2. I am a wife
I am a mother of two sons
I am a Jacksonville native
I am well traveled
I am a PhD with 4 years of postdoctoral training
I am an experienced milliner
I am creative
I am Kathleen Trotter Balbona
3. •
I started a business in 1996 to introduce fine millinery to
Jacksonville
•
Over the years I have produced one-of-a-kind designs for women
wishing to elegantly complement an ensemble or boldly stand out
in a crowd
•
As my creations gained attention I began to spend more time
away from my family. In 2007 I decided to step back. Today, with
my children in college, I hope to breathe new life into my small
business
4. I require capital for expansion and expenses
I intend to increase production
I want to explore new markets
I welcome collaboration
5. •
I have the tools: crown and brim blocks, stands,
steamers and stretchers
•
I have the materials: a variety of straw hoods,
capelines and cloth, exquisite flowers and spools of
ribbon, including vintage items which are no longer
produced
6. •
I am skilled in all aspects of the
millinery production: custom dying,
hand-blocking, intricate needlework
and beading
•
I experiment with different
materials, colors and shapes to
create original designs
•
I am fastidious with details
7. • I understand that as
an artistic medium
millinery has the
ability to arouse
emotion in the
wearer and observer
alike