Meet Otis Damón | Milliner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Otis Damón and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Otis, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Hempstead, New York which is in the suburbs of Long Island.
My background and upbringing impacted who I am today by the support of community within my home town, church, & mentoring educators in my high school.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Otis Damón the Hatmogul is a millinery brand that does not focus on creating trends but timeless pieces for his wearers. Each creation has its own personality & style without duplication. A lover of the 1920’s, 1930’s, & 1940’s I incorporate the past with the present as I orchestrate an artistic flow with each creation. Color & shape is the main focus of the birth of each millinery piece that is designed for my patrons.

What sets me apart from others is that fact that each piece is custom made for its wearer. It compliments their personality, style, physical attributes..

I got where I am today by consistentcy and determination. By no means is it easy. Even now it is not easy. To overcome the challenges I just try not make some of the same mistakes, become a little open minded to change. That one can be hard at times for many reasons. I also have support system of colleagues where we bounce ideas, converse, & encourage one another. A supportive community definitely helps.

I want the world to know that at 15 years old while contemplating suicide I had an amazing person ( D. Gleora Sibley) that I confided in to stop at my rest stop and made sure that she nurtured a gift that I didn’t know I possessed and made it art therapy for me. 37 years later I’m creating & sharing a ministry of creativity that came through pain. She’s been gone for 30 years now but I am still accountable to share my gifting like she did and tell the story of How & Why Hats with hopes that it encourages someone that struggles with depression.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m pretty much an introvert but for the sake of my guest visiting I would take them to eat at a few of these establishments; Poor Calvins, Atlanta Fish Market, Agave, & Pappadeaux. For outings it would retail therapy and museums; The King Center, National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Lastly we would spend some time in my quaint millinery studio with all of its vintage machinery and wooden hat molds from all over the world.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This shoutout would be dedicated to all 3 of my mentors with only 1 being alive today;
Educator:
D. Gleora Sibley (Deceased)

Milliner:
Horace Weeks (Deceased)

Milliner:
Lola Erhlich of Lola Hats

Website: https://www.OTISDAMON.com

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Hatmogul

Linkedin: Otis Damón, LLC

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hatmogul

Facebook: Otis Damón

Youtube: Otis Damón

Image Credits
KQ Photography
SheDriven Photography
JoLance
Mari Brooklyn
Justin Lopez Photography
JR West Photography
Otis Damón