millineronthemove

DO IT FOR YOU

Posted on January 20, 2019 | 4 comments

Today I started my 2019 goals; probably a few weeks behind most of you .. but with the temperature high of 38 degrees (feels like 44) and humidity of 78%, it felt right to be inside, playing with coloured pens.

Before filling the butchers paper, though, I retrieved last years goal setting page; happy to cross quite a few items off the list, and to admit there are a few others to make a celebrity guest re-appearance for 2019.

All in all a great year for me, starting with a trip to South Africa for a stunning family wedding (see previous blog). Not only quality family time and an adventurous safari but I also met the talented Jacquie from J K Millinery in Cape Town, who was an absolute delight.

No sooner had I touched down home over the Bay and into Broome, it was self imposed studio lockdown, creating the collection for my Sydney Exhibition in Balmain. With inspiration oozing from Africa I proudly showcased to a packed house with Artist Lara Scolari; and just like that, the Millinery year was in full swing.

Like this year, 2018 began with the privilege to showcase a creation with London Hat Week Great Hat Exhibition, and although the hat traveled to London without me, I was thrilled that London based friends and family visited the Exhibition to see my feathered creation, “Kungkulu Ku” perched amongst 300 chosen pieces from around the world.

The Great Hat Exhibition is now in its fourth year and the theme for 2019 is “World Garden”. Again, I’m beside myself with excitement to be one of 180 milliners chosen to exhibit from around the world, and I hope those who’ll be in London mid April will pop in to see my “Desert Dancer” creation, honouring Australia’s Sturt’s Desert Pea.

I was thrilled to receive the High Achievement award for Home Based Business through the Broome Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards, and super thrilled to feature with ABC Landline who filmed a beautiful story showcasing my millinery story and art.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-28/outback-milliner:-the-international-success-of-a/10439282

The documentary, MadHattan; (from Broome to the Big Apple) launched in Melbourne as part of Melbourne film and fashion week with a premiere and Q&A, which was a great experience; and the BBC also did some filming in my backyard and our beautiful Broome, shooting a feature soon to be aired with the Julia Bradbury TV series – so London’s certainly calling this year!

With two great friends, we embarked on the Variety Bash again in 2018, raising money for kids with special needs and kids in isolation and drought. Our second year as the Mad Hatters, and this social commitment, to Variety, the Children’s charity is looking to be an ongoing part of Alice, the Queen of Hearts and Mad Hatter’s lives.

We’ve committed again in 2019 and will be driving from Melbourne across the Nullarbor to our finish line in Geraldton WA, so if you think we might be coming your way (we drive no direct route whatsoever) .. like and follow our Mad Hatters pages so we can keep you up to date.

https://www.facebook.com/MadhattersCar2278VarietyBash/

https://www.instagram.com/

A great year for sure and I’m filled with pride as my little dream to develop a career from passion continues to grow, however, before one can get too carried away, we were once again in 2018, on several occasions throughout the year, slammed back into reality, losing mates that we just absolutely loved. Men, taken with the dreaded cancer and by car accident, and taking their own life. Devastating for us all still to this exact moment; and we would happily give back all the accolades and acknowledgments to have them all back here, but this thing called life just doesn’t work like that.

This is the reason I, personally, continue to strive so hard and have a go at what some see as the unachievable dream, because death reminds me of how precious and short our life is, and how important it is that we prioritise to be happy and kind and to just ‘have a go’.

And then precious little people arrive; in 2018 my niece, Esther Honey Brown (just love her name). It’s amazing how one little person can bring so much joy.

So, apart from driving across the country in a car called wonderland, what’s the plan for 2019? Well, the list is long and ambitious and with the goal to travel, create and innovate – I’m just going to keep ‘having a go;’ with a genuine smile and with thoughts for those who won’t get the chance. I would love to think we’d be spared the pain of loss, for even just a year, but in these tender few weeks, it’s already upon us.

So my friends, my message for 2019 is simply to ‘do it, and do it for YOU.

And in the words of our mate ‘Spoon’ (below), who was taken oh so suddenly, …

“Do what you love, and love what you do”.

Here’s to 2019!

x flic

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Posted in General

Tagged ABC Landline, Australia, Broome, Broome Chamber of Commerce, Dream, fundraising, Great Hat Exhibition, Hats by Felicity, JK Millinery, Julia Bradbury TV Series, kids, Lara Scolari Gallery, London Hat Week, Madhattan, Madhatters, Melbourne, millinery, South Africa, Sydney

A Wide Brimmed Idea ..

Posted on October 21, 2018 | 3 comments

It was 18 months ago now, that almost silently, I released the “Cruise Broome,” the first hat of my custom designed commercial hat range, and since that April, 2017 backyard unveil, this next chapter of my hats by Felicity story has excitedly grown.

I’ve always been completely passionate about the hat, particularly the cowboy hat. … I create them, collect them, wear them and like many of you, just plain love them. “One can never have too many hats” you’ll hear me say … as I hang another hat on the rack.

After releasing the ‘Flic Pinch’ palm leaf hat on the runway of NYFW, I created one for myself to wear in my stall at the Courthouse markets, Broome.

Customers wanted my hat, but when I told them the price of the bespoke creation they turned straight for the mango smoothie line. Don’t get me wrong, there are people who know and respect the hat and understand the price and will pay; but I want everyone to wear hats! So, a few years ago, I started researching the price point that the general population was prepared to pay for a wide brimmed hat that protected them from the sun and of course, looked good. The resultant price made it unachievable for me to personally create the hat, so I set about designing a hat that someone else could produce for me; a hat that I felt confident people would feel great in, they’d wear with pride, wear often and grow the SunSmart message; a hat that had my touch, fit them perfectly and was affordable. Designing it turned out to be the easiest part – the challenge was finding someone to make the hats who understood me and what I was aiming to achieve; who respected my touches and would create the hat to my own standard. Many sketches, prototypes and sleepless nights later, I finally secured the supplier for my first Hats by Felicity custom designed commercial range of hats.

