Laura Jolly is a boutique milliner specializing in handcrafted, bespoke headwear as well as seasonal collections. Each piece is thoughtfully designed and meticulously made, blending traditional millinery techniques with contemporary elegance to create unique, wearable works of art.

DREAM

Did you always dream of starting your own business, or did the idea evolve over time?

I have always loved hats and occasions to dress up, I loved the stage and performance as a child, colour, creativity and a sense of occasion. So, I would say my love for millinery has always been there, but the business side of things has evolved on its own journey. I wanted to learn how to make hats for myself and after going on my first milliner-led practical course about 7 years ago. I then started making some, I made them for friends and family and Lulu Bloom Millinery was born. The business started alongside a career as a nurse, so something quite different, but after having our eldest daughter and deciding not to go back into nursing the business took off. The flexibility really suits my lifestyle now with three young children and I love using my creative side, helping clients feel a million dollars for their special events and exploring the wider fashion space. I suppose it has been a dream I never knew I had.

What is the vision for your business, and how does it reflect what matters most to you?

The Lulu Bloom Millinery vision is to continue work in the artisanal fashion space, creating beautiful pieces for a diverse clientele including private work and public figures, theatre and production. I would describe myself as a people-person and really love meeting clients, hearing about their special occasions and creating something that makes them feel their absolute best. I believe hard work and integrity of personality are essential pillars in business and upholding these values is how I want to show my children you can achieve anything in this world.

What would your top piece of advice be for anyone dreaming of starting their own business?

I would say that you don’t need to have all the answers at the beginning, lean on others for expertise and knowledge, be prepared to evolve. Everyone must start somewhere, just be positive and go for it!

Imagine complete freedom (no financial restriction) to grow your business in any direction – what would you create, launch, or change?

Lulu Bloom Millinery is just me, I wear all the hats, literally. If I could change one thing with no financial restriction it would be brand advertising and the engagement of clients. Being a creative business, the make-process is of course time consuming and the part I really love, so getting my work in front of potential clients can sometimes feel challenging when you’re not naturally tech-savvy and requires time too.

INSPIRE

What part of running your business brings you the most joy, pride, or meaning?

I absolutely love to see a client’s face when they see a finished piece for the first time. I can remember one particular client, who’s piece I was especially thrilled with the outcome and her response matched how I felt about what I had created, and that feeling was priceless. Next it is receiving photographs or seeing clients in my creations which brings me such a sense of pride and great happiness, where I can say to myself – wow, I made that! It is truly a magical feeling. Laura Wright sang the National Anthem in front of 150,000 people at Aintree this year ahead of the Grand National with over 600 million people watching worldwide, wearing a Lulu Bloom bespoke headband – it was a pinch me moment!

If you could mentor your younger self at the start of your business journey, what would you say to inspire her?

I think I would tell myself to truly believe from day one that I would get to where I wanted to be. Of course this takes hard work, but accepting the rollercoaster of business, the twists, turns and riding the disappointments alongside the highs that come with achievement; it’s all part of the journey. No-one would ride a rollercoaster if you got to the end straight away, so just hold on!

Can you name a woman in business who inspires you, and why?

There are so many wonderful inspiring women out there, of course you Anna, I can really feel your beautiful brand growing and see it being worn by some fantastic faces. I know you do all this, like me, and so many women out there, with a very busy home life, small children and lots of modern-day pressures. You’re amazing. Another fabulous woman in my life is Laura Wright. She has been such a generous Lulu Bloom supporter and inspires me constantly. Laura also juggles motherhood with her singing, modelling and presenting, fitness, further study and supporting her family and I think she is so inspiring to pack it all in. It has been such a pleasure to get to know her and support one another. I find those connections very uplifting and inspiring. Women supporting women; there is nothing better.

CONFIDENCE

What challenges have you overcome that’s given you the confidence to run and grow your business?

The biggest challenge I have overcome is the notion of imposter syndrome. Changing from a medical career to a creative one I felt an identity shift and at times have had to encourage my own self-belief. But in knowing my worth and recognising my ability, I have been able to connect with other wonderful creatives and people in the industry who I now call my friends too and have gained some fabulous clientele to grow the business.

In which area of your business do you feel the most confident, and how did you build that strength?

For me this is twofold, I love the ‘make’ side of the business, my Mum taught me to sew at a young age, I took art and design classes and more recently millinery courses to increase my skill repertoire, but I also really love and feel a buzz from engaging with clients. I have always been a people person, and I think that strength has come from many years as a nurse, working with people and engaging with them on a personal level every day, and importantly following their lead has been so transferrable in giving every client that comes into my Studio a bespoke and personal experience.

When you achieve something, whether it’s a big milestone or a small success, how do you usually acknowledge it or celebrate it?

I try to always reflect on how far I have come with the business and recognise how it feels when I reach my goals. I normally share the successes with my husband and wider family which feels great! Perhaps I need to celebrate more!

What big risk or leap have you taken in your business that required confidence?

I was asked to do a radio interview this year about Royal Ascot and millinery, which felt very exciting, but also scary too. It felt like a leap for me to be the expert in a field and asked to share knowledge and my business in Royal Ascot week this June. I had to find inner confidence and share my thoughts and millinery world with the public to hopefully spark their enthusiasm for what I love. It felt wonderful to listen back to the interview on the radio and for my children to listen as well and be proud to hear me. It took confidence and gave me back real confidence on both a personal level and for the business. A full circle win!

EMPOWER

AJ’s pieces are about feeling empowered and have embroidered quotes inside them – what is your favourite quote?

‘But what if you fly’ is my favourite quote. If you can overcome worrisome feelings to do something that may feel scary, just think how you’ll feel when things go well. Amazing! I find it such a good motto to always keep in mind.

How does your business empower others – whether employees, customers, or your community?

My business is all about the client. In millinery we say, ‘you should wear the hat, the hat shouldn’t wear you’ and I truly believe if you feel fantastic that shows in the way you carry yourself, your confidence and how you will be around others. That is why I love my bespoke service; I aim to create pieces that are perfect for the client!

In what ways does your business give you personal power – financially, emotionally, or creatively?

Lulu Bloom has been such a positive space for me in so many ways. I have felt real power from it in an emotional sense during my early years of motherhood, being creative, meeting new people and having ownership over building something at the pace I can. With three young children it is a real juggle at times, but also incredibly fulfilling and I love the hustle and bustle of it all.

And finally, do you have any exciting new plans or products for your business?

After a quieter winter last year while having a baby, I am really looking forward to my next ready to wear collection coming out. I have been mostly undertaking bespoke work this year, and whilst that part of my business flourishes, I will be refreshing my collection pieces for the New Year. I have an exciting photoshoot coming up for a stage production where I will be providing a millinery set, which I am really looking forward to, and am also continuing to collaborate with fashion designer Lisa Redman which is wonderful. Thank you for your support, watch this space, there is lots going on!

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