We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Helen Overfield. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Helen below.
Helen, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I’ve worked for years as a fundraiser and Executive Director of various non- profit organizations. I beggan Hats Off by Helen as a Hobby, turned small business. I enjoy the creative aspects of making one of a kind hats and fascinators, a different skill set than managing staff, volunteers and fundraising. I had been making hats and fascinators for decades for friends and family and decided to pursue it on a more serious basis.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I began making a hat because I couldn’t find one for my outfit for the Kentucky Derby that matched my outfit, I then made one for a Steeplechase event. My husband was in the Bourbon industry, and we entertained at the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Horse Racing – the Kentucky Derby, The Preakness and The Belmont. Many women arrived not realizing a haat of fascinator was a part of the experience, so I had them for those clients. I had been making them for friends and family for a number of years as a hobby. When my 3 daughters went to college, I decided to make Hats Off by Helen a side business, as I was working full-time. I concentrated on hats, but due to the influence of Kate Middleton, fascinators became popular with the younger crowd, under 40. My business is primarily E-commerce, where individuals buy online from my website hatsoffbyhelen.com I also do some custom work, when women send me photo of their outfit and I crate a look to coordinate with it. All of my products are unique – you won’t’ be sitting next to someone at the racetrack or a wedding or luncheon with the same creation. I keep my price points very affordable for the everyday person.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Know your audience. I originally only made hats. However I branched out into fascinators and now they are equally as popular. Don’t be afraid to start small. I begin as a hobby and then expanded into a website and business, and grew slowly. I think perseverance is essential. During the pandemic, many events were cancelled, and business slowed, but the next year it took off and was my best year ever!
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents exposed me to art, architecture and a variety of experiences. Both of them were very creative and entreprenurial. This instilled a “can-do” attitude in me at a very young age.
Contact Info:
- Website: hatsoffbyhelen.com
- Instagram: hatsoffbyhelen
- Facebook: hatsoffbyhelen
- Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/SHOP/HATSOFFbyhelen
Image Credits
Alli Overfield