There’s moments in life that are significant chapters of our yarn and let me tell you the arrival of my first box of hats designed by me, was certainly one.

Marketing was next; getting this baby out there. I passively launched during the Shinju artist open house trail early 2017. People came to view my millinery, and were led through my gate and up to the studio shed by a line of ‘Cruise Broome’ hats. The reaction (to both) was great. The Cruise Broome hats walked out the gate, and … they looked GREAT.

I then included the hats in my Sunday market stall, where I’m able to showcase the finer details of the hat, taking time to measure customers heads, use the internal drawstring to size perfectly and shape the brim according to individual’s comfort zone and sense of style.

I subtly included the hats in my millinery exhibitions and events big and small across the country, from the North West tip of the Kimberley, through the Pilbara, Gasgoyne and into Perth, across to Balmain, Sydney and country NSW; I even left a hat in South Africa. This Milliner on the Move has spent every opportunity to be on the road and promote this collection to all.

I met with retailers throughout WA and and I’m extremely proud to say that from the northwest tip of the state down to the wheatbelt you can now purchase my custom designed hat, in fact, you even have a choice, with four more hat designs since launched with this Hats by Felicity range.

Cruise Broome

Piggy Panama

Salty Panama

Cruise Kids

Cruise Kimberley

The next step, knowing demand existed, was getting myself to a position that enabled the purchase of my first large order from my supplier, and I couldn’t be prouder to have taken this big small business step … just … last … week! So, it’s game on and make some room in the shed because the hats are on their way.

Outlets where you can purchase the hat range in WA include Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, Broome Visitor Centre, Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat, Port Hedland Visitor Centre and Botanicalia Gallery in York. The plan of course, is to stock Australia wide so I still have some work to do. But in the meantime, you can also purchase via my online store www.hatsbyfelicity.com.au and if you’re in Broome, at the Courthouse markets or from my studio by appointment.

If you’d like to be a stockist please contact me on hatsbyfelicity@bigpond.com.

This is my moment to thank you, who, had faith in this project and dream of mine to develop a SunSmart hat that fits, is affordable and looks good. You must feel great in your hat. Be it bespoke millinery or a wide brimmed sun hat, those who know me know it is my biggest belief that putting on your hat must instantly make you feel great.… it’s not just about the hat!

A huge shout of thanks to you who tag me wearing your hats out and about – globally even! This not only makes my day, but makes this, my hat product, credible and very real.

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I’ll be in touch again closer to the festive season but in the meantime, keep an eye out for a little yarn on ABC Landline and the U.K. BBC Julia Bradbury TV Series, for a snippet of feathers and fun. The fabulous hosts of both shows each own a ‘Cruise Kimberley’ hat, so who know’s, the hat might even make a celebrity guest appearance.

I know it’s been a while between updates, it’s been a pretty hectic time for us all; but we have to keep these goals going and be in it for the long haul. So, thank you. I hope this finds you happy, healthy and well.

Stay committed to your dream … you can make it happen.

x flic

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Tagged ABC Landline, Australia, balmain, Bespoke, Botanicalia, Broome visitor centre, country NSW, Courthouse Markets Broome, cowboy hat, Cruise Broome, Cruise Kimberley hat, cygnet Bay pearl farm, Dream, Eco Beach Wilderness retreat, Gascoyne, hat, Hats by Felicity, Julia Bradbury TV Series, Kimberley, milliner, Milliner on the move, New York Fashion Week, out and about, perth, Pilbara, Port Hedland visitor centre, Shinju, South Africa, SunSmart, Sydney, Western Australia, York

South Africa – The Designer’s Muse

Posted on March 6, 2018 | Leave a comment

When the invitation arrived for my cousins wedding in South Africa I instantly got that excited feeling that we all get for soon-to-be weds, and overseas adventures, and even though a South African trip was not written into the financial plan, I’m a huge believer in the power of the positive. We do everything we can do to make things happen and when they are meant to be, they happen; so against most odds, this Milliner has just been on the Move to South Africa.

The feat is never easy coordinating family and friends from around the world to the one place, let alone when the destination is in severe and declared drought and even without a President for a day, but despite these challenges and sadly, more, Simon and Becky brought us all together for the most beautiful celebration of marriage; an intimate affair with the size of crowd that fits everyone on the dance floor.

And Africa was indeed the perfect destination, filled with adventure, rhythm, colour and fun; and as long as you are aware of your surroundings and confident in your stride, you can breathe the air of a frontier land; not that dissimilar to the Kimberley. The animals of course, are completely different! The African animals are something else, they are so huge and elegant; scary but not; I was like a kid let out of their seat belt on safari. Bouncing from one side of the mini bus to the other, which is perfectly OK when you are the only passenger on the tour (winner)! And the jungle put on a show. My guide was concerned if the animals would be out because the weather was clouding over and starting to sprinkle rain, however, I just knew they would be there and simply thought it would be brilliant if it rained on Africa. I’d arrived into the country from record rainfall and a flooded Broome, I would have loved to have brought the rain to drought stricken South Africa, but they were in fact after a tad more than the 4mls that fell when I was there.

I grew up in drought country with the one minute showers, so the water saving requests of the Cape were familiar, however, to be in a city of around 3.8 million with the taps turned off was confronting. Most washrooms had no water and instead offered mostly empty bottles of sanitiser. Tap water was reluctantly or not offered at all in restaurants and the park lawns were brown, waterfalls turned off, and bottled water disappeared off the shelves as quick as it was stacked.

Lucky there was lots of wine! Yes, along with the animals, South Africa boasts many a magnificent drop, so with the country’s best interest in mind, we shifted the fluid intake to wine.
And getting out into the wine country was stunning. The sheer beauty of the countryside was awesome with majestic mountain ranges smoothing into the perfect grape lines of vineyards.

