LIDOprofile - Hannah Walker
Hannah Walker was one of our absolute favorite pandemic finds!
She started her business in the first lockdown, making hair accessories, and has gone from strength to strength with every passing month. Her headbands come in two different sizes, and they are, quite honestly, like no others that we have ever bought before. The fit is great and the designs really original- you are sure to find something for every taste! Hannah is also a lovely and positive presence on social media- to say that her stories are addictive would be an understatement! Go see for yourself!
How did you come to do what you do?
I worked as a high street designer for 5 years and have always had a huge passion for print and accessories. In summer 2019 I had a sports injury and tore my ACL and MCL in my left knee. I spent close to 9 months in a leg brace and on crutches so practical dressing was now my norm. I couldn’t have my hair down because it would go in my face when I walked with my crutches but I hated the look of my hair scrapped back. I wanted to add a little personality so I began searching for headbands to suit my style. I found most high street headbands were cheaply made and the fabrics were hard to dress with. So I pulled out my sewing machine and started playing around with designs, working out what style I liked, what fabrics worked the best. The pandemic hit and it felt like the perfect opportunity to give being my own boss a go and I launched by Hannah Walker.
What's the most exciting part of your job?
Launch day! It’s terrifying but the buzz when everything goes live is amazing. I love seeing everyone get just as excited as I do. The build up to launch day can be intense, I give myself around 2 weeks to promote the new collection. By the end of those two weeks I’m usually pretty ‘instagram tired’ but you have to keep plugging and keep the buzz going.
What challenges do you usually encounter?
Production is the hardest thing at the moment - headbands sell faster than I can make them. I’m not complaining, as the business is growing which is wonderful but now seems the right time to look for help. My focus is also on Christmas and making it a big one this year! I’ve already started production for this and the time seems to be flying.
What's your typical day like?
I start my day at 9am and respond to any customer service emails. I spend the morning making orders to be dispatched the next day. In the afternoon I'll pack orders, nip to the post office, look for new fabrics or begin production for my next collection. My days vary a lot but I keep to a strict schedule when it comes to hitting dates for production and launch.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
My husband and I have recently moved so any spare time is now spent on Pinterest looking for house inspiration! I also enjoy trampolining, I do an exercise class at home called 'Bounce' and I just love it. It feels like you’re dancing rather than exercising!
What’s your go to track or album at the moment?
I tend to listen to podcasts rather than music. I find it helps long sewing sessions go by that little bit quicker. I’m really stuck into ‘My Favourite Murder’ and ’The Rewatchables', at the moment.
Any exciting news that you would like to share with us?
Christmas is going to be a goodun'! I recently did a live on Instagram, and chatted to my followers about designs and got all their wonderful ideas. Plenty of sparkle, tartan, tweed and embellishment!
The launch dates are as follows:
The velvet jewel (velvet headbands and bows) - 19th October @ 6pm GMT
The more sparkle, the better! - 27th October @ 6pm GMT
Dear Santa collection (Festive hair accessories) - 11th November @ 6pm GMT
You can order directly on Hannah’s website, and follow her on Instagram
