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Are you just beginning your journey in Millinery?

You have probably watched some YouTube videos to get started but have found that you get to a certain point and can’t move on, yet you really want to know more!

I began my journey into Millinery over 20 years ago. At the time I was working as a novice in animation (taking a career break from the Fashion Industry). Unfortunately for me sitting at a computer from 9 to 5 left me feeling creatively dissatisfied. Every evening after a long day and commute, I looked forward to getting my hands busy crafting again. I was at that time in my life when all of my friends were getting married, one after the other and a lot of creativity was needed to give outfits a completely different look by changing the accessories.

I took old hats, cut them up, added flowers, fabric and feathers and completely recreated them. I ventured into buying combs and simple pre-made bases, putting small simple fascinators together to complement an outfit. Every wedding I attended generated a few orders from friends and family – that was enough to get me started. Little did I know that my evening hobby would become my full time career which has taken many different paths since!

Encouraged by other people’s enthusiasm, I started to source some Millinery supplies. I enjoyed having the excuse to run to the haberdashery, or ribbon and bead shops near Grafton street on my lunch break. I criss-crossed along the back streets of Dublin discovering little gems of shops, bursting at the seams with feathers, flowers, braids and trims. I ran to catch my train in the evening, clutching my bags filled with precious treasures; often with large floating ostrich feathers or silk flowers poking out.

After a long day at work I was never too tired to get properly creative! I was inspired by the colours and textures of the trimmings – this was my downtime, my playtime – sometimes we can be afraid to just enjoy the play. It is often where we do our most creative work.

After a year of indulging in my new hobby, I was made redundant from my day job, leaving me feeling momentarily scared. A day or two later I realised that this could be an incredible opportunity for me to start my own business. I count myself fortunate enough that I was in the right place (Co. Kildare – called Horse Country) and the right time (there were very few other Milliners in Ireland at the time). I did some gentle PR work with local and national papers, attended Race meetings and before I knew it there were enquiries from shops to stock my designs and private clients booking in for appointments.

For 6 years I supplied 30 shops nationwide, had a steady stream of private clients that attended Race Meetings and weddings. In 2009 after a world recession my business completely changed! TBC…..

The post Millinery for Beginners appeared first on Niav Riley Millinery.

By admin 27 Oct, 2020
This is my very first blog, which really seems incredible as I have been attending Creative Writing groups and classes for many years now. As a busy mother of two, and running my own business, taking time to write seems like such an indulgence! Now I can write and tell myself that it’s for work purposes! Who said that you should ‘ Never mix Business with Pleasure?’
By admin 30 Mar, 2020
1 to 1 tutoring is ideal if you have a specific project/fabric/style in mind. If you have spotted a Hat/Headpiece that you would like to make you will receive undivided 1 to 1 attention to help you to complete that project. It is advised that you consult with me first so that I can prepare the lesson specifically for you.
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