My mother was a dressmaker and upholsterer, so naturally, we were always making things at home. From costume making to party decor and flower arranging, if we could make it, then we did! This creativity triggered my love for dressing up and when I put a hat on, I felt magical. It was at this stage that I just knew hats were the thing for me! 

After I left school, I did an apprenticeship with Edwina Ibbotson for 2 years, later going to college to further develop my artistry and design and since that time,  I’ve never stopped. I’ve always been making hats for people and so the business developed naturally from there. 

When I finished studying at college, I knew it was the path I wanted to take so I applied to The Princes Trust for my starter millinery kit. This included blocks, hat stands (which I still have to this day!), business cards and a website. Being accepted into the scheme gave me the confidence boost I needed to move forward and develop my brand. They were supportive, and I had a mentor who I met regularly to help me with the business side - the numbers, finances and organisation. 

I felt like someone cared about what I was doing because the now King was taking notice, and he is incredibly passionate about craft and supporting young creatives. 

My advice for young designers is to always go after what you’re most passionate about. It’s never going to be an easy path and it’s a long road but there is always support out there and it’s a journey that should be enjoyable. As I was given a chance by Edwina, I like to pay it forward and give emerging milliners work experience. It’s also a great way to inject new ideas into the studio - it’s all about collaboration.

When someone puts on one of my hats, I want them to feel confident and empowered, feeling their best. To feel confident wearing a hat is to feel comfortable and secure, so that is incredibly important in all my designs. There’s no greater feeling than seeing someone come alive when they put their new hat on for the first time.

My team! My brilliant, brilliant team. 

I think that, as always, there will be the saucer shapes, button shapes and hairbands.  In particular, because they’re easy to wear, the halo shape will be a winner, I am sure. Florals and veils are also a popular choice, but I do think that people are becoming less afraid of wearing bigger brims, so I’m looking forward to seeing people go all out this season. 

I hope that the enjoyment that I have making hats will pervade throughout the team so I would love it to be a fun collaborative environment, happy and hardworking. Being very organised must be thrown in too! 

Yes, we have! We’ve recently just launched our SS24 collection, ‘A very English Summer’. The collection is a celebration of everything the English summer represents - summer weddings, Royal Ascot, Wimbledon, Henley, garden parties and so on - come rain or shine I encourage you to dress up regardless this season and go all out with your accessories. With all of this in mind, we’ve made 12 of our favourite pieces available to hire now.  It is important to note that with all our hiring pieces, there’s just one of each style available, so if you’ve got an event coming up, book early so you don’t miss out! 

I love tights! I often wear tights under dresses and skirts, even under trousers in the winter. I have very pale legs, so in the summer I like to wear tights too. I’m also a huge fan of fishnets - I find they’re surprisingly warm and are very flattering. I would especially love a comfortable pair of tights that accentuates the good bits and smooths out the lumps and bumps.