Today we’d like to introduce you to Debra Shirley.
Debra, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My Grandmother taught me to sew on her 1950’s Singer sewing machine when I was 9 years old. At the age of 10 I became enamored with Princess Diana and borrowed a book from the library on her. She was so stunningly beautiful in all the hats that she wore that I’m certain she seared my young brain into linking beauty with hat wearing. I was a creative teenager and expressed myself through my clothing and hairstyles. I often embellished or repurposed garments that I found at thrift stores to put together unusual outfits to wear to High School. After graduation I enrolled myself into Ray College of Fashion and studied draping, flat pattern and sewing. During the summer term the class that I wanted to take was filled up so I ended up taking a Millinery class to not be idle. My teacher was a very talented Milliner named Veronica Chin who is still designing wonderful hats to this day. Almost from the beginning, it felt as if I already knew how to do some of the techniques. If felt very natural for me, which was strange, because up until then, I was never a good student. I took another millinery class, then another that needed to be added to the school’s curriculum for myself and a few other students. Instead of finishing Fashion School, I took a job as a Bridal Milliner at Ultimate Bride on Oak Street, where I worked full time for 22 years with brides to create Headpieces and Veiling to complement their Wedding Gowns. My Love of Hats was always in the back of my head, and I would create pieces for myself to wear and occasionally design for local theatre, but I did not fully have the confidence to put my designs out in the world until 2014 when a local Millinery Historian name Mary Robak reached out to me after seeing my Millinery website. She was very complimentary about my work and invited me to a dinner with all hat wearers! They are a group of woman that call themselves CHIC (Charming Hats in Chicago). They meet once a month, eat drink and look fabulous in hats! I jumped at the chance to attend that first dinner and have been going ever since. I have meet some remarkable women along the way, women who in their appreciation of my designs, have made me realize that my creativity could be enjoyed on a larger scale. Now, In addition to working with Brides, I’m designing Headwear off all kinds, from Period Inspired Reproduction Hats, to Kentucky Derby and Polo Match Fascinators, to playful Themed Party Hats!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest struggle for me has been to comfort the little part of my brain that jumps up first to shout “I can’t do it”. I have learned to remind myself that in fact, “I can do it”.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Millinery Etc. – what should we know?
I am a Milliner, a headwear designer. For more than 25 years I focused on Bridal Millinery where I worked closely with thousands of Brides in selecting the perfect headpiece and veiling to compliment the Bride’s Wedding gown. In doing so, over the years, I feel that one of my biggest strengths is that I truly listen to my clients. I listen to their needs and concerns and offer as many creative ideas that I can to give the client as much information as possible to make a confident decision. That easily translates to my hat and fascinator clients, some of which are purchasing a piece for the very first time. There is a bit of magic that happens, I have seen it and felt it. At first the woman is too shy to even try the piece on. We all need encouragement to be fabulous. Sometimes we feel like we need permission. That’s what the hat does. First she feels almost silly, she wants to laugh, until she sees herself in a mirror, that’s when the silly goes away, and the magic hits. She realizes that not only does she look pretty, she feels pretty. There is a true joy to it. That is what I feel best about, that something I’ve created with my hands and my imagination has brought joy to another.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’d like to thank a few people that have been helpful along the way starting with my mother Mary who struggled and sacrificed a lot for me as a single parent. Her sister Heather has been a wonderful source of support in the years after my mom’s death. I have many wonderful cousins that are constantly thinking of new ways that I can market my headwear. I have two Dear friends Steve and Katy who never fail to encourage me when I send them images of new designs. Thank you one and all.
Pricing:
- Small Headpieces range from $27-$125
- Fascinators range from $75-$225
- Large Hats $225-$450
- Wedding Veils range from $75- $1,200
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.millineryetc.com
- Phone: (312) 420-1041
- Email: Debrashirley1111@yahoo.com
- Instagram: DEBRASHIRLEY1111
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/millineryetc
- Other: Millineryetc.etsy.com
Image Credit:
Tuan B & Co.
And Two Were Tamed
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