Business Profile: The Hat Collection, Omagh

Name: Donna Dickson
L: By appointment only
M: 07732801377
FB: thehatcollectionomagh
IG: thehatcollectionomagh
Snap: hat.collection

Business Profile: The Hat Collection, Omagh

Can you describe your business?

The Hat Collection offers a range of head pieces for hire for that special event. I have been providing a lot of styling advice since starting The Hat Collection, which I have been really enjoying. The feedback to date has been very encouraging. I feel The Hat  Collection offers something for everybody and I want my own style and personality to come across in the selection of my head pieces. I will be keeping up to date with the latest trends and I will be creating lots of content and fashion inspiration on my social media sites.

Why did you start your own business?

I have always have had a passion for fashion. I particularly love going to weddings or special events as this has allowed me the opportunity to put together an outfit and complete the look with a stylish head piece. I have always had so many comments and compliments about the outfits I wore. I have been told on numerous occasions I should consider doing something like this and finally I have taken the plunge. I have been inundated with requests to assist with putting together outfits, taking into consideration the seasonal colours, latest trends and of course with a particular emphasis on completing the look with some stylish head wear. This is something I am passionate about and having attended lots of weddings and special occasions over the years I felt there must be a niche in the market for hat hire rather than the public buying expensive headpieces that they wear only once as style changes so quickly.

What are the best things about running your own business?

I just love meeting people and being able to help them to complete their outfit and seeing the finished look gives me great satisfaction.

It doesn’t matter whether it is somebody who wants to be outrageously fashionable or a mother of the bride who wants to be styled sophisticatedly, I love the challenge. The support I have received to date has been way beyond my expectations and this has given me further ambition and drive to provide a quality service to those who want an alternative option to spending a lot of money on a  headpiece that is worn once.

What are the main challenges facing the business? 

I already have a very busy life with two very young children, working in full time employment and in the middle of building my own home. I always put my full effort and energy into my work so there is not a lot of free time but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What advice would you give to someone starting a business?

I would say if you have a passion for something and have the ambition, energy and commitment then to go for it. Don’t let anybody else dampen your dreams or ambitions. Be prepared for hard work and the world is your oyster.

Can you describe your experience of running a business in three words or less?

Busy, sociable, fun!