Though she didn’t grow up on a ranch, the Western lifestyle has been woven into the story of Cowgirls & Cocktails founder Lexi Hoagland from the very beginning. Raised in the suburbs of Denver, Colo., the morals, values, culture, and work ethic of the Western industry was always instilled in her—even if she didn’t fully recognize them at the time.
After college, she moved to Texas and landed in the world of construction sales and business development in Dallas. She thrived professionally, finding abundant opportunities to connect and grow through industry networking groups, especially those focused on women and young professionals. But while she loved the work, it quickly became clear she wasn’t in quite the right place.
“I loved that career, but I was showing up on job sites with pink coats and Dolly Parton stickers on my hard hat. It was very evident that I wasn’t meant to be there,” recalls Hoagland. “Being in Dallas, though, I felt like I was spending all of my free time in Fort Worth, and I just gravitated towards Fort Worth and the Western industry. I latched on to not only the romance of it, but also to the morals and values that felt so similar to how my family had raised me. I knew I had to be a part of it because it was like home for me.”
These Boots are Made for Talking
She began building her network, which led to an opportunity at National Roper’s Supply (NRS) and eventually opened the door to her role as Director of Business Development, Sales and Partnerships at Lane Boots, and now her position with Double D Ranch as the Brand Partnerships & Activations Lead.
While at NRS, she found herself eager to connect with other professionals in the Western industry, but noticed there weren’t many spaces designed for that kind of networking. That realization led her to launch Cowgirls & Cocktails in 2022, with the simple goal of creating a welcoming community where women across the industry could come together, support one another, and grow.
“I remember asking my boss if there were any groups I could join to meet others in this space,” she recalls. “I was brand new and eager to learn, but I didn’t know many people and was unsure how to naturally insert myself into that. I decided I wanted to create something that gave everybody a place. I have planned events ever since I was in high school. I’ve always loved creating a space where I can host, bring people together, and build excitement in an environment where everyone can truly just have fun. I didn’t care if you were a fifth-generation rancher or you had seen our industry on Yellowstone and wanted to be a part of it, I wanted everyone to feel like they were included.”
What started as a monthly happy hour has evolved into a series of well-attended events throughout the year in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, regularly drawing 60 to 80 women, and even expanding to include a gathering during the 2024 National Finals Rodeo.
“It’s exceeded any of my expectations, and it’s been so cool to see how beneficial it is for women in our industry who feel like they maybe don’t belong,” says Hoagland. “It’s been incredible to watch this community grow, but the mission remains the same: to make sure every woman knows she has a seat at the table. We’re here to build a longer table—not a taller fence—for women in Western and agriculture.”
Cowgirls Go West
Due to the growing popularity of Cowgirls & Cocktails, a chapter was recently launched in West Texas, marking the first official expansion outside of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Among the many who have found value in the community are Hannah Figg and Tyler Schuster, two women who previously attended the DFW chapter and were inspired to help bring that same sense of connection and experience to the Texas Panhandle.
“I hit it off with a bunch of the girls and I just loved the environment,” recalls Figg. “I was looking at moving back West, so I approached Lexi, who had previously mentioned the idea of starting some other chapters, and asked if it was something that she would be open to. She trusted me to start another group in West Texas, and since then we have had about a year’s worth of events. If you’re considering attending for the first time, I would recommend that after you leave, follow the girls you meet on social media, so the next time you see them you know what’s going on and they’re also seeing what you have going on. It’s very helpful.”
Schuster couldn’t agree more.
“I have met countless friends, acquaintances, and mentors that I would have never gotten to know if Lexi hadn’t provided this space,” she says. “The beauty of Cowgirls & Cocktails is all of these people want to meet people, so walking up to them and introducing yourself is no big deal—it’s expected.
“I think the most impactful thing I got from Cowgirls & Cocktails was a three month mentorship program last spring. I signed up to be a mentee and get a mentor,” she continues. “Lexi hand-selected everyone’s mentor and mentee based on who she thought would be a great fit—which is a testament to what a great hostess she is, because she knew people’s personalities well enough to put them together. For me, that was instrumental, because it encouraged me to take that first step into consulting. I’m just so inspired by the people I meet there.”
Hoagland feels passionately that lives are meant to be built in community.
“We’re so much better when we work together versus alone,” she says. “I feel more successful because of the community I’ve been able to surround myself with, and I feel more empowered because of them. I think that’s important for every woman to feel and experience.”
Stay up to date with all Cowgirls & Cocktails events by following the organization on Instagram @cowgirlsandcocktails_.
This article about Cowgirls & Cocktails appeared in the October 2025 issue of Western Life Today magazine. Click here to subscribe!