I was wrapped in inspiration from morning till night throughout the whole South African adventure. The flora, the animals, even the drought filled me with inspiration, not to mention the romance of a garden wedding in a winery estate, and the happiness that is family and friends brought together; the safari too, I was so inspired by the animals, their colours, their sounds, even their stance, the way the elephant crossed her back legs; I was blown away how such an enormous animal could appear so stylish; and the graceful giraffes… with every animal and bird and flower the smile grew bigger. I sketched, photographed and recorded – I couldn’t stop – everything around me fuelled the creativity – and while there may have been little water, South Africa fed this milliner with inspiration to create; … which is handy given I have a Sydney exhibition in a little over a week!

And then there was the highlight of spending time with Cape Town Milliner Jacqueline Kolbe of JK Millinery. Jackie and I spent hours comparing stories, creations, highlights and challenges. We bounced ideas, inspiration and future plans. I love meeting fellow milliners who share the passion of our art and can’t thank Jackie enough for the catchup.

I could sit and talk about South Africa for hours, instead I’m going to head back to the studio and my self imposed millinery lockdown to create this collection. And as I prepare the next design, I take a moment to acknowledge the beauty of Africa and the importance of travel and of the gathering of family and friends; and most importantly, I want to shout out a huge “thank you” to Simon and Becky.

If you are in or near Sydney on Friday 16th March and would like to come along to the Exhibition, I would be thrilled to have you there. Details are on the Facebook Event page “Get a Feather in your Hat – Broome to Balmain” and don’t forget to click the RSVP so we know you’re coming along.

Broome to Balmain Exhibition

And if you would like an insight into the inspiration that creates the collection, with the greatest pleasure I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube Channel “Milliner on the Move”, where I am about to unveil the first video that will take you a step before the creation, even before the preparation of the feathers; I am going to show you the inspiration as I see it from my very own eyes, starting with South Africa.

Milliner on the Move YouTube channel

Keep smiling and chat again soon. x flic

“You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are”.

Posted on November 5, 2017 | 1 comment

It’s Mango season in Broome, and everyone goes a little crazy …
It’s also the season for giving and receiving … mangos! LOTS of delicious mangos. November in Broome is all about mangos. The house scent is sweet, the blender is mixing and breakfast starts with the cool cut squares of delight. We love this time of year when each door knock comes with the box of mandatory mangos; kids are climbing the town’s trees, everyone’s walking around with a spare plastic bag and there’s a funny sense of ‘community’ coming from this local, somewhat common fruit.

We love ‘giving’ and along with two great friends I’ve recently been involved in the Variety Bash, which too, is all about giving. An International fundraiser for kids that was brought to Australia by none other than Dick Smith, the Variety Bash is focused on raising funds for special needs equipment for kids. Variety Bash entrants can sometimes have the added joy of physically delivering this equipment to kids along the most remote of Australian roads, joined by a Variety family of rally cars and crazy dressed characters in tow. It’s all about the kids, and we have to admit, there’s a big kid in us all.

Our theme for this eight day Variety Bash bubble of ‘giving’ was the Mad Hatters, and in ultimate costume we travelled absolutely no direct route in our 1985 gold Mercedes called Wonderland, from Melbourne to Fraser Island. As the Rookies, Alice with the white rabbit always in her hold, the Queen of Hearts with one of the most impressive heads of all, and I as none other than the Mad Hatter, fumbled our way through our first Variety Bash, and after but but a few ‘far from short’ days knew that we were all completely hooked.

Even though we broke down 45 minutes into the drive and I literally froze on the side of the road, having flown in from Broome the day before, the ‘positivity’ from the mechanics, even given the seriousness of the situation, as they calmly reassured team Wonderland that “you will finish the Bash – everyone finishes the Bash” meant we did exactly that; and as I started to thaw out in front of the King Lake cafe fireplace, surrounded by random strangers enjoying coffee and cake, with orange hair, a mad top-hat and wearing a chest belt of cotton reels; I too believed them.

Without giving too much away, I can, in a mad hatter wonderland riddle kind of way …give you a few hints on how the white rabbit spent his weirdly timed Variety Bash day …
The fact that after minutes of breaking down we were ‘silly stringed’ by the Blues brothers, clearly meant our first friends on the bash were NOT the Blues Brothers; but instead our first friends were the mobile mechanics, who not only fixed our car but ‘swept’ us down the road to the finish line each day.

Not that they or any other ‘bashers’ knew who we were out of costume, because when we weren’t the Mad Hatters we were dressed in the evening theme of the night.

On the second day the Blues Brothers kidnapped Alice! These suited men and lady were destined NEVER to be our friends! “Where the bleak is Alice?” Truth be known, In true character, Alice often disappeared; found sneaking a peak into a truck or car, pulling a golf buggy down the course or in front of a news camera, on TV;

As we started to meet fellow bashers, we quickly bonded with some serious ‘girl power’ including the PJ Party, Cherry Bomb Car-e-oke, Charlie’s Angels, Spice girls and Cat woman, who often needed time out from the joker and batman.

No sooner had we designed the car routine of driver, navigator and entertainment coordinator, we were captured in print by Melbourne’s Herald Sun, and of course, now published, the Blues Brothers wanted to be our friends!

We missed all but one lunch on the bash and even though ‘it’s not a race’ we nearly always drove in last … because we were always so well photographed along the way (well that’s our story), or we were simply looking for Alice .. “oh there she is” – in Pooh bear corner talking to Sunday All Over Macca!

We missed most of the ‘fun’ stops and didn’t see the beer truck once! (all put down to our careful pace of driving).

As the delirium progressed, the mad hatter began to eat cupcakes in every town, while the Queen of Hearts precariously posed and Alice chased the Blues Brothers, who stole the White Rabbit AGAIN!

As crazy, loud bash cars drove up to schools we were presented with equally loud squeals of excitement from kids; we took selfies, threw lollies, (must get better at throwing) and danced and dabbed on basketball courts. It’s something special when a kid tugs your jacket and says they are SO excited to be YOU for book week!

