TCF FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA - LAUNCH OF GINA MARIE MILLINERY

Friday 13th March 2009 was the official launch of my business. Since December I have attended meetings at at the TCF (Textiles Clothing and Footwear) Network of CBEC (Caboolture Business Enterprise Centre) in Caboolture, Queensland. The idea of the network is to not only network and forge ties with other fashion related businesses and designers but to also nurture, encourage and support new businesses starting in the Moreton Bay area.

I attended the meeting initially with an open mind and a dream of someday having some sort of fashion business for myself. The Network were so welcoming and encouraging and when the idea was raised about organising a fashion show to showcase the businesses and designers in the Network, well I thought it was my chance to take that large leap into starting up my own business and making my dream a reality.

2 months later and after endless nights of almost zero sleep in preparation, the night was upon us on Friday 13th March. The night was titled "TCF Fashion Extravaganza: New designs, New Designers". I was so fortunate to be able to use the show to launch my new business and show examples of my work.

The night was a huge success and was over in what seemed like 5 minutes! The feedback I received about the show overall was very positive and the all attention I received for my segment in the show was nothing less than glowing. What a relief! I entered 10 pieces to show on the night and these were modelled by the gorgeous Rahnie and Jez. I thank them sincerely for giving up their time and being so enthusiastic about making my segment a success. Thank you girls!

Jeanette Harvey was the overall organiser of the show on Friday and without her the show would have never happened. She was always there to help me during the process of organising the show and thank her from the bottom of my heart for all she did. Gudrun Steiner was also incremental in helping with organising the night too, thank you Gudrun! Irene our compere, Paul the DJ, the sound and lighting crew, RSL staff etc...you were all amazing, thank you so much also.

I appreciate my family and friends who were able to make it on the night too; mum, dad, Marina, Lisa, Claire and Bec. Your support and effort in coming on the night will never be forgotten!

And finally the good bit, the photos from the night! Enjoy!

Previous work

In the lead up to setting my own millinery business I thought it would be good to give you an idea of the work I have done so far. Majority of the work has been for family and friends who attended the races. There is no better place to show off something fabulous on your head!

TCF Fashion Extravaganza pics for my launch night will be posted tomorrow!

WELCOME TO GINA MARIE MILLINERY!

I have created this blog to keep my nearest and dearest up to date on all the happenings and developments on my exciting new venture into the land of millinery. As you all would probably and hopefully know, millinery has been a little 'hobby' of sorts over the years and has allowed me to find a creative outlet and engage in an area of fashion that holds no limits! Now that I am back in Australia permanently after my travels and adventures overseas over the last 2 years I am focusing more on developing my interest and passion for millinery into a viable business that allows me to give more time to creating head wear and in turn allows more people the ability to look fabulous! I will over the course of this year look to develop my skills through study on the art of millinery (as I am completely self-taught so far) and will continue to work on ready made one-of-a-kind pieces that will be available for sale as well as consult and create a piece to match any outfit for any occasion for clients.

As this is all new to me I will be using this blog site initially as my main platform to report on updates regarding my new venture and also allow for posting of images of pieces that I am creating and hopefully finding a home for on someone's head! I welcome and encourage comments, advice and critique on how the venture progresses for I want to learn and apply all that is offered in order to make this venture the success I am hoping for it to be. I already need to thank my parents Barb and Jim plus my sister Angie and brother Nick for their support, love and encouragement as I embark on this new enterprise!

So please say hello to me through this site when you can and join me on this journey!

This was the very first piece I made which was

for wearing to the races 6 years ago