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SoHo. The hats immediately sold out. After a few more successful pop-ups, she quit her corporate job and opened a small shop with her aunt as a partner.
Increasing one’s expertise is a vital part
of building a millinery business. Remaining open to education and new ideas in the field, perhaps taking classes in person or online could further your knowledge. Several respondents said they would have liked to have enrolled in courses when starting out but there was nothing available at that time. They learned through books or by trial and error.
Judy Bentinck studied with Rose Cory. She says she had no intention of becoming a milliner when taking her first lessons but immediately was hooked. She also took courses under Jane Smith and Carole Maher, and later interned with Philip Treacy and Rachel Skinner. These internships not only added to her skills base; they also gave her insight into different aspects of the business.
Block maker Darryll Osborne said he learned ‘on the job’, never saying no, and then working out how to make the shape. He also purchased old blocks, studying them to gain practical knowledge.
things like drawing, building collections, and principles of design.
what I was hoping to do, they could only offer staid advice that did not fit my goals. Angie agrees that even when enrolled in a small business programme, it did not have advisors for the field of millinery. Consider contacting others working
in millinery-related areas. Ask them your most gnawing questions. They might be willing to share their own experiences. Of course, your chosen path will differ, but the struggles are the same the world around. Be honest in your conversation. You are walking a new road and cannot possibly project everything you will need to know about the future. Find a mentor. Find a coach. Be willing to pay this person for their expertise and training. “It takes a lot of discipline to be self-employed when the going gets tough,” says Darryll. “On the flip side, some days are bliss with fun projects and delightful customers … Those days don’t feel like work at all!”
It is essential to have a reality check before you take the plunge, quit your current job and go all-in on your passion. You need to make a logical decision based on your life circumstances and opportunities. We will continue to look at what a few in the industry have done in Part 2 in the next issue.
Laura Hubka scoured the library to find books about hat making. She was also able to take a few millinery classes at a local art college. Going into millinery with a strong background in sewing and design helped.
Angie Sandifer took private lessons with Jan Wutkowski and Jeanne Bjorn, and at Judith M when it was located in LaGrange, Indiana. Angie also took a small business course at a nearby university. This led to her ability to create a feasibility plan and ultimately a business plan through the college Small Business Development Center.
Expanding your learning skills beyond the hat world is valuable. Felicity added courses in pattern drafting, silk painting, and embroidery, which have become signature elements in her work. Evetta is self-taught, never taking millinery- related courses. She never imagined this would lead her to become a professional milliner. Writing a business plan allows you
Dirk Seegmüller also read every book he could get his hands on and did research. He also believes it is important to learn other
to gain an understanding of the many aspects of starting and running a business. When I started out, I met with the bank and a small business expert in a local programme. I found both lacking in understanding of what the hat-making industry entailed. Since they didn’t grasp
Judy Bentinck (UK)
www.judybentinck.com
Laura Hubka (US)
www.laurahubka.com
Felicity Northeast (Australia)
www.felicitynortheast.com
Darryll & Renee Osborne (Australia)
www.hatblocksaustralia.com.au
Evetta Petty (US)
www.harlemsheaven.com
Angie Hall Sandifer (US)
www.angieshats.com
Dirk Seegmuller & Felix Weber (Germany)
www.lesincroyables.de
november 2023 | 53
Photo by Daniel Murtagh
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