Devon resident Amy Holzapfel, a milliner and the founder of Ella Grace, decided to become serious about hat-making after she kept winning the hat contest at the Devon Horse Show, writes Rachel Spurlock for Main Line Today.

“From there, I started taking classes and hosting pop-up shops,” said Holzapfel. “The rest is history.”

When she makes her hats, Holzapfel draws inspiration and strength from people who are close to her. Each of her creations is modeled after a person who is special to her in some way. As a result, all of her designs are unique and exclusive.

Still, she does have style inspirations for her design.

“I really look up to the style of Isabella Blow, who was a mentor and muse to Philip Treacy and Alexander McQueen,” said Holzapfel.

As far as style icons go, her list includes Amal Clooney and Anna Wintour, among others.

And for women who are starting their own business, she has simple advice: Pay it forward.

“There are so many people who’ve helped me get here, and I try to do the same for them,” she said.

Read more about Amy Holzapfel in Main Line Today here.

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