Nicola Grace from Chorley reveals how lockdown was the catalyst for launching her award-winning millinery business
When you were a child, what was your dream job?
I grew up in a small rural village in North Wales, childhood was full of adventures, exploring and being creative. It was a time when ladies wore hats to church or even just to go out. My grandmothers always wore hats and I loved to wear them too. My mum always remembers me being fascinated by a beautiful hat shop in York with ladies making hats.
At the time, I didn’t even consider it could be a job. My love of hats and making them started when I was six, I was given a ‘My Fair Lady Sindy doll’, she was so pretty with a cream lace dress, hat and parasol. This led to me then wanting to create more hats for other dolls, and this is when it started. I even used to pull feathers out of my pillow at night, to pop on the hats.
What was your first job?
My first job was working at Marks and Spencer Financial Services which was fabulous. I worked every holiday while I was at university. It was great fun and great training on accounts.
What did you do when you left education?
After sixth form, I went to art college and studied fine art, graphics, textiles, printing and photography. This grounding in most art facilities led me to love textiles. From being very young I’d always be doing embroidery, patchwork, cross stitch and other crafts.
My mum was a teacher and I think a lot of children of teachers tend to follow in their footsteps. I trained as an early years/special needs primary teacher with my specialist subject in art and design. I love the way young children learn through play and this fitted with my creativity in art and music.
How direct or meandering was the route to your current career?
In lockdown, after a career in education I decided to take a break, my children had grown up, got their own jobs and I think a lot of people in mid-life review their lives and the pandemic was for many one of those moments. I’d always had this dream of my creativity being more than a hobby. I’d always be sewing or painting. I was very lucky to have the opportunity to train with London-based hat designer Katherine Elizabeth at the millinery and business academy.
I still teach part-time with small groups and individual pupils, at Euxton CE Primary.
How do you spend the majority of your day?
I sketch ideas for hat designs, create the realistic-looking silk flowers, and I block and prep the hat bases and brims.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Making individual hat designs to perfectly match outfits and seeing the smile on their face, it’s the best feeling creating a unique piece for their special day.
And the most challenging thing?
The most challenging thing is learning all the parts of running your own business!
What's something that people might not realise about your job?
Most people don’t realise everything is hand stitched to couture standards and I use invisible stitching so it can’t be seen, or that the fabrics are made from the abacca leaf.
What’s the work achievement you are most proud of?
I love all the pieces I create but I am so proud of winning international millinery awards. This made me realise I did choose the right journey change and increased my confidence. It has made me feel so happy and everyone says it shows in my exquisite millinery work.
Strangest/funniest thing that's happened to you in your role?
I had a chap who was meeting Sir David Jason at an Only Fools and Horses convention and wanted a hat like Uncle Albert’s. I even re-created the yellow reliant Robin and placed it in the lining.
I was also asked to create a hat to fit over or disguise a helmet. It was such a special make as the lady had brain surgery and needed to wear a skull cap for protection. She was going to be a mother of the bride and needed a hat to disguise it. We are still friends now as it really was so special and a wonderful thing to do.
Any advice for someone interested in doing what you do?
I would say to anyone who has always had a thought or idea of wanting to do something, just go for it. If it’s meant to be, it will happen. I was lucky and I know that every day and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.
Name Nicola Grace
Business Nicola Grace Millinery
Website: nicolagracemillinery.co.uk