Sometimes we forgot we were in costume as we ran into Telstra shops and public toilet blocks; and how many people get to play with Sesame Street in Parliament House after dinner with the Governor General.

We won the apple iPhone 7! Well … the rabbit did!

Our absolute favourite Variety Bash moment was a “Where’s Wally” one and we ALL fell in love with a ‘cowboy’.

After cornering Wonderland like a dream around Bathurst, the cryptic route notes indicated that we were going through my home town of Rylstone, NSW; mum got the boys (my brothers) into the Globe Hotel but someone or anyone forgot to mention to my beautiful brother ‘Billy Brown from outa town’, who doesn’t do social media, that his sister was an orange headed mad hatter. Personal highlight besides his reaction, was to see my mum run across the road so excited. She almost wouldn’t get out of Wonderland, or let the white rabbit go.

I was so excited to see family and great friends along the way; and just as excited to pull in to the Pub with no Beer.

We were getting a hold on this ‘Bash’ thing and decided it was time to take a stance and publicly punish the Blues Brothers for stealing the white rabbit and kidnapping Alice. We dressed up the main Blues offender in Alice’s apron, wig and makeup in front of hundreds of onlookers at the Big Banana.

Some thought us brave, others thought us mad, but it was ‘he’ who took the punishment ten steps further; … and where our love for the Blues Brothers bloomed.

By the time we got to Fraser island we’d traveled the outback roads of four states in eight days and the Mad Hatters were self declared as ‘wrecked’! Only to be announced as winners of the BEST THEME bash honour, so the costumes had one .. last .. night.

On behalf of Alice and the Queen of Hearts, I take this opportunity to thank ALL our friends and families who supported the Mad Hatters and our fundraising efforts for the kids and our sponsors for supporting car 2278 Wonderland in the 2017 Variety Bash.

And just when we thought it was all over, Team Captain Alice pulled rank and diverted Wonderland to the Bundaberg Rum factory; only to once again disappear, and reappear with the leader of the opposition.

The Melbourne to Fraser Island Variety Bash raised $1.25M and our little car raised over $15,000! Goes without saying – we have registered for next year’s event!

So, how does someone re-enter normality after an experience like this? … Well, what is ‘normality’ anyway?!

Just like after any adventure, I was filled with inspiration. I could’t wait to get back into my millinery studio. The next few couture creations were quickly underway and with a new boost of creativity and my Hats by Felicity collection was hinted with whimsical ‘Wonderland’ joy.

Cheshire Plume

Keshi Tea Party (SOLD)

The Variety experience reinforced my embrace of positivity and fed my my love for giving; fundraising has been such an integral part of my life, since a 19 year old Miss Australia fundraising entrant, and it completes me.

For 2018 we have some exciting Mad Hatters fundraising events in the planning, that will take place in Victoria, Frankland River WA, and Broome; to which Alice, Queen of Hearts and Mad Hatter hope some of our new Variety family might make a celebrity guest appearance, and meet our wonderful local communities, families and friends.

And where in this crazy yarn is the Hats by Felicity update? Well, with all this creativity I’ve been turning one of my many dreams into reality and developing a very special merchandise range.

I have always adored beautiful stationery and essential treats for the tropics and have designed and developed a delightful and useful merchandise range of notepads, sketch books, hand fans, coolers for our drinks and for the bottle of bubbles; tote bags, water bottles, pannikins etc … the beautiful list is almost endless; and after the inspirational feedback from the MadHATtan documentary, and the Variety experience, I decided to embrace the positivity and inspiration and have a go.

To get a starter collection of the merchandise range landed in Broome in time for the Christmas market I have launched a Kickstarter fundraising campaign. I’d love you to check it out and should you like to give it a ‘kickstart’ pledge, it would be my absolute joy to gift you with a product from the range the moment it hits the Broome studio floor; hand selected with love. This merchandise range will compliment my couture millinery creations and ongoing collections and my custom designed commercial range of Cruise Broome hats and the like. 2018 has definitely been the year for growth.

“We’re all mad here, I’m mad, you’re mad.” How do you know I’m mad? said Alice, You must be said the Cat, or you wouldn’t have come here.”

I always love to sign off thanking my incredible friends; who support and encourage me and my crazy days and ways. To you, I once again raise my glass. Thank you!

Here’s the Kickstarter link for my Hats by Felicity Merchandise range. I’d be thrilled if you’d check it out.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/flic/hats-by-felicity-merchandise-product-range

Thank you and keep smiling,

x Flic

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Tagged Alice in Wonderland, Australia, Bathurst, Big Banana, Blues Brothers, Broome, Bundaberg Rum Factory, Charlies Angels, community, cowboy, Dick Smith, Fraser Island, friends, fundraising, Globe Hotel, Governor General, Hats by Felicity, Herald Sun, kickstarter, kids, King Lake, Macca, Mad Hatter, Mad Hatters, mango, mango season, Melbourne, Mercedes, merchandise, Miss Australia, Outback, Parliament House, positive, positivity, Pub with no Beer, Queen of Hearts, rookies, Rylstone, Sesame Street, Sunday All Over, Telstra, variety bash, white rabbit, Wonderland

The Map of Challenge

Posted on September 22, 2017 | 7 comments

This time last year, and the three years prior I was in New York City, preparing as we speak, for my Millinery shows on the runway of New York Fashion Week.

This year, however, I graciously declined the Big Apple invitation to instead embark on my own ‘stuff,’ like establishing myself in the somewhat daunting world of self employment. I felt perhaps it was time to honour the lifelong desire to grow my small businesses, and start paying back those NYFW loans that got me there. What a time it’s been! Kicking off on cue, almost immediately, everything of great cost that could have broken down, need repair, replacement or installation, doing so like a domino. I was not adequately prepared at all, and so the roller coaster began!

Over the past 15 months I’ve learned so much about business, cash flow and myself, and throughout the ups and downs and further downs, there’s been incredible friends who have stood by me as I fumbled my way through the challenging choice of working for myself and of being broke, and almost broken.

