Bobbi Jeen Olson: Wonder Woman of the West

While flipping through worn pages of a superhero comic book, a Wonder Woman quote, wedged between colorful illustrations caught my eye.

“Because no matter how small an act of kindness, or generosity, or simple positivity you put out into the world, it will make a difference.”

While Wonder Woman may be a fictional character, this quote reigns true amongst the many influential women in the western community. One-of-a-kind cowgirls that have influenced and elevated their communities through volunteerism, activism, art, rodeo prowess, and so much more. Women who have gone above and beyond to contribute to the western lifestyle we love and cherish. While Wonder Woman might sport a magic sword and shield, at Cowboy Lifestyle Network, our western superheroes are sporting cowboy hats and boots. In this month’s Western Industry Women highlight, CLN would like to introduce you to the “The Arizona Cowgirl,” the Wild West’s very own Wonder Woman, Bobbi Jeen Olson.

A true ambassador to the western lifestyle, Bobbi Jeen Olson has been a forerunner in the world of western film, stunt acting, fashion, television hosting, modeling, and more. No doubt a Jack-of-All-Trades, Bobbi Jeen has used her success and platform as a means to actively promote faith, family, and the western lifestyle that is so special to her and her community. With such a dedication to her community, Bobbi Jeen has seen various accolades including the 2018 US Ambassador For the American Cowboy!

Hailing from the Land of Enchantment, beautiful New Mexico, Bobbi Jeen has been a true-blue cowgirl from the start. With a personal connection to the ranching way of life and as an active team roper, Bobbi Jeen honed her horsemanship skills and talents. After becoming a rodeo queen, Bobbi Jeen was discovered by a talent agency and her journey into the world of western film and fashion took flight.

It is through her various endeavors that Bobbi Jeen has made such a positive impact on the western community. A talented horsewoman, Bobbi Jeen has participated in various western films not only as an actress but as a stunt woman! Performing death-defying stunts from horseback is no problem for this fearless cowgirl. Some of Bobbi Jeen’s film credits include, Gunfighters of the West (1998), Deadly Sanctuary (2017), Tales of the Frontier (2012), and Walker, Texas Ranger.

Currently Bobbi Jeen stars on the Cowboy Channel with her husband Jim Olson, Mother Betty Whiteley, and son Rowdy on the family-run television series, Western Trading Post TV. Depicting the day-to-day of the Olson’s very own trading post based out of Casa Grande, Arizona, Western Trading Post TV is full of history, fun, and excitement as it highlights the many Western and Native American collectibles that enter through the trading post’s doors. With a focus on keeping Western & Native American history alive, Western Trading Post TV features artists, historians, and collectors from across the country. Make sure to tune into Western Trading Post TV on the Cowboy Channel!

When asked about the inspiration behind this television series, Bobbi Jeen shared,

“What a blessing it is to have the job of your dreams! First and foremost, I love my family and the Lord. Then acting, modeling, promoting the western lifestyle, inspiring others and surrounding myself with amazing individuals, is next on that list, and that’s what we do on the show. Of course, we do a lot of buying, selling, trading, and auctioning of Western & Native American items so, it’s educational, informative, and inspiring as well! Western Trading Post TV on the Cowboy Channel finished up season 1 with 13 episodes and now we are working on season 2! God is good!”

In addition to her film and television success, Bobbi Jeen is also a professional model and celebrated western fashion icon. Whether she is on the front cover of western magazines such as Western Horse & Gun, or hosting a fashion show at the National Finals Rodeo, Bobbi Jeen’s impact in the world of western fashion has been immense. Bobbi Jeen believes in the preservation of the past to inspire the present and future, when it comes to her love of western fashion, she shares,

“Some believe they started the western craze through blogging and influencing on social media, yet it started way back in the 1800’s with REAL COWGIRLS such as Annie Oakley, Pearl Hart, Calamity Jane, Etta Place, Mabel Strickland Woodward, Tad Lucas, Dale Evans, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Pam Minick, Vicki Christensen, Marguerite Happy…the list goes on! Who dressed and dress to impress yet still can get the job done. Hats off to these amazing cowgirls who are some of my heroes and have inspired and influenced me and my style and the western fashion style of today.”

