Meet Trailblazer Allison Lyndes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Lyndes.

Allison, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My path to hatmaking started long before I ever made my first hat. My mother, an art educator, exposed me to myriad forms of artistic expression as I grew, and despite other interests throughout my life, I always felt a powerful tug toward creating with my hands. When I began studying Theatre in college and took my first course in millinery, I finally found the craft that pulled all my interests and drives together. Ever since then, I haven’t been able to keep hats off my mind (or my head!). Setting up my business, Frontier Millinery has allowed me to work in a variety of contexts and create widely differing work from project to project, which I love! Being able to pursue freelance contracts, retail sales, and my own artistic endeavors as a solo artist is incredibly meaningful and I hope to continue this path for as long as I can into the future.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Let’s put it this way – my first ever craft show was a dismal failure. I spent so much money and time preparing, hoping for a ‘big break’ into the handmade artisan community, only to walk away with a single small sale and a soaked inventory thanks to a thunderstorm while we were packing up. I went home feeling defeated, convinced no one wanted to buy what I was making and that my work wasn’t worth the number I’d put on my price tags. But I slowly moved past the visions of overnight success I’d foolishly entertained and got back to work. Only half a year later, I participated in a wildly successful art show that to this day is a highlight of my journey as a milliner! Finding the right audience takes work and a lot of listening, but is very worth it. I’m beyond glad that I kept creating and believing in my work, as hard as it was at that time. Since then I’ve had highs and lows all throughout, as anyone will, but I think my past self would be thrilled to see where Frontier Millinery is today.

Keep your eyes open for ways you can adapt and pivot when your path seems stagnant. I can’t tell you how many things I’ve tried and discarded, turned around or retooled. Once you start to see your journey as fluid, you’ll see more and more ways to grow. Goals are wonderful and vital, but they’re certainly susceptible to change. Don’t base your self worth on whether you meet every goal you set, or whether your milestones are exactly as you pictured in the beginning. Flexibility is equally important to determination!

We’d love to hear more about Frontier Millinery.
If there’s anything I specialize in, it’s variety! The world of hats is vast, and I want to explore as much of it as I can. My clients range from folks looking for an everyday or special event hat, to historical costume enthusiasts, to theatrical productions. Fantasy, history, contemporary, couture, utilitarian – I value them all stylistically. I’m continually learning something new!

Nearly all of my work over the past few years has been on a one-on-one commission basis. Learning how to effectively communicate with clients at a distance has been an amazing part of my work. I love hearing about people, what they need or want their hat to be, and then incorporating their personality into a design. It’s so much more fun when a hat suits a person both on the outside AND inside!

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
Honestly, while there are many books and podcasts that I love, the absolute best resources for me are still about getting out into the world. Museums and antique shops are two of my favorite places to find inspiration and recharge, and a lot of my best and most unique materials have come from flea markets and attics all over the world. Exploring nature is another great way to both take a breath and find inspiration – you never know when a color, a texture, or feeling will give you an idea for your next project!

Contact Info:

• Website: frontiermillinery.com
• Email: frontiermillinery@gmail.com
• Instagram: @frontiermillinery
• Facebook: facebook.com/frontiermillinery
• Other: frontiermillinery.etsy.com

Image Credit:
First Image: Amanda Tipton
All Others: Allison Lyndes

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