How to Find the "Magic" in Your Custom Shopping Experience

There is a certain magic that happens in any experience where someone is making an item custom for you.  We do not have that opportunity as often now as they did 40 or 50 years ago and I think it can be intimidating to enter a situation where we don't quite know how it will go.  I have been making custom hats for clients for 22 plus years and these are my tips to make the magic happen for you.

How to Enter a Custom Experience

1.  Vocalize what function you want the item to do for you.  In my case it helps to know if you want shade and a wider brim for the sun or you are going for height and drama to match a partner.  

2. Don't have a clear idea of what you want the piece to look like.  I know this sounds counterintuitive, but if you go in already knowing the end design you could miss something perfect and unexpected that your chosen expert could see on you.  I love when people are clear on what they don't like but the magic comes out when they try on a hat they couldn't have envisioned and it is perfect.

3.  If you are having an item made that is an accessory, have the rest of your look selected in advance.  When people come into my studio without their dress, the options that I can put together are overwhelming.  When we know a touch of this or that color is what will pull it all together, it makes everyone excited.

4. Give your maker an appropriate amount of time to create your piece.  I am all for a firm deadline but if you have someone up all night, the quality is not as good.

5.  Research who you want your expert to be.  I act as a guide to my clients, taking them through a custom hat experience.  I have them look at my website and previous work first so we both know they like my style and aren't trying to make a square fit into a circle.  You will relax into the whole process more if you know you like your creators style.