Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Collette Berenguer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Collette, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

My colorful hats and painted bridal veils are the result much experimentation. Over years, I explored different paints, techniques, and materials to perfect my craft and find the right aesthetic. It was a labor of love. I don’t think I really could have sped up the learning process. It was important to figure out all the possibilities so I could be well informed in my craft.

Regarding essential skills, in this case it was stubbornness – I refused to give up even though it took quite a while to figure out the right processes.

Collette, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a fashion artist for colorful statement headwear – including hand-painted bridal veils and everyday western and beach hats.

I am a fashion designer by trade and an artist at my core, and I looked for a way to merge my two passions of art and fashion. I started with hand-painted bridal veils and tulle skirts as a Covid lockdown project. Because this is an unusual medium, there was a lot of experimentation for paints, fabrics, techniques, etc. It took years progress to the unique and colorful bridal veils I now offer.

Soon after experimenting with painted tulle veils, I also start hydro-dipping felt and straw hats. It created a fantastic marbled look which became very popular, and still is today!

I love pursuing both the everyday casual hats as well as the one-of-a-kind bridal veils – the customers and process are very different for both of them. With brides, I offer a lot of personalized attention and customizations that make the veil perfectly theirs for their special day! I love the connection I can make and what I learn about those brides along the way.

Separately, but just as fun, the unique colorful hats are more everyday and the customers have lower stakes. But they are often matching a planned outfit for a concert or birthday, or supporting a local team, and I love being a small part of an important occasion for them!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I have pivoted much in this business! I always knew I wanted to merge art and fashion, but I started off with DIY kits and paint parties, then moved to hand-painted hoodies and streetwear. Finally I landed on hats and veils. Though each of these iterations had good feedback and potential, it came down to how I wanted to spend my time. So I pivoted until I felt passionate about my product offering!

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I was introduced to the book Profit First by Mike Michalowicz a few years ago by a fellow entrepreneur and mentor. This was a game changer for my struggles managing and making decisions about money in business. I recommend it to anyone who wants to start making a profit!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nymfbyco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nymfbyco

Image Credits

Photography: Rachel Sakakeeny @rachelsakakeenyphotography
Hat Model: Shyla @shylaluckadoo
Bridal Model: Isabelle @belleboofit