Life and Joy in Every Stitch
A reflection from the Milliners Market at Eagle Farm
A table filled with delicious headwear from Anél Heyman Designs
There are moments in an artist’s journey that feel like a quiet exhale of truth—and for me, one of those moments came during the recent Milliners Market held in the breathtaking Tote Room at Eagle Farm Racecourse in Brisbane, Australia.
Built in 1913, the heritage-listed venue offered a striking setting for an evening of connection and creativity. With 18-foot ceilings, worn brick walls, polished timber floors, and original tote windows steeped in racing history, the space carried a beautiful blend of grandeur and character. It was the perfect backdrop for a gathering of ten of Queensland’s finest milliners, showcasing handcrafted hats and headpieces to a vibrant crowd.
This was my third time attending the market, and something about this evening felt different—more open, more soul-led. From the moment the doors opened, the room was alive with energy. Women laughed, lingered, and shared in the joy of discovering unique millinery pieces. There were styling sessions led by Laura Churchill and Kerrie Carucci, live hairstyling by Epic Hair, and music that danced softly around our conversations.
I was excited and inspired—not just to share my wearable art but to connect with those drawn to it. Despite long days of preparation—early mornings before work, late nights in my studio—I arrived with a full heart. There had been moments of doubt, of creative blocks, and of questioning. But I held close to my belief: each headpiece finds the person it’s meant for.
A glimpse of the Tote Room
Throughout the evening, I received heartfelt feedback that reminded me why I do what I do.
Comments like:
🖤 “Your work is so unique.”
🖤 “There’s a beautiful structure and flow in each piece.”
🖤 “Each headpiece tells its own story—it doesn’t repeat, it evolves.”
And then… a beautiful woman named Delia, paused at my table, and said something that gave me full-body truthbumps (aka goosebumps):
“Your work has so much life and joy in it.”
That one line—life and joy—captured everything I pour into my craft as a milliner. Every hat I create is shaped not only by skilled hands but by instinct, emotion, and presence. I don’t follow trends or templates. I follow feeling. I create from my heart, and I trust that the right soul will see and feel it.
A moment that especially touched me was when a woman named Caz tried on my Tamara headpiece—a sculptural, raspberry-pink velour felt design. She admired her reflection in the mirror and said: “I feel this in my heart.” Then she smiled and added, “It’s so whimsical.” It was as if the piece had called out to her. She took it home. It was perfect.
I watched others with equal wonder—fingertips grazing textures, eyes lighting up at colours, smiles blooming as they discovered their match. It was the kind of evening where art meets soul.
And as I stood there—feet aching, heart full—I was reminded that my work matters. Who I am matters. When I create from truth, joy finds a way to ripple outward.
My purpose has always been to inspire—to help women feel beautiful, confident, and creatively alive through the transformative power of millinery. This night reminded me that I’m on the right path. And now, I dream of creating more of these moments across the globe. Collaborating with like-minded artists. Elevating the art of headwear. Sharing my work—and my heart—with the world.
“Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.”
~ Karl Barth