Wendy White (who calls herself a madhatter) is a milliner in Rockhampton, Central Queensland Australia. She is also the owner of Bush Buddies Hats. "Making hats is what I love to do. If you were to ask one of my four children where their mum is they would say, ‘Mum’s in the studio making hats, in the blocking area making hats, or dying something for her next hat.’"

Five years ago White and her husband sold their 540 acre property in Central Queensland and went on the road for 18 months. "We home schooled our children, and at each stop (like a traveling circus) we set up our mobile shop at each country show.

My Husband Alex was my head salesman and chief truck driver, and when the children were not in the classroom, they were sales assistants."

White opened a studio in 2006 and attended the International Millinery Forum at Wagga Wagga in New South Wales. She also won a scholarship to study with Neil Grigg, one of Sydney’s top Milliners.

"Everyday I learn something new. My rule is: learn a new thing everyday and in one year you will have learned 365 new things. Remember, life is short, break the rules (our families told us we were nuts for giving up a normal life to go on the road), forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, always have a go at things and never regret anything."

Bush Buddies Hats is committed to teaching the art of Millinery to potential hatters (they have workshops for aspiring hatters)."

www.bushbuddieshats.com.au
bush.buddies@bigpond.com