Catherine Hamilton was forced to take change tack when, after 30 years in accounts, she was made redundant from her job a few weeks ago.
The 52-year-old has now turned her hat and fascinator hobby into a full-time career – just months after qualifying as a milliner from Cardonald College.
Catherine had no idea that one day she may have to fall back on her fashion design skills.
The mother-of-one, who was brought up in Scotstoun but now lives in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "My life has turned around in weeks.
"I have always loved fashion and designing and have made hats over the years for friends, but I never thought it would become my full-time job."
The bespoke designer set up Catherine Hamilton Handmade Fascinators And Hats after studying at Cardonald.
She said: "Through word of mouth, and family and friends, orders, are coming in.
"One of my fascinators has been worn at Royal Ascot – it is an amazing turnaround."
Working from home, Catherine offers a bespoke service to women looking for stylish headwear for weddings, balls and special events.
Her unusual designs have attracted the interest of stylist Ian Tod and have featured in The Best Scottish Wedding Magazine, which has helped to draw in even more customers.
Catherine has also seen one of her fascinators modelled on the catwalk at an event at the SECC.
Although it has been only a few weeks since she started, she is already planning to expand her business and may even return to Cardonald College to develop her skills.
Catherine added: "Cardonald College was a great experience and without it I would never have been able to set up my own business.
"I love creating dream head pieces for ladies and would love to expand my offering.
"So I am applying for the Bags To Riches course at Cardonald to learn how to make handbags and then I would like to go on to do the Fashion Accessories course."
She has set up her own website, which you can see at: www. hatsandfascinators.net.
deborah.anderson@ eveningtimes.co.uk
