We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Patricia Standard. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Patricia below.
Patricia , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?
My hero is my mentor Mrytle Curry. Mrs. Curry taught me how to make hats. She saw the creativity within me and took me under her wings. She was surprised at how fast I caught on to the technique of hat making . She also called me every day to see what I was working on, and offered advice if I needed it. She made hats to wear to different occasions that she attended. Her influence on me is very important. If it hadn’t been for her, I wouldn’t have known how to make hats. Mrs. Curry passed away a year and a half ago, but her legacy will remain with me, as I think of her often while making my hats and put 100 percent into my work.
Patricia , 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?
My name is Patricia Standard and I’m a Milliner. I came into the hat making industry after my mentor taught me how to make hats. As a young child, I watched my mother wear hats to church every Sunday. My mother introduced me to my mentor. She knew I was gifted and made sure Mrs. Curry and I got to know each other. My mother has inspired me to continue making hats. To this day we both wear hats on many occasions.
I make hats and fascinators for women to wear to the Kentucky Derby. I help them match the colors of a hat to the outfit they’re wearing. What sets me apart from other Milliner’s is the many creative skills that I use in my creative process. I love to incorporate textiles into my hats, and I hand dye most of my materials. I don’t have a set rule in my creative process. I use whatever I can find , and incorporate it into my designs. I’m most proud of my creative skills, and my will to elevate my work . I’ve only been making hats for 2 1/2 years, and I think my skills are that of a more advanced milliner. My brand is for the sophisticated women that want a show stopper hat. I make one of a kind hats. You’ll never see the same one twice.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
I’ve made hats for many tv reporter’s. One of them did a story on me that aired on a local tv station. The story generated many new clients, all of which still come back to me for hats.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I’ve had a great journey in making hats. The biggest thus far is my mentoring of young girls. I volunteer to teach them the skills it takes to make hats and fascinators. It’s a joy seeing the smile on their faces and knowing I made a difference in their lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: CrownByStandard.Com
- Instagram: Standardpatricia
- Facebook: Patricia Standard
Image Credits
Gabrielle Mc Christion Stone