Milliner Holly Young receives royal approval!

A very special letter recently arrived at the studio of madebyhandonline milliner Holly Young...

"To all those who love British and handmade things, I hope you will find my story interesting and inspiring.

My name is Holly Young and I am a Milliner (hat designer/maker) based in Cornwall. I am 27 years old, being under 30 allowed me to apply for a Prince’s Trust grant when I was 25.

I had always worked for other people and when I returned to Cornwall, after five years in London, I couldn’t find a milliner to work with. I had always wanted to set up my own business and when I found out I was eligible to apply for a grant I jumped at the chance.  The Trust supports young entrepreneurs in the UK to set up their business, by giving them training, mentoring, loans and grants. I was lucky enough to receive all four over an 18 month period. Without which I wouldn’t have been able to take the initial steps into business and set up my lovely studio at the Old Bakery in Truro.

The business enterprise course I did with the Prince’s Trust inspired me to attend a local course called ‘empowering smart women’ which was funded by European convergence money. During which I made my first collection using the ‘will it work’ grant of £200 from the Prince’s Trust. The other women on my business course gave me positive feed back on my designs and the support I needed to help push me forward. I was later given the full business loan by the Prince’s Trust which enabled me to develop my own website www.hollyyoungboutique.com. The site has helped me to promote my work outside of Cornwall and to meet new customers and suppliers.

I have officially been in business since July 2010 and this summer was very encouraging. I was constantly busy with head wear commissions from brides and women all over the country attending special events. I showcased my work at the Cornwall Design fair at Trereife House, which was an amazing success. I also run monthly fascinator workshops and hen parties, which are going really well.

In July I was awarded a prize for ‘most enterprising new business’ by Truro College. I was totally over joyed and I shocked because I had never seen myself as a ‘business woman’. I was so pleased with my progress that I decided to write to Prince Charles and thank him for setting up the Trust which had been so vital to my business. I explained this to His Royal Highness along with some of pictures of my work.

To my surprise I received a prompt and personal response! I was delighted to read that he thought my hats ‘look stunning’ and that he will show them to his wife! I am thrilled that he took the time to respond so kindly!
 
The letter is now in a frame on my studio wall and I will look at it every day to remind me of the journey I am on and how lucky I have been to receive the help needed to manifest my dream."

Many, many thanks to Holly for sharing her inspiring experiences with us. You can continue to support Holly's business and see her new work here on madebyhandonline and for information about the Prince's Trust and how it could help you and your business, please click here.