Sweet Evergreen Designs sells custom, one-of-a-kind hats and is located in-store at Repeat Boutique in the Lima Mall, 2178 Elida Road.
Precious Grundy | The Lima News
LIMA — The way of hat-making goes back centuries. In today’s world, people express their sense of fashion with many types of hats. Lima native Debbie Kennedy decided to join the retail industry and help women create their own.
Kennedy’s business, Sweet Evergreen Designs, sells custom, one-of-a-kind hats and is located in-store at Repeat Boutique in the Lima Mall, 2178 Elida Road.
Kennedy began making hats for herself and her friends several years ago. In August, Kennedy began purchasing hats and creating unique designs.
“My husband and I were going to a country concert in Cleveland,” Kennedy said. “Then I said, ‘there is a girl I met on Facebook and she has a business doing this — people come in and make a hat.’”
Kennedy hosts private parties at wineries or other hat-making venues. She said she provides materials for participants and they can be creative.
“I sold 85 hats last year,” Kennedy said. “This year already, I have doubled that. I have not had a free weekend since August.”
Kennedy said she began crafting at an early age. She enjoys watching others make designs as well.
“My mom and dad make porcelain dolls. I grew up, you know, in that arena where you kept busy with your hands if you weren’t working. But this is something that’s pretty much overtaking my house.”
Kennedy has been asked to make hat designs for the community members attending the Kentucky Derby and for country artist Chris Janson.
“I want to encourage women to step out of their comfort zone and just wear something different,” Kennedy said. “Add something to your wardrobe that makes you feel good about yourself.”
For more information reach [email protected] or visit their Facebook page at Sweet Evergreen Designs.
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