These earlier days were harrowing, especially coming to terms with the fact that I had pretty much got to rock bottom, which was far from being on the planned top of anything. Some days I received more phone calls and texts from the banks than from my family and friends. The realisation of losing my home (albeit the real estate I share with the bank) was becoming very real, and having bills upon bills that I just wasn’t able to meet devastated me. I was scared, an emotional wreck, and although determined, I silently wondered if I’d ever be able to get back up … And then in stepped my incredible friends! Endless days and nights of lengthy phone calls filled with support, encouragement, reassurance … I’ve always said “we friends serve a purpose” but never did I think I’d be so in need.

As bad as things got I could not and would not give up and my feeble hope was undoubtedly strengthened by the constant presence of these mates who propped me up. I wholeheartedly thank each of them; for being there, for continuing to believe in me and most importantly for keeping me out of that hole.

Today I’m in a better place, and as the fog clears more each morning, I feel proud to acknowledge and accept that I have learned what I SO needed to learn. The lessons have been raw and big and often painful but I accept them with the growth intended and know I’m already in a better position because of the experience. Hopefully one day I’ll be well versed enough to help others who feel they’ve got themselves to the depths from where I have just come.

Even though the reality around me was very much my real problem, I was not ready to give up the dream. And these friends who did not give up on me and were right there with me, and completely there for me, were the essential boost I needed and pretty much the reason I’ve been working my way up and out.

So, realising it’s a been while since my last update … and after sharing that I’ve been struggling a tad since, I feel it’s time to let you know what I’ve been doing.

In the beginning days I immersed myself into researching for mentors and inspiration and courses that would teach me and keep me awake and inspired; financial management, skills enhancement – training in all aspects of my chosen, self employed life. I stayed up till the wee hours and kept myself busy in learning rather than giving into the alternative of collapsing with failure.
As each month passes I continue to put another fold in the map of challenge and finally, I feel I have the headspace to write again and proudly, I even feel I have a couple of stories to tell.

In April, my small business Hats by Felicity celebrated it’s 10th year in business … can you believe it? And my accommodation, The Quarters celebrated 10 years in business as well. Proudly, both are still afloat!

With the Hats milestone I simply had to celebrate with a little gathering, after all that’s 10 years of formally creating, showing and dressing people in my creative passion. Some of my long term clients and friends have commissioned me on a regular basis since these very first beginnings. One friend even turned up to the night wearing a hat from my very first collection launch, made from my grandmothers vintage velvet, and my heart sang as it waltzed through the door.

Through my existing accommodation business “The Quarters” I have now opened my home to tourism in addition to my current corporate clientele, and I haven’t looked back. I share my little part of Broome, my town, my stories, my favourites restaurants, coffee and tours with people from around the world. I bake scones and cook damper and probably drive my ‘captive audience’ mad with hat yarns but the reviews tell me they are happy and reviews feed the bookings and the bookings have been coming … thankfully.

I still walk our beach! Cable Beach, as many mornings as I can. Regardless, I get up and out of bed – there’s no better way to start the day than with sunrise on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The ocean, my music, walking, wildlife and endless inspiration … sometimes I walk with my eyes closed and soak it all in (or perhaps I’m still waking up). Either way, I definitely thank Sweet Lady Broome!

I returned to fundraising, a pre-existing part of life that I now realise I am incomplete without. With two incredible friends I embarked on raising money for Variety, the Children’s charity, which sounds ironic when I struggled to pay the mortgage, but the focus of raising funds for others was an essential part of the recovery too. Together we three embarked on the Internationally acclaimed fundraising car rally, the Variety Bash and that’s a yarn in itself just begging to be told.

I’ve designed, produced and launched the first three products of my Hats by Felicity commercial range; the ‘Cruise Broome’ and ‘Cruise Kimberley’ hats and ‘The Bay’ visor. I am excitedly selling all three products through my weekend market stall and my online store (that incidentally I built with some nearly acquired skills) and I’m seriously proud to have these products now wholesaling through several outlets across Northern Australia.

I re-launched my project and business development self (my other life long passion) and as FMB Projects I am thrilled to be involved with some damn inspirational people, and progressing exciting projects within the industries that I love.

I continue to immerse myself in my passion of creating one-off millinery creations and thank those who fall in love with these pieces and purchase from my collections, along with those who continue to commission me to create their bespoke pieces, which not only keeps me immersed in my passion and growing my art but also keeps me so happy, chuffed and complete.

More recently and most humbly, I have been completely overwhelmed by the comments and words from people I know and don’t know, in response to the Foxtel release of the documentary, MadHATtan; the story of my journey from Broome to the Big Apple, produced by Caro Constantine and Annie Parnell. If you have Foxtel, I’d love you to watch the yarn which is airing on LifestyleYou .. hilariously, I don’t have Foxtel but after two and a half years in the filming I have an idea of what secrets have been shared and I have seen Caro’s masterpiece in it’s final edit.

When you’ve finished this read, grab a beverage and click the link below for the Official MadHATtan trailer …

MadHATtan

Despite the challenges imposed by choice of leaving salaried income and amongst the fog and haze that I am by no means on top of yet, I am doing what I love and this to me is so important and is absolutely the right thing for me to do. I’ve had a lot to learn and my situation immersed me deep into that; I also had a lot to learn about myself and those around me … and I have.

My journey is exactly that – mine, but I completely acknowledge I wouldn’t be on the right road without my treasured mates and with all my heart I salute and thank you.

I know I still have a long way to go before I can stop my duck legs paddling like demons underwater, but finally, I realise that I’m not the only one and that it’s going to be OK.

As for the Variety Bash … well that crazy Adventure commands a Blog of it’s own … so stay tuned for this colourful yarn cause it’s definitely coming your way!

