Winner of BEST HAT at Ripon Races Ladies Day 2023
Designer - Creator - Crafter
Fulfilling a life-long desire to make
I have dreamt of become a milliner since my early school days. Constructing my first proper "hat" as part of my art GCSE, but producing woven daisy-chain crowns & intricate ivy tiaras long before that!
I have always had a creative energy & love to craft; discovering a natural 'flair' for millinery while I was young. I still love to accessorize & customise; preferring an individual style, to a mass-produced following of highstreet trends.
From humble beginnings as a Saturday girl in the tiniest of hat shops' in the centre of Oxford, my desire to one day run my own business, began to grow.
Pursuing my dream, I moved up to Carlisle, studying at Cumbria College of Art & Design & achieving a BA Hons in 'Design Crafts', specialising in millinery.
A work placement within a larger London-based atelier gave me an insight into the mass-market & high-end millinery departments ...seeing my work for sale in Harrods was quite a thrill!
I then accepted a job as manager & 'in-house' milliner at an established hat shop in Harrogate for many years.
Assisting numerous Mothers' of the Bride & Groom, wedding guests, race-goers & Royal party attendees find their perfect headwear from the in-store collection. The opportunity to start afresh came with the birth of our first daughter in 2009. Shortly after the HARROGATE HATTER label was established.
Now working from my home-studio, just five minutes from the centre of beautiful Harrogate.
I am able to share my millinery passion & have a ever-growing number of clientele, with many returning year-on-year.
When I'm not working on my current commission or meeting with clients, I'm busy being "Mum". I also love to bake, sew, crochet & try my hand at ANY craft.
I enjoy spending time outside; either pottering around our garden, exploring the local area or volunteering at the local Community Garden. This provides an opportunity for me to indulge my passion for flora photography, finding inspiration in the macro photos I take.
(Above) My own photographs , capturing colours & textures within the garden.
To discuss your millinery requirements & for my undivided attention, it is best to arrange a convenient time to pop-by for a chat - CONTACT