In 2016, I began a three-year millinery course at Hereford and Ludlow College, sparking my passion for hat-making. Throughout the program, I worked with various materials like sinamay, straw, felt, and silks, mastering techniques such as hand blocking, trimming, and embellishing. The course was invaluable, teaching me everything from crafting silk flowers and working with feathers to beadwork and appliqué. Among my favourite projects were a historical bonnet made by hand and a 1920s-inspired pink hand blocked felt hat adorned with recycled beads. Since graduating, I’ve been fortunate to create bespoke hats and fascinators for customers to complete their outfits for special occasions and I’ve been commissioned to make pieces for several theatre performances. I also on occasion work for a hat designer in Cardiff, adding embellishments to her designs. I find great joy in the creative process and am grateful to work in such a fulfilling field.