In the meantime, though, keep smiling and looking out for your mates, especially if their smile has disappeared. We all need each other! It’s often a difficult book we live.

x flic

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Posted in General

WA Time change for MadHATtan

Posted on July 18, 2017 | Leave a comment

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NEWS FLASH! Tune in to Foxtel’s Lifestyle You channel tonight, Tuesday 18th July at 7:30pm WA time and 9:30pm EST for the documentary following my journey from Broome to New York – MADHATTAN …

I tip my hat

Posted on January 10, 2017 | 2 comments

Apparently, very few people were prepared for my runway treat of male models in the NYFW show. iPhones went skidding across the runway as guests fumbled and flurried and tried to re-gain composure – they simply weren’t ready for the eight-pack that presented and opened the show. Even the live stream experienced an interruption.

The Bondi Bather sequins swimwear too, was a huge hit and with immense pride I can also report, so was my 20 piece collection of millinery and worn art. And as the months go by and another photographer tags me with his own moment captured, I get to relive the feeling of show exhilaration again and again and still to this day.

My creativity, sweat and tears was showcased to perfection by the models and the somewhat unnerving paparazzi experience afterwards left me with no doubt that I had achieved the goal set before me and perhaps more.

But in less than 10 minutes it was over. The next designer was on the runway, I was in a tiny dark hall way, hugging my pieces with protective arms, caught against the traffic in the narrow backstage warren and unable to make any movement against the long line of models – my NYFW Spring Summer 2017 showing was done.

For the past three years Ive been privileged to show on the runway of New York, so this year I was better prepared for the ‘lost’ feeling that follows; when the whirlwind that is my existence since the year began comes to an abrupt end. After the chaos, and the celebrations with treasured friends who have travelled the globe for the show, there’s that real risk of losing direction, momentarily at least.
The live stream of my runway show was viewed by 15K people with a reach of over 37K on Facebook alone. I didn’t know what to do with those stats. All of it was so overwhelming, the lead up, the show and afterwards and at times I felt I was in a complete out of self experience.

Combine this with the post-adventure blues as each treasured friend zipped their suitcase to head back home – I needed the next thing to look forward to and fast. So before I headed to the U.S, I planned a little adventure to embark on after New York, something to look forward to and keep those ‘lost’ feelings at bay.

First stop was a trip to the Hamptons with great friend and brilliant Broome based Aussie photographer Kathryn Sprigg. We spent the first day scouting the Hamptons for photoshoot opportunities and the next two days photographing and believe it or not, I was the one wearing my collection. By no means a model; this was understandably a very casual shoot, no hairdressers, no makeup (no shock there), and for most of the time I was still wearing my RM Williams boots but the aim to create visuals for my Hats by Felicity portfolio was achieved. This soon to be completed, visual documentation of my journey and growth of millinery art is being developed primarily for film and television, to promote myself as a milliner looking for a job.

The portfolio will also promote me to print media, as an available resource to provide millinery and worn art creations for photo shoots, for others promoting their brands. The creation of this visual story has been a great follow on for me to delve into after the show.

With Hamptons shoot done, my next stop was Texas. I love this place and I was not going home without a few days touchdown at least. I had met a great texan couple at the Broome Cup races (as you do) and we had exchanged numbers and I was excited, not only to spend the day with Rusty and Monica but they were also taking me to visit a hat maker – Rusty’s hat maker, who incidentally, was taking the red pindan dirt out of Rusty’s hat! What are the chances of me viewing a cowboy hat getting Kimberley dirt removed from it in Texas!

Jeff from Biggar Hats is a legend. He not only welcomed me to his Decatur store but I got to tour the back store workshop with insight into Jeff’s own tricks of our treasured hat making trade. Like me, Jeff is passionate about creating individual hats for individual people. He measures the head, creates the wood size mould that he also engraves with the client’s name before creating the perfect hat for each client that walks through his door. I sew in a pearl button to my one-off creations and Jeff embellishes the clients name to the inside of their hat. We love bespoke.

Rusty, Monica and I spent the majority of our day in Biggar Hats and were then pressed for time for their other Texan must do’s, which is why it’s always a great plan to return! What we did do however, was somehow discover we had but a few degrees of separation in friendships and we were simply meant to meet.

For the final leg of my adventure, I stopped over in Hawaii for a few days, to break up the long trip from Texas to Broome and to re-energise and prepare for my life. I finished full time salaried work during the year and while show preparations and bespoke creations had kept me busy before I left, I was heading back to a new life of working for myself.

I used the time in Hawaii to do my post show interviews, making sure I was relaxed and comfortable with that magnificent ocean view, as we all know public speaking is not my comfort zone. With interviews done, I had two days to completely chill and find myself; Walks along Waikiki beach in the mornings and evenings and by the pool with book to read during the day – the second day by the pool I brought along my notepad and pen.

I feel it’s so important to take time out from our lives, whatever they may entail and give time to yourself, to relax out of the space you are in, to energise and have the ability to clearly and sensibly plan where to next. I honour myself with this space every Monday night – commonly known to those close to me as my ‘Flic nite’. It only takes a few hours but I stop and sit. It’s the night I’ll have a foot spa or face mask, I’ll even book a massage – I do not work, and that’s a hard thing to do – especially now that I work for myself as we all know the self employed never really stop. Headspace is so important – our mental health just as important as physical.

My Milliner on the Move business too embraces mental health just as much as it embraces rural, regional and remote Australia. The hats being the ploy, enticing people to stop, even if it’s just for one night and to be surrounded by friends and laughter; to forget about tomorrow’s crazy itinerary just for a moment. The joy of millinery isn’t just about the hat – it’s about what donning a hat does for us; how it makes us feel, change our stance, play a hero, even an alter ego. Hats make us happy.

It took me 40 years to realise I wanted to be an entrepreneur and now that I’ve worked it out, I am passionate. In many ways, my millinery art and passion have delivered me here. And as well as growing my millinery to the next levels I am also excited to embark on my other passion of business and special project development, – making ideas happen. I’ve launched my new Business FMB Projects, to help others bring their ideas to fruition.

I’ll be very honest when I say I am petrified and scared as I embark on this self employed journey but I’d be pretty peeved’ at myself if I didn’t at least have a go.

