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

Ashley , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I learned how to make hats during Covid. Although I was still working full time as a first responder, I wasn’t working as much overtime and needed something else to keep me busy. A friend of mine who was somewhat versed in the craft taught me the basics, and before I knew it I created my first hat. To be honest, I do not think you can or should speed up the learning process. Part of what makes each milliner unique is the learning process, and how each milliner makes the process of creating a hat with their own vision and style. As long as you have somewhat of a creative bone, and like working with your hands, the sky is the limit when it comes to designs of the hat. My biggest obstacle was finding the materials I needed for the craft. Resourcing quality tools was not cheap, and finding someone to make those tools was even more difficult. In fact, most of my tools have been found in antique stores!

Ashley , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a milliner or in other words, I make hats! I make all my hats start to finish, always handmade, just like it should be! Each one is hand designed, hand blocked, hand sanded, hand sewn, and of course , hand shaped, using the very process they did in the 1800s. I use fur felt which is either rabbit, beaver or a mix of the two, or for a summer option I use palm leaf. I work with each of my customers to help create something that they will not only love to look at but that is also comfortable for them and will love to wear! Not only that, but because of the quality materials I use, these hats will last them for generations to come. The options really are endless when it comes to the design. I offer all different colors, shapes and sizes. I like to tell my customers if they can think it, I can probably make it! I really like to work hand and hand with my customer to help take their vision of their perfect hat and turn it into a reality.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think it’s important for society to realize the time and effort that goes into handmade products such as this. You’re not just paying for the materials but you’re paying for the craftsmanship. A lot of these items, such as mine, take hours of work. They are not made by machines and shouldn’t be treated as such when it comes to cost. In the end, there really is nothing that beats the quality of handmade products. Not to mention, you’re giving your hard earned dollars to an actual person, and not a billion dollar corporation!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I would love to run my business full time! At this point in my career it is just not possible, but I am hoping one day all my hard work will pay off and I will be able to do what I actually enjoy doing. I have always loved creating and working with my hands, and very few people get to say they get to do what they love. I am hoping one day I can say that I do what I love FULL TIME! Until then, I will continue to hustle, one hat at a time!

Contact Info:

• Website: Arhatcollective.com
• Instagram: AR_hatco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093470356068&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/exNmN2vFcU
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ar_hatco?_t=8glYklm89B0&_r=1