My daily tasks involve two skill sets; business and millinery. Derby Hats Australia, an online millinery business, has been operating since 2017 but I have been making hats for over 20 years. I am the first to admit that I am a novice in the business world (and one never stops learning the craft of millinery).
To give you an overview, my day is roughly divided into 4 parts; administration/marketing, packing/postage, millinery tasks requiring me to stand and millinery tasks where I can sit. I love lists so it would follow that my daily schedule is presented in list format.
- BREAKFAST
- List daily tasks to be completed. Identify priorities.
- Check business bank account. Always keep an eye on the finances.
- Check emails, Facebook messenger, phone message bank and respond in a timely manner. Business depends on good communication.
- Marketing/ advertising. Hats don’t sell if no-one sees them.
- If required, order materials/ equipment from suppliers.
- Book keeping. Ensure all records are accurate and up-to-date.
- Block hats and/or apply stiffener. In case you’re not familiar with these terms, I have provided a brief explanation. A hat block is a wooden block carved into the shape of a hat. The milliner uses steam to stretch the fabric such as felt, sinamay or straw over the hat block. Once the hat is dry, the milliner can apply a stiffener to the hat (sizing). Both blocking and sizing require some level of physical activity so I prefer to complete these in the morning.
- After all that hard work, I will take a trip to the Post Office to post the orders.
- LUNCH
- At last I can sit and work. Sew wire, petersham (grosgrain ribbon), trims, etc.
- Pack/ box hats ready for postage the following day.
- Check, emails and phone messages again and ensure all tasks have been completed for the day.