As an active TV Host, actress, model, stunt double, mother and wife, Bobbi Jeen Olson has made an enormous impact on her community. With such a busy schedule it is hard to imagine Bobbi Jeen could fit anything more! Between filming and other projects, Bobbi Jeen still makes time to mentor the young cowboys and cowgirls in her community. With a heart of gold and smile on her face, Bobbi Jeen has been a mentor to models, rodeo queens, entrepreneurs, and more.

I asked Bobbi Jeen what advice she has for young cowboys and cowgirls,

 “From the heels of your boots, to the Shanks of your spurs, to the buckle around your waist, to the crease in your hat. It always tells the same story. A story of faith, of family, of pride for our country, of individuals coming together as one. Please keep the story alive, live by the “Cowboy Code,” lead by example, keep your faith, love your family, protect our country and always treat others the way you want to be treated.”

I had the pleasure of speaking with Bobbi Jeen Olson, learn more about “The Arizona Cowgirl” in this exclusive interview!

Why is the Western Lifestyle important to you?

“It’s how I grew up. Living it every day, loving it in every way. The Western Lifestyle is a way of life, it’s about faith, family, inspiring others and promoting something I think we all live and love.”

Do you have a motto or favorite quote that inspires you?

“Dream so big that if only half of it comes true, it’s still amazing.”

You have worked with a variety of talented actors, musicians, artists. What have been some of your favorite collaborations, jobs, projects?

“I don’t take any opportunity or experience for granted, they all have meant something very special to me. Working with Chuck Norris on Walker Texas Ranger and seeing how he treated everyone with kindness, respect and gratitude. These are some of the things I learned from him, and still live by today;

“Stay humble, always! You might think you are better than someone else, you might think you deserve more than someone else, but truth is we are all the same. We all struggle at times. Don’t tear others down to make yourself feel better. Treat others the way you want to be treated.””

“I had the honor of working with many of the top western designers throughout the years and that was a true blessing. These last 4 years have become more exclusive with Western Trading Post and Wild Instincts. The incredible things we have done together have been a models dream! Doing fashion shows all over the country has also been a wonderful experience. Bringing “Western Fashion” to many of the runways and letting the audience see how fabulous, classy, elegant it can be has been awesome! Working with some of the BEST western artists and photographers in the country! Those are memories and experiences I will cherish forever and will forever be grateful for each and every one of them. The magazine covers, the bronzes, the paintings, the ads, the books, it seems unreal. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart of believing in me.”

Who are some of your greatest inspirations?

“The Lord (I talk to him a lot.) My family (they’ve supported me through even the craziest of times and my Rowdy J seems to get my creative side for sure!) Many of the old time, real cowgirls and cowgirls of today that put their faith, and family first. They lead by example, do it with class, style and seem to always treat others the way they want to be treated. Dolly Parton (was so inspired by her story and the fact she came from nothing as well. It helped me to believe that with hard work, time and dedication maybe one day I could live the life of my dreams!)”

As a stuntwoman, what have been some of your favorite stunt experiences?

“Hmmm… Robbing an armored stagecoach, horseback (Hot Bath An’ A Stiff Drink 2.) Or maybe robbing and blowing up a bank (Gunfighters of the Southwest as Etta Place.) Or maybe rearing my horse and shooting up a town (The Ultimate Gunfighter.) Or maybe fleeing horseback from a band of Hostile Indians (Stolen Women.) Or maybe riding with a runaway team (Walker Texas Ranger.) Or maybe dancing with a drunk Woody Harrelson (Hi-Lo Country) lol!”

Cowboy Lifestyle Network is honored to feature Bobbi Jeen Olson as this month’s Western Industry Women Highlight. Make sure to follow Bobbi Jeen’s journey at her Website, Instagram, and at Western Trading Post!

In her parting words, Bobbi Jeen encourages us all to,

“BElieve THEre is GOOD in the World.” – Be the Good