“I often say I started Dakota Darling Furs on a prayer and a dime,” said entrepreneur Vanessa Barkl. “In those early years, I worked day and night learning as I went, figuring out how to grow the business.”
In 2017, the company was launched as a women’s clothing store near Arlington. By 2020, Barkl bought a trailer, built it up, and began traveling within the state and beyond, sometimes across the Midwest.
At one point, the traveling and online-only boutique was doing as many as 22 shows in a year, meaning more than two months were spent on the road.
“There were plenty of long days and miles on the odometer, but those years played such a big part in growing Dakota Darling and shaping the business into what it is today,” she added.
The business continued to grow, and Barkl felt pulled toward making the brand more authentic and true her passion—natural fur. Barkl grew up on her family’s mink ranch, so fur has been a continuous part of her life, along with having a consistent adoration for western style.
“I’ve always loved genuine fur, not only for its beauty and warmth,” she said, “but also for its longevity and place in sustainable fashion.”
She continued to expand the selection and began manufacturing exclusive Dakota Darling designs. Each step of the business for Barkl was carefully calculated.
“From the beginning I’ve been intentional about growing Dakota Darling at a pace we could handle, and I’m proud we’ve been able to remain debt-free throughout it all,” added Barkl.
“I Still get excited about a beautiful coat, a new design, or finding something i know our customers are going to love.”
Vanessa Barkl
AN INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE
Dakota Darling Furs has shipped all over the United States and around the world, with a community of customers and supporters who continue to follow along for new styles and updates at @dakotadarlingfurs on Instagram and /shopdakotadarling on Facebook.
Intentional growth and purposefully-sourced furs from trusted industry partners both go hand-in-hand for Barkl. She has consistently led with a strong focus on quality.
“Nearly all mink are ranch-raised, and North American mink are recognized worldwide for their exceptional quality,” said Barkl. “A beautiful, healthy pelt reflects excellent nutrition, clean living conditions, and attentive care throughout the animal’s life.”
Fox fur is raised or responsibly trapped, while beaver, coyote, lynx, bobcat, and raccoon are typically caught in the wild through regulated trapping.
“I have great appreciation for the trapping community and the important role it plays in wildlife management, conservation, and maintaining healthy animal populations,” clarified Barkl. “Whether a fur is ranch-raised or wild-caught, I carefully consider its quality, condition, and source before selecting.”
Investing in natural materials that aren’t meant to be disposable or replaced every other season is what her brand is all about. Furs bring a combination of texture, timeless personality, and warmth other materials struggle to replicate, says Barkl. With proper care, pieces can remain wearable and beautiful for decades.
Barkl recommends professional fur cleaning and clients paying attention to anything needing extra care or restoration.
“They can often be repaired, restyled, and eventually passed down to the next generation, giving it a life far beyond a single season or trend,” she added.
Proper storage is also vital. Giving garments plenty of room to breathe in a cool, dark place on a sturdy, broad-shouldered hanger helps provide the proper air circulation needed to keep the piece from getting compressed or damaged.
“Luxury doesn’t have to mean something that sits in a closet waiting for a special occasion. it can be beautiful, practical, and made to be worn and enjoyed for years.”
Vanessa Barkl
Along with proper storage, personal style must be considered when adding a fur statement piece to a wardrobe. Barkl says it’s a fun way to express who you are, and fur doesn’t have to fit into one particular look.
Her pieces are just as at home with jeans, boots, and a cowboy hat as they are dressed up for Christmas Eve, a winter wedding, or a night out.
“The same coat can feel classic and timeless on one woman, western on another, or bold and glamorous, depending on how she chooses to wear it,” she said. “There really are no rules.”
While mink remains her all-time top choice, her favorite styles and furs range.
“My absolute favorite is a mahogany mink coat I designed in 2014 during a trip to New York City with my parents,” revealed Barkl. “I’m really drawn to plush fox coats, and believe every woman looks amazing in a dark mink.”
She also mentions a beloved skunk jacket that’s neutral, wearable, fun, and odorless.
Dakota Darling doesn’t just have coats—hats, vests, stoles, capes, and more are all available.
“Our genuine fur hats and accessories make beautiful gifts, too, bringing a little Dakota Darling warmth to a winter wardrobe,” she said. “With easy online shopping and fast shipping, we make it simple to give something special this Christmas.”
After losing her dad in 2019, finding her way back to the world of fur was a special, nostalgic process that felt like coming home.
“Dakota Darling is completely my own, but there’s also a piece of my dad and my upbringing woven into what I’m doing today, and that means more to me than I can really put into words,” said Barkl.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT DAKOTADARLING.COM+
