About Us

"About us" is actually only about me because Hat Factor is a one-woman-operation. Hi, I am Mandy and I am 59 years "young". My first and last job was a secondary school teacher. So how did I become a milliner and have my own business?

My interest in headwear started when I was in primary school. Chinese street opera was a common sight during the Chinese 7th month and I would sneak to the back of the stage to observe how the opera performers put on their makeup and headgear. Their glittery hair jewels and wigs fascinated me most. 

I went to London (around 2009-2013) three times during school holidays to learn traditional millinery skills from a renowned royal milliner. But teaching kept me very very busy. Until the stress of teaching during and after the Covid pandemic and a MRI brain scan revealed an enlarged blood vessel pressing on my nerve, thus causing hemifacial spasm made me sit up and thought hard about what I wanted. What if I do not have enough time left?

I resigned from teaching to focus on my physical and mental health. I did absolutely no work nor make hats for 6 months and just enjoyed my new found "freedom". My neuro-surgeon discharged me as we both agree that head surgery is not necessary at this stage. Medical botox helps to control excessive facial spasm but the down side is that my right side of face starts to droop. It is something I am still learning to accept.

With a renewed sense of purpose, I launched my own business, creating beautiful and unique headwear that reflects my love of traditional millinery techniques and my own creative vision. There are many challenges along this journey but I hope to inspire mature women to follow their dreams, to pursue their passion regardless of their age.

My Brand

I am committed to good craftsmanship to create beautiful headwear that is sustainable and timeless. My brand is focused on low waste, using natural fibres and sustainable materials to craft elegant headwear that can be worn for many years.

My headwear is usually made from natural fibres. I used a lot of Sinamay (a fibre from abaca plants grown in abundant in the Philippines), silk, straw , upcycled kimono fabrics sourced from Kyoto and cut-outs from denim jeans, cotton fabrics donated by a neighbour who runs an alteration business. 

My design influence comes from 1950s fashion and hats and I have reproduction hat blocks (hat moulds) specially made from UK, Europe and Australia. I specialise in small hats like button shaped small hats, perchers and pillboxes, hats popular in the 50s. My collections of elegant and versatile headwear aim to encourage more women to wear hats. Hats ARE NOT and should never be for bad hair days! I want my hats, hairbands and hair adornments to make the wearers feel more beautiful, confident and stylish. 

My attention to detail and commitment to quality ensure that each piece of my headwear is crafted with care and precision.