Kelly Louise Designs fascinators
Name:
Kelly Hill
Company name/Organization name
Kelly Louise Designs
Tell us about your business (what product or service you provide )
I specialise in Custom-Made Millinery for the Races, Weddings, Fancy Dress and the list goes on. Each Custom-Made piece is entirely created by hand from the bases to each individual flower petal and can take from 5 hours up to over a week to create depending on what is involved. I am always up for a challenge, and my clients never disappoint when they bring their ideas to me. Luckily I am an excellent problem solver and have been able to create some of the most amazing custom pieces from huge oversized leather fedoras, to lacquered straw pieces and have even had to make a few of my own hat blocks to get the perfect hat shape! If you aren’t after a custom made piece, I do a few pieces of Ready to Wear Millinery each year and these can be found on my Facebook page Kelly Louise Designs – Millinery and will be back up on my website www.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to others?
Don’t be scared to network, even if you don’t know anyone, turn up! I have met so many wonderful Cairns Business Women (just like Veronica) by joining groups such as “She Means Business Today”. I am quite the introvert so it was hard to take that first step and get out and talk to people I don’t know, but I am glad I did. I have met some of the most supportive women who I will be lifelong friends with. It’s more than just drinks, its idea sharing, hearing about new opportunities, collaborating and the list goes on…………….Stop thinking about it and just do it!!!!!!
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
You can’t be everything to everyone! Be true to your personal style and creating what makes you happy. There will always be people who love your product, those who don’t just aren’t your customers and that’s OK.
Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business?
Quickbooks online! It’s on my laptop, phone and tablet and now it handles your car log book! Easy to use, links to my accountant and nothing gets lost as you can scan in receipts. Love it!
What do you do for fun/relaxation?
I love a good meal, glass of red and a crime show.
And something on the fun side of things, what’s your party trick or secret talent?
I used to draw and paint before I found Millinery and can create incredibly detailed and life-like drawings from photos with coloured pencil, black or coloured ink pens.