Learn More About My Story and Life’s Passion

Hi ladies , my name is Ann Carni and I am the owner and creator of Cordelia Ann Millinery. The name Cordelia is my late mothers maiden name, which is a traditional family name and I wanted to honour her in some way that seemed fitting.  And so my story begins and my business was born and I share with you my life's passion.

In my teenage years, I learnt to sew my own clothes on my mum's sewing machine and in my late teens  attended the local Tafe college to learn dressmaking and pattern-making. In 1995 I completed a TAFE certificate in fashion head wear as I have always  loved hats and learnt the fundamentals of millinery. Such as blocking hats with felt and straw and learning to construct cocktail hats, bridal wear and trims. I've dabbled on and off making hats for years and only recently after retiring from the work force I have committed myself to bringing you affordable one-of-a-kind  millinery. There are no more distractions of paid full time work or over seeing to the needs of everyone else, and I can now focus my intention on my millinery business.

For me, millinery is addictive and I appreciate the beauty of designing and creating something quite unique with its own personality. I'm passionate about learning new skills and techniques and working with different materials and keeping up with the  latest trends.  One of the things about creating it's never boring, but you do need lots of patience as you practice your skills and techniques.

Hat making isn't always smooth going, as there are days when nothing seems to go right and I just call that having human experiences. This is the time for me to shut the workroom door and grab a coffee and sit in nature, or do some gardening or watch a funny movie.  So next time I walk back into my workroom I'm ready to begin where I left off, making you beautiful head wear pieces. 

My home is in the Wollongong area on the South Coast of New South Wales in Australia, and is a beautiful area  nestled between the mountains and the ocean and just a 90 minutes drive from Sydney.  I'm a wife and nan and I eat most days healthy foods, with the occasional glass of wine and chocolate.  I love learning about life in general and travelling, especially Australia's outback areas. It's untouched beauty is magical with the beauty of picture perfect scenery of rock formation, cascading waterfalls, red dirt and brilliant red, orange yellow sunsets are all inspiring.

I look forward to designing and creating your head wear pieces for your special events and you can connect with me here and on social media if you need anything. 

Have a great day,  

Ann