Milliner Apprentice

Position Title: Milliner Apprentice

Location: Downtown Portland, Oregon

Employment Type: Part-time

Reports To: Owner/Milliner Dayna Pinkham

Overview

We are seeking a creative and enthusiastic Milliner Apprentice to join our small team and learn the art of hat-making. This role offers a rare opportunity for someone passionate about fashion, craftsmanship, and design to gain hands-on experience in the millinery trade. As an apprentice, you will work closely with experienced milliner Dayna Pinkham to develop your skills in designing, constructing, and finishing hats for various occasions.

Key Responsibilities

Assist in the creation of floor and custom hats, including shaping, cutting, and sewing materials.
Learn and practice traditional and modern millinery techniques, such as blocking, hand-stitching, and placing trims.
Prepare and maintain workspaces, tools, and materials to ensure efficient production.
Support and maintain a clean shop, including light vacuuming, dusting, and managing trash, recycling, other light upkeep.
Collaborate with the team to meet client specifications and deadlines.
Interact with guests in the store, answering questions and providing a welcoming experience.
Observe and adhere to quality standards in all aspects of hat-making.
Assist the team with administrative and organizational tasks as needed.

Qualifications

A strong interest in fashion, design, and/or craftsmanship.
Basic sewing skills is a must for this position.
Familiarity with textiles are preferred but not required.
Willingness to learn and take direction from experienced milliners.
Attention to detail, patience, and a commitment to producing high-quality work. Perfectionism is a favored trait in this work.
Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Excellent, honest, and timely communication.

Requirements

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stand for the duration of the shift, with breaks of course.
Physical ability to bend and stretch materials using arms.
Ability to be around water and fibers, we steam and wet materials.
Dexterity with hands for handling various tools of the trade.
Due to the nature of the work and the heavy amount of training that is involved in taking an apprentice on we are looking for someone who can commit to two years minimum.
Clean and professional dress since we are dealing with the public and delicate materials.

What We Offer

Hands-on training in the art of millinery from experienced professionals.
Opportunities to develop your creativity and technical skills.
A supportive and collaborative work environment.
Potential for career growth and advancement in the field of millinery.
Opportunities to occasionally make a hat for yourself with guidance from Dayna.

Pay

$17-20/hour DOE
Performance reviews with possibility for raise at 60 and 120 days.
Employees are paid 1x a month

Schedule

Wednesday & Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
If interested, occasional opportunities for remote work (customer support/marketing tasks) after an initial training period.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, a brief letter explaining your interest in millinery (doesn’t need to be cover letter formal but a little to explain your interest would be helpful), and any relevant portfolio work you may have (even a picture of something you’ve made would be helpful) to concierge@pinkhammillinery.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the right candidate is found.