By Britney Grover
Portraits by Melissa Fuller
Tea Zegarac and Shannon Klepper have much in common as mothers in the equestrian world, though their daughters competed in different sports in Wellington, Florida. Shannon supported her daughter, Annelise, both in the dressage ring and in creating the successful dressage-wear company Annie’s Equestrienne Apparel 12 years ago.
Tea’s introduction to the horse world came through her daughter, who pursued the hunter-jumper side of the sport. Tea met Shannon in Wellington, Florida, where Shannon lives and not far from Tea’s home in Manalapan, and Tea joined Shannon as business partners for Annie’s before the two created their namesake TESH luxury sunhat brand. Their “bespoke hat lounge” is now open in Palm Beach, offering fittings and custom embellishments for an experience as personal and unforgettable as each individual’s equestrian journey.
How did you become part of the horse world?
Shannon: Horses have been woven into my life since I was a child. Growing up in rural Ohio, I spent countless hours riding bareback in the fields around my home. Those simple, wholesome moments on horseback became a profound source of healing and joy. Horses have a way of becoming part of your soul—they never truly leave you. I passed that love on to my daughter, Annelise, who pursued dressage and eventually competed at the FEI level in Wellington. Together, we built a life within the equestrian world that has been both professionally and personally transformative. It was at a WEF event that I met my dear friend and business partner, Tea. At 53, it’s a joy to know what I understood as a 5-year-old: Horses will always be central to my life.
Tea: My journey into the horse world began when my daughter Tea started competing on the hunter-jumper circuit in Wellington. As a mother, I wanted to support her through the highs and lows of navigating such an elite sport. I immersed myself in learning everything I could to be there for her. Watching her build trust and partnership with her horses was both nerve-wracking and inspiring—it’s a breathtakingly beautiful aspect of the sport. The grace and aesthetic of equestrianism resonate deeply with me and have inspired so much of what Shannon and I have created together. I think it’s telling that the horse motif is reflected time and again in art, fashion and design, making it a natural foundation for our brand.
You have two companies that cater to the equestrian world. Tell us how you started them and their roles in the horse world.
Shannon: My daughter and I started Annie’s Equestrienne Apparel 12 years ago to create schooling and competition wear. Dressage is often seen as conservative, but we wanted to inject personality into the equestrian wardrobe while still offering classic staples. Seeing riders in the arena wearing Annie’s jackets fills me with pride—it’s a tangible reminder of the community we’ve built. Tea came on board as co-owner a couple of years ago. I’m grateful our close friendship also works so well as a business partnership—I know that isn’t always the case!
TESH, our luxury sunhat brand, began during those long hours ringside in the Florida sun. I wanted a hat that combined functionality with unique, stylish embellishments. After customizing my own hats, I received so many requests that I realized we were on to something special. At its core, TESH is about blending artistry with purpose. Each hat reflects the spirit of the equestrian lifestyle while honoring our commitment to quality and individuality.
Tea: Before the pandemic, I lived in New York City and fell in love with the fashion district, especially its charming boutiques offering endless trims, fabrics and embellishments. I could spend hours exploring stores specializing in feathers, beads or ribbons. That creative abundance inspired the vision for TESH. Shannon and I have traveled the world to hand-select materials for our hats, ensuring each piece is meaningful and meticulously crafted. In a world dominated by fast fashion, we prioritize intentionality and craftsmanship. TESH is about rekindling that sense of personal connection and artistry in every detail.
What great things have happened because of your business?
Shannon: The best part of my day is meeting the incredible people who walk through our store. Tea and I poured so much of ourselves into this brand, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see people resonate with our vision. Building connections with clients is not only fun but also deeply fulfilling—it’s a constant reminder that we’re creating something meaningful.
Tea: As an advocate for ocean preservation, I’m proud of the sustainability practices woven into TESH’s DNA. From the growth of the toquilla straw to the artisan weaving process, every step of our production reflects our commitment to the planet. Knowing that our brand has a positive impact on both people and the environment means everything to me.
What are your goals for yourself and your business?
Tea: We’d love to open more locations eventually, but we’re taking things slow. Preserving the personal, experiential nature of our brand is a priority. We genuinely enjoy being in the store, collaborating with clients and curating each design. It’s a special process, and we want to honor that.
What’s the best thing about your life?
Both: Our people.
What’s the best-kept secret about what you do?
Shannon: Creating TESH reminds me of advice Annelise often heard in her dressage lessons: “Make it look effortless.” Like a rider managing countless technical elements while appearing poised, we work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep things seamless for our clients.
Though TESH is a luxury brand, Tea and I are very hands-on. We’re in the store daily, answering emails and handling the intricate details of the business. It’s a labor of love, and that personal touch is what sets us apart.
Tea: I couldn’t agree more. TESH is not a faceless corporation—it’s Tea and Shannon. Every hat, every decision reflects our passion and dedication. It’s this authenticity that makes TESH what it is.
What advice would you give to other women considering entering the world of fashion or
business?
Shannon: When we were preparing to open the store, construction delays kept pushing back our timeline. One day, I decided enough was enough—I tore the paper off the windows and announced, “We’re open.” The truth is, you’ll never feel completely ready or safe when starting something new. Embrace the uncertainty, take a deep breath and go for it anyway.
For more information, visit teshpalmbeach.com or follow @tesh.palmbeach on social media
