Today we’d like to introduce you to Dalph Johnson.
Hi Dalph, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I am born and raised in Dallas, TX, being the youngest of 10 siblings. As a child, I would sneak in my mother’s sewing machine to make clothing like her. As I became older, I was inspired by mother’s love of hats and taught myself the art of millinery by studying library books and deconstructing any headwear I could find. I came across an retired milliner that heard my passion for hat-making and bless me with thousands of dollars’ worth of vintage blocks (which are wooden molds used to form the hat shapes). Having these blocks secured my path in the industry. Which help me to started my business “My Beaux” in 1998 and still active.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As an designed and creator the road changes constantly and not a lot of people do the framework of structing a hat piece. Some of the struggles that comes along with this is finding old equipment to obtain my quality of work. For an example, I work on a sewing machine that is an 1800, and is very hard to locate them. Another challenge is obtaining blocks carved overseas from time to time and finding supplies as well due to most companies that were previously in business are no longer available and out of business.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I love the creativity about my work and how my designs make people feel confident and happy! I am a milliner, which is a person who makes frames and trims hats. What makes me different is that I block and sculpture which is molding fabric over wooden blocks. I also customize the size of the hats, which sets me apart from others that are not blocking. Most people purchase hats trim them, and call themselves a milliner.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important thing that I have learned in this journey is that I am constantly challenged to push myself outside of my comfort zone and grow as a professional. I have learned that no matter what life throws at you, you can always overcome it. I have faced many challenges in my life so far, but each one has made me stronger and even more resilient.
Contact Info:
- Website: mybeaux.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybeauxbagg/?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ%3D%3D
