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3rd September 2014
04:13pm BST

Laura's designs are simply stunning
Why did you decide to start your own business?
I suppose it happened almost organically. I had been teaching and making hats for beads and bling so as a freelancer, I was technically working for myself anyway. It isn’t for everyone, but for many in the fashion industry creating your own label and starting your own business is the end goal.
You can be as creative as you like and it is your own work and ideas. Also, truth be told I prefer working for myself.
Was it difficult starting out and what challenges did you meet along the way?
At the beginning, it was hugely difficult and there were times I wanted to give up. However, if you persevere it all works out in the end. The biggest challenge I personally encountered was funding. There is very little funding at the moment or when there is, it goes into science and technology. Starting a business without any financial aid whatsoever puts you at a disadvantage from the start.
I still meet challenges weekly only they aren’t as big as the ones I used to meet. Things like sourcing the right suppliers and the perfect studio space. I would also say one massive challenge is not having a mentor, which I think is hugely important when starting out.
Where do you sell your product from?
At the moment, my sales are organised through private consultations with me. There are sales from online orders, and of course personal meetings with me or through telephone and email conversations. As most of my orders are bespoke designs, there usually has to be a personal element with each order. I also hope to gain a new stockist by the end of the year.
Tell us your top tips for buying a hat, particularly if it's someone who isn't used to wearing hats.
The biggest thing I would say is comfort. Regardless of shape or size, you have to be really comfortable in it. If you aren’t comfortable in it, it will show on the day. I think it's best to try on a lot of styles to see what you feel comfortable in and what suits you
Once you find one style you like you automatically feel more comfortable and wearing a hat will look effortless.
The milliner's latest collection is entitled Manifold
What's the future of the business?
Hopefully expansion, I aim to broaden the millinery range to include other accessories and a more ready to wear product. I also want to gain more stockists and (fingers crossed) branch into markets outside of Ireland.Explore more on these topics: