WWOM: Ladies of Double D

Creative Director, Cheryl McMullen gives us a little insight into the dynamics of DDR and how it began.

Well, let’s see… Texas born and raised. Grew up in South Texas, Matagorda County. We started Double D Ranch, almost by accident, back in 1989; we never expected it to be the lifelong endeavor it’s become, but here we are celebrating our 30th anniversary. We’re a women-led, family-owned business; I’m the oldest, Audrey’s the baby. Our middle sister Hedy works with us, too, she handles productions and is the liaison to the different folks who manufacture our designs. And Nana, our mother Margie, she kind of oversees the whole ordeal (and it is an ordeal most days!) and keeps us on track, our heads in the right place, and our faith in God.

 

WesternWomen.com sat down with the ladies to ask them a couple of questions.

 

Cheryl McMullen, Creative Director

How do you define your style?

Cheryl: I have always had a problem with defining DDR’s look.  A marketing person asked us to define it in one word and the only thing we could agree on was “daring”.  Yes, the gals that wear DDR are daring, but they are also strong women, women who love history and the western lifestyle with a little – no, a lotta — rock and roll mixed in.  Our stylist on our photoshoots describes us as “Ralph Lauren on crack.”

 

How did you first get involved with the Western Lifestyle?

Cheryl: We pretty much grew up in and around [the Western lifestyle].  We’re from Texas with ancestors going all the way back to pre-revolution. We grew up on dirt tracks racing quarter horses and, if we were lucky, in Ruidoso, New Mexico. We were involved in agriculture and 4H. It is just a part of who we are.  We didn’t get “involved” nor did we “evolve” – we just are.

 

What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

Cheryl: When faced with the choice between paying the light bills or buying the turquoise, ALWAYS buy the turquoise.

 

What do you count as your greatest achievement?

Cheryl: My children, Jack and Sam. I’m so proud of them and the men they’ve become. Jack works with us at DDR and Sam is an accountant up in Fort Worth.

 

What is your favorite part about the Western Lifestyle?

Cheryl: I love the romance and the history of the American West.

 

What advice or words of encouragement would you give to other Western Women?

Cheryl: Genuinely be yourself, don’t take no for an answer, and keep God and your family at the top of your priority list.

 

What do you do to unwind?

Cheryl: Unwind?  What is that?

 

What is a moment you’ll remember forever?

Cheryl: The birth of my children.

 

 

Audrey Franz, CEO

How do you define your style?

Audrey: I like classic styles with a punch of flavor! Turquoise, a great leather jacket, fabulous boots.

 

How did you first get involved with the Western Lifestyle?

Audrey: I think we just grew up around it. We were western lifestyle kids and we were blessed with parents that put us in the car every weekend to see something new.

 

What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

Audrey: Stay the course, don’t quit.

 

What do you count as your greatest achievement?

Audrey: Well, I’m not sure I classify anything as my achievement. I think all the great things in my life are blessings.

 

What is your favorite part about the Western Lifestyle?

Audrey: Unknown adventure.

 

What advice or words of encouragement would you give to other Western Women?

Audrey: Hang onto your hat, it’s gonna be a wild ride!

 

What do you do to unwind?

Audrey: I love to spend time with my boys. Sports, watching movies, theater, anything that involves them is great downtime for me.

 

What is a moment you’ll remember forever?

Audrey: There are a lot of moments I’ll never forget, but I’m not sure they’re suitable for print!

Comments 2

  1. I so relate and adore your lives and creations.’ I too am obsessed with the History of the West

    However the treatment of rounding up animals to be killed or put in pens goes hugely against my heart though
    I remain a western loving animal activist that adores anything from your collections. They are
    beyond real, pure and truly old western. wish i could afford and fit in a little more. But oh well
    the hats, turquoise and boots are to die for.
    All my love to a terrific family and company, always, Nina Lerner

  2. These women are extremely successful by business standards however in all their own words their greatest blessings are God and family and the every day adventures of life in a Western kinda way!
    Inspired by their history imparted in their
    Unique clothing I too live and wear my turquoise as I would a great pair of boots daily .. add some well worn blue jeans a great hat and the wearable art of a fringed jacket,, and I know it’s gonna be a beautiful
    Day!!! Thank you Ladies for your hard work and giving me a spotlight to stand in if only in my own mind!!

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