I have also launched my Hats by Felicity online store and would love your feedback, particularly on any products that you would like to see me include. http://www.hatsbyfelicity.com.au

I have learnt so much on my journey that on the outside may showcase the hat, but like everyone else, has so many other layers beneath. I feel my hats are only the beginning and they still have so far to grow. I feel the time is now right to take the plunge and go out on my own; to grow not only my millinery and worn art but also my other passions and small businesses.

And I want to share my skills, experience and lessons learned with others who have ideas they want to grow.

So as I tip my hat to another NYFW show I tip my hat to you, my friends and supporters who got me there and have got me here; to following our dreams and to new business ventures and health and happiness in 2017.

I tip my hat to life.

x flic

Oh and for those who keep asking .. I’ve worked it out – my driving words for 2017 are innovation and adventure

Celebrating with my fabulous friends after the NYFW show. Bubbles and sunset on a rooftop in New York.

Celebrating with my fabulous friends after the NYFW show. Bubbles and sunset on our rooftop in New York.

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Posted in General, On the move to NYFW September 2016

Tagged Biggar Hats, Bondi Bather, Broome Cup Day, Decatur, designer, entrepreneur, facebook, FMB Projects, Hamptons, Hats by Felicity, Hawaii, Kathryn Sprigg Photography, live stream, mental health, Milliner on the move, millinery, New York, New York City, New York Fashion Week, RM Williams, Texas, Waikiki, worn art

Sore thumbed Olympian …

Posted on September 8, 2016 | 1 comment

I can see the Empire State Building from my Manhattan apartment window – did you know they change the colour of the tower lights every night? Tonight it’s orange and blue. I have to pinch myself that I’m here.

It’s been a massive run to my third NYFW show and thanks to my friends and some amazing sponsors, and the creative headspace from working for myself (yes … I’ve finished with the Ag Dept.), I am well and truly here, all glue guns blazing, with my Spring Summer 2017 collection of millinery creations, and I’m ready to show to over 300 VIP’s and the fashion world, in but a few short days. To say I’m a tad nervous is absolutely nowhere close to the mark!

The lead up to this years event has been busy. As milliner on the Move I had brilliant trips to Anna Plains Station in the Kimberley and to Yarrie Station and the races of Marble Bar in the Pilbara region. Both of these adventures, however, command their own individual blog space, so you’ll have to stay tuned for these yarns on my return from the shiny red.

The Broome races too, were a feather above the rest this year with Broome Cup being the most colourful of all Broome trackside events I’ve seen yet. Never have I created so many hats and headpieces in one year and although my fingers are still recovering, I’m already excited to do it again.

And now I am here, in New York City on the eve of Fashion Week with my Hats by Felicity showing this Sunday, September 11, at 5pm. I keep doing double takes as I see my name and imagine this is how the Olympians must feel – with AUSTRALIA in capitals beneath … i’m sure Olympians have more than sore fingers and thumb, though … and they probably use the stairs, not the lift.

My runway event will be live streamed through the Hats by Felicity Face book page. I’m showing with Fashion Gallery at the Grand Ballroom of the Manhattan Affinia Hotel 5pm NYC time and believe me, not only are those chandeliers going to shine .. my models are wearing a custom made Bondi Bather special that compliments my collection to perfection and I can’t wait to show you all.

And wait till you see the feathers … my feather collectors have been amazing again this year with feathers coming from all parts of Australia. Without these stunning plumes and while Im at it, without my feather sorter (thanks Ella) I wouldn’t be showcasing half the collection I am about to, so when these hand collected feather creations float upon the runway please feel as proud as I am because without you, they simply wouldn’t exist.

I know I’ve said it twice before, but when this collection presents on the NYFW runway, it’s not just me showcasing, it’s a whole swag of us who are part of the hat and yarn …

I met the models who are going to parade my work yesterday, some of which are return girls from last year. They are a really lovely bunch who looked a tad unsure when I explained the dictionary meaning for Felicity is ‘happiness’ and bliss, and if they feel happy when they are wearing my creations on the runway, then by all means feel free to smile ..

Tonight I have my own big smile with my whole collection around me, I’ve been trying pieces on and assigning them to the models, preening feathers and feeling proud, with the Empire State building shining above me. I can’t wait to show you.

And what do I want to achieve from this NYFW event? Apart from raising awareness of millinery as a wearable art, through my collection entitled “Australia in Bloom” I want to proudly highlight our stunning and truly beautiful rural, regional and remote Australia; and above all, as a small business and passionate milliner, I want to secure a millinery contract in the industry of film – then we can aim for the Oscars after this!

A special shout of thanks to those who have dressed me for the runway, provided me with luscious lashes and fabulous skin, amazing hair and sensational sunglasses; who created spectacular outfits for the models, put together heart pumping music for the runway; for the pearls that are about to walk the runway, who designed my menu of creations for “Australia in Bloom” and millinery materials of stunning best; those who’ve fed me when I was in lock-down creating this collection, who’ve sponsored my name to the wallpaper for the red carpet, models for the runway; for your talented photography (Kathryn Sprigg) and who’ve worked tirelessly by my side making all this happen (thank you Kim St John). You are all tagged with love and thanks. And to my family and my friends, who continue rock my world and make this millinery dream happen … Thank you.

See you on Sunday – I’ll wave from the runway (if i’m conscious).

x flic

PS A heartfelt thanks for this surprise GoFundme site… #fundedbyfriends

https://www.gofundme.com/2mwke97f

1 Comment

Posted in General, On the move to NYFW September 2016

Tagged Bohemia for Hair, Bondi Bather, Broome, Broome Cup Day, Broome Ladies Day, Broome races, Cafe d Amore, Cosmetic Couture, Cygnet Bay Pearls, Empire State Building, Fashion Gallery, Fashion Gallery; New York Fashion Week;, fgnyfw, Funded by Friends, Goolari Media, Hats by Felicity, Hatters Millinery Supplies, Jewels of the Kimberley, Kathryn Sprigg Photography, Kimberley, Maui Jim Sunglasses, Maxima Pearls, Milliner on the move, millinery, New York City, New York City Fashion week, New York Fashion Week, Olympians, Pilbara, RM Williams, Sublime

Blooming oath I can

Posted on March 17, 2016 | 6 comments

It’s been hot in the Kimberley. We’ve had a dry Wet season and the humidity and heat has been taking its toll. Amazingly though, as we mere humans melt in the heat, our desert plants have been blooming. My own desert roses have the fullest clusters of flowers that I can remember.

