You chose an unusual name for your business, what’s the origin?

The nickname “warped mind” came from my master milliner teacher – Jan Wutkowski – as she was observing one of my creations in progress, she stated ‘you have a really warped mind’ 🙂

It illustrates my ability to draw inspirations from our surroundings, transforming them into subtle lines and edited designs of my hats. I’m happy when I create hats, and I hope this joyfulness comes through in my designs. 

How did you start?

I grew up in Europe, wearing hats through winters and on special occasions. I forgot how much fun it was until I rediscovered it when I found myself in a pinch going to Kentucky Derby in 2009 – nothing would fit my big head! I signed up for a class with Jan and found my groove – something that combines art and practicality. Finally, all my skills can be used in one place – painting, sculpting, sewing! I honed my craft through many classes with Jan, from Hat Academy and Millinery Meet Up.

After making a hat for the Royal Wedding, I established my own brand in 2018 and focused on bespoke hats for special occasions. Given that I’m based in Atlanta, it is mostly Spring racing: the Triple Crown of Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes and Preakness, Tennessee Steeplechase, Le Diner en Blanc and of course weddings. I absolutely love creating elegant Mother of the Bride hats!

What about your involvement in the Millinery community?

Attending millinery classes made me realize how small is the community of hat makers, and how mass production, present even in most exclusive department stores, devalues the artistry of millinery. Not everyone realizes, how much effort goes into making a hat, all the delicate stitches, blocking shapes, creating ornaments. Historically, this profession was mastered in a workroom of a millinery house, but we do not have many of those now.

This is why, together with a millinery friend –  Andrea Blohm, we are running the Millinery Meet Up – a unique millinery educational event. We aim to preserve craftsmanship and companionship, creating connections between milliners, tutors and suppliers.

As I mastered the craft I have applied to become a member of Milliners Guild. Milliners Guild is a non-profit organization aiming to bring more awareness and increase public profile of millinery.