Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fashionable hats but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christine Moore-Seidel, founder of Christine A. Moore Millinery, located in New York, NY, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Christine A. Moore Millinery is an award-winning design house located in the heart of the fashion and accessories districts in NYC. We have many collections but are best known for our explosive hats for the Kentucky Derby.

Tell us about yourself

I started my career in the world of theatre as a costume designer. I worked in many costume shops realizing and building other designers' work. In 1990 I moved to NYC to work for Rodney Gordon, who built most of the hats for Broadway and Opera. In 1994 I started Christine A. Moore Millinery by designing a fashion collection, and Henri Bendel in NYC and Joan Shepp in Philadelphia bought my first pieces. I bring my theatre background and collaborative skills to each store and to each custom order I design.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I was the first-ever "featured milliner" of the Kentucky Derby in their 148-year history; I have been named the featured milliner of the Kentucky Derby for five years in a row.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Managing my time. I love to design and build hats, but there are many other hats to wear when owning a business. That takes time away from the main reasons you started your own business - managing a staff, taxes, supervising the purchasing of materials, partnerships, sponsorships, payroll, and many others.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Don't worry about growing your business slowly.
  2. Surround yourself with encouraging and positive people.
  3. Don't feel pressured by other people and competition, and always stay true to your original mission.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I built my business on building relationships with stores and private customers. We are known for a high-end product and for the concierge service we provide, and we never compromise on those values. Our end goal is to ensure the client has a positive experience and looks their best!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.camhats.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camhatsnyc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camhatsnyc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/camhatsnyc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-a-moore-seidel-78104b14/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.