The Australian outback, our rainforests, coasts, cities and towns are a constant spectacular of floral bloom and I couldn’t be more excited to showcase our colourful land through my upcoming third annual Hats by Felicity show at New York Fashion Week.

I am completely pinching myself with the third invitation, after my runway debut at NYFW as the first Australian Milliner, showing with Fashion Gallery in 2014. I feel much smarter and more confident this third time round and although we all know the stress will rise as I near September’s show, the levels will be far less than the past two years. I may even get to enjoy my runway bow?!

To kick off the inspiration for creation I ran my Hats by Felicity competition – searching for muse to showcase Australia in bloom. The response was stunning with photo entries flowing in from around the country featuring our flowering plants that stop us in awe. The winning inspiration was from Andrea in Floreat, WA; Western Australia’s Eucalyptus Macrocarpa.

All this encouragement has flung me well into design mode for the 2016 collections and bespoke commissions. My millinery materials have arrived and my community of feather collectors are delivering the most stunning of plumes.

Adding to this year’s excitement is an independent invitation to showcase in West Palm Beach Florida, USA. I am thrilled that America has embraced me, and is providing me the opportunity to showcase my millinery passion and art and also to show off my magnificent Australian homeland.

The ride is never without the hiccups though, and my latest was another skin cancer surgery, a small lump from my chest. Not a melanoma this time so no complaints from me and the stitches are out and result is benign. The small scar is simply my visible reminder to continue to be positive and have a go at all goals.

Our Aussie flowers may be outrageously beautiful but the sun ‘down under’ can be downright mean. For most of us adults the skin damage is already done, therefore we need to focus on early detection and book regular skin checks and protect our largest organ, our skin. As old as the message is, we all need to remind our family and friends to slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat.

I love to raise awareness of millinery and outback Australia but I also feel the need to raise awareness of our harmful rays and the greatness of early detection in the fight against skin cancer. Hats, health and happiness are my parting words for today. Along with a huge thank you to my friends as I near my third New York Fashion Week. Thank you to my feather collectors and inspiration gatherers – this upcoming collection will be the work of us all.

It’s time for me to get lost in my studio shed and start creating. Chat again in a month or two and in the meantime, here’s a snippet of my past two years on the runway of NYFW.

Hats by Felicity NYFW (2014)

Hats by Felicity NYFW (2014)

Hats by Felicity NYFW (2014)

Hats by Felicity NYFW (2014)

Hats by Felicity NYFW (2015)

Hats by Felicity NYFW (2015)

Hats by Felicity NYFW (2025)

Hats by Felicity NYFW (2015)

Can I do this a third time? … blooming oath I can!

Ends

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Posted in General, On the move to NYFW September 2016

Tagged Australian outback, bloom, Broome, desert rose, Fashion Gallery, Fashion Gallery; New York Fashion Week;, feathers, fgnyfw, First Australian Milliner, First Australian Milliner at New York Fashion Week, Hats by Felicity, Kimberley, Melanoma, millinery, New York City, New York City Fashion week, New York Fashion Week, Outback, Ozinbloom, Skin cancer, slip-slop-slap

Third time is a charm

Posted on January 9, 2016 | 5 comments

“A penny for your thoughts” I said to my friends, when the inner turmoil grew.
The invitation to return to New York Fashion Week for the third year in a row was almost too much. What an honour! What a road, what an incredible opportunity – what an expense!
I often wonder if anyone else has the inner battles between their adventurous and sensible self’s. The invitation brought an instant smile from ear to ear. I was designing catwalk creations, planning the collection, the feathers, the styles, the models outfits, the trip … and then Miss sensible entered the room, crossed her arms and reminded me of the mortgage.
Broome to the Big Apple is no small feat but what important things in life aren’t big? It’s the challenge that brings the reward and we all know I live the cliché’ that life is too short, but there’s still that one little Mr Men book that re-appears from the shelf …

In an attempt to put both egos to good use , I packed my car with a whiteboard, calculator, pens, paper and planner and headed on a solo adventure south of Broome; to one of my special places, with magical memories and ocean calm.

A few days prior I emailed some friends who would tell me if I was mad to consider the NYFW contract again or alternatively, mad not to. If anyone is going to be honest, it’s our good friends. And if there’s one place to find clarity it’s on a remote beach. As the sun set over the ocean on full tide I crunched numbers, scribbled pros and cons and sifted through the suggestions, ideas and cautions that had been on my mind and had come from my friends.
The decision is the right one – two just wasn’t enough. I’ve signed the contract and I’m going back to New York. I’ve just got to go for the luck of the third adventure.

And again, if you are interested, I’d love you to be involved. As well as crunching numbers that special place had me designing creations and for this year’s runway show I want to honour Australia’s stunning flora and fauna, be it from the desert, the mountains or the sea. If you come across any flowers and plants that make you stop in awe, please take a pic for me. I want to create a collection inspired by our beautiful flowers and plants and showcase our striking frontier land.

This pictorial bloom of inspiration will collate in an album on the Hats by Felicity Facebook page and there’ll be prizes for the pic of pics, to add to the fun.
2016 is going to be another big year for us all. Everyone has challenges and decisions to make. Some of us will achieve the goals and some will be led to another path. Whatever the journey is for you, I wish you great health, happiness and safety, and inspiration for the road.
And to my buddies, thank you.
This is our now, and third time’s a charm.
xf