In Conversation with Lucy Brice
Founder of her eponymous stunning millinery brand.
Lucy has been making hats for over ten years – after meeting a Milliner, and persuading her to offer Lucy a week’s course, Lucy hasn’t looked back since and has learnt from a selection of top Milliners including Yvette Jelfs, Katherine Elizabeth, Edwina Ibbotson and Bundle Maclaren and is passionate about the art of Millinery.
Working from her studio in rural Rutland, Lucy creates all her pieces by hand, using traditional techniques and hand sewing, and her aim is to encourage more people to have the confidence to wear hats.
AJ’s blazers have embroidered quotes inside them – what is your inspiring quote?
‘But what if you fly’ – I relate this to starting my business. There were so many doubts, worries and what if’s but really if I had more confidence I would have launched Lucy Brice Millinery years ago. I think often in life we need a little push and then we are away flying!
The best part of running your own business?
I like being the boss! I enjoy managing my time and also I love meeting my clients and helping them with their outfits.
Your favourite piece from your collection?
I love the Liberty Hat. I designed it to wear to my brother’s wedding (his wife is called Liberty!) and it is such an elegant and stylish hat that suits most people.
How do you unwind away from your business?
I enjoy walking our two dogs and I recently bought a Pelaton bike which I am enjoying first thing in the morning whilst my baby naps. It is a great way to start the day.
Do you have any exciting new plans or products for Lucy Brice Millinery?
I am launching men’s tweed caps later this year and hopefully something else in tweed but I won’t say anymore!
Another inspiring woman in business?
My inspirational woman is Anya Hindmarch. She is a fellow Essex girl like me, raised 5 kids as well as building her business and her creativity and ability to adapt and evolve her business is amazing. Another person I really admire is Victoria Prew, the founder of the rental platform Hurr. She is the same age as me and gives great snippets of business advice on her Instagram.
Your top piece of advice for anyone starting their own business.
It really does take guts to start your own business and step away from a consistent pay cheque. I think if you are passionate about something then it tends to succeed. My advice is to ‘make hay whilst the sun shines’. Obviously, hats are very seasonal and it took me a while to get used to the quieter winter months. However, they don’t last long and before you know it you have orders again. You need to understand that you need the quiet months to do bits like marketing, website work, accounting and stock takes, and look ahead to be prepared for the busy period.
How would you style a blazer? And would you dress it up or down?
I lived in London for four years and I used to wear blazers a lot with tailored trousers and loafers. I dressed much smarter during this time. Now I don’t technically ‘go to work’ my wardrobe has changed, so I dress much more casual. I would definitely dress down with a pair of jeans, trainers and a white t shirt and a chunky gold necklace. I do love how a smart blazer or jacket really elevates the rest of the look.