Running a brand while being a full-time student is no joke — being a senior at Tulane and an entrepreneur makes the brand even more special. “People don’t see the late nights, the trial and error, or the fact that I basically live next to my Cricut. But every time I see someone wearing a TraylorTrash hat on campus, it’s worth it. Every. Single. Time.”
Taylor’s business management major at the Freeman School of Business helped her more than she expected. From sales to negotiations to figuring out how to lead herself through the madness, she’s applied everything she’s learned in class directly to her brand.
Her marketing strategy? “Word of mouth. Hands down.” The hats literally advertise themselves. “Instagram is fun, but my best marketing comes from people seeing the hats out in the wild. They’re walking billboards.”
And she’s not afraid of the grind. “Tabling at events changed the game. Once people can try them on, laugh, and see the designs up close, they’re hooked.”
Taylor’s style? “It took me a while to figure out. But now I lean into bold colors, chaotic patterns, and this grungy-meets-glitter vibe. Fashion is how I say who I am when I don’t feel like explaining it.”
Her go-to accessory? Face gems. “Call it unhinged, but when I’m not wearing them, I don’t feel like me. They’re just such a fun way to pull a look together.”
Favorite trend? “Polka dots and stars. Polka dots for the playful version of me, stars for the edgier side. Depends on the day.”
So what’s next??
Post-grad plans are already in motion. “I’m talking to investors right now to scale the brand, but even if that doesn’t happen, TraylorTrash isn’t going anywhere. I’ll come back to Crawfest every year. And I’ve got younger friends who are ready to take over once I graduate — it’s giving legacy.”
TraylorTrash isn’t just a brand. It’s a moment. A personality. A Tulane tradition. And whether she’s tabling on the quad or selling out at Crawfest, Taylor’s making sure no outfit goes unnoticed — one hat at a time.
DM for custom hat $25 @youaretraylortrash
