Hat designer brings her talents to downtown Camas

The owner of a new business in downtown Camas has a global customer base.

Lisa Tice, who recently opened Lisa’s Mini Mad Hattery, has received online orders from residents of Australia, France, Germany and London, as well as stateside in Texas. She has sold hats to some individuals attending the Kentucky Derby.

All of the hats in the shop are made by Tice, using materials such as French lace, feathers and vintage flowers. She also incorporates antique gems and pins in some of her designs.

The results include custom bridal headpieces and accessories such as wrist cuffs.

Tice, 42, said she wanted to tap into the bridal market.

“It’s a year-round market,” she said. “I love to use the vintage florals, velvet, one-of-a-kind pieces and dyed peacock feathers.”

Children’s wrist cuffs are also available to accent outfits of flower girls.

The royal wedding this year of Prince William and Kate Middleton captured the attention of a global audience, and many of the guests wore hats to the ceremony.

“Lady Catherine always has a hat on when she is in public,” Tice said. “It starts a craze.”

Tice, a native of Vancouver, British Columbia, now lives in Camas. She said hats have always been in style, and she plans to create mini pill box hats, similar to styles worn by Jackie Kennedy.

Tice makes and sells “fascinators,” described as whimsical showpieces that can be secured by hat elastics or combs. The mother of two girls also creates children’s clothing. Examples include a cape based on a 1950s pattern.

Tice is a graduate of the fashion design and technology program at Kwantlen College, in Richmond, B.C.

The decor in her shop includes an armoire, a dresser and desk she purchased at Camas Antiques.

“We all try to support each other in downtown Camas,” Tice said. “If we’re going to buy something, we try to do our shopping downtown.”

There are also portraits on the walls of the shop, showing local youth wearing her designs. The portraits were taken by Camas photographer Shannon Sewell.

Lisa’s Mini Mad Hattery, 426 N.E. Cedar St., is open Tuesday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and by appointment. For more information, call (760) 846-0499, email Lisasminimadhattery@gmail.com or visit lisasminimadhattery.com.