Grace, Peace and Love. I'm Tasha B. Millin, the life force behind Designs by Tasha! I'm an “island-bred” (U.S. Virgin Islands, 1950s, Virgo/Libra), city-fed (N.Y.) "sistah" who began her millinery career in the late 1990s in Atlanta, Georgia.

I've been in the designing field most of my adult life, but like many creative artists, I had to maintain numerous 9-to-5 jobs to support my family as I "moonlighted" with my design career. It wasn't until I became ill in 2008 with a heart condition that forced me out of my "comfort zone" of working 9-to-5 (at a place whereI loved my position, my boss and co-workers) to begin my journey of recovery and to explore the possibilities of this online business. Despite battling heart disease, I opted for never giving up on my design dreams.

I remember back in the early 70s when I began my design journey by creating a contemporary line of childrenswear made with African prints. Back then, it was rare to see our Black American kids in such attire. With the help of my dear and longtime friend, Dee Dee Dailey (a Brooklynite Caterer and former Model), she assisted me in realizing that dream. I am forever grateful to Dee Dee for her support, vision and SisTahhood! Little did my sistah/friend know that this experience sparked the beginning of my interest in designing as a career! Realizing the market was not ready for afrocentric children's clothes in the 1970s, I moved on.

Several years later, I ventured on to designing eveningwear with silk scarves in the early 1980s. This experience was the elegant phase of my design career because this collection of silk scarve eveningwear led me back to my birthplace where I met and designed for many beautiful people. In all honesty, my fellow islanders were not ready for my kind of design passion, so by the late 1980s, I left the Virgin Islands with sites on moving to Atlanta, Georgia where I've been for the past 25 years.

Living and adjusting to life in the ATL was not easy. It took over five years before I sat at a the sewing machine again. My spirit was low. My design juices were off balance, so I worked at various HBCUs for more than seventeen years. During this time in the ATL, I eventually started sewing again by making window treatment designs, pillows and other home accessories. Not satisfied with this kind of work, I prayed for an answer to what I should be doing with the sewing machine. God answered as I heard 'that small voice' say, "do hats." I listened although I had no idea of how to make hats, so I taught myself millinery arts. I discovered this "niche" for designing eclectic-styled hats with various types of fabrics and organic fibers and, to enhance my hat designs, I added African-inspired jewelry to the collection. My spirit was called into action!

Worth mentioning:

A noted inspiration in me finding my "niche" is the spiritual guidance, inspiration and encouragement I receive from my 19 years' membership at Hillside International Chapel and Truth Center (www.hillsidechapel.org), under the guidance of founder, Bishop Dr. Barbara Lewis King!  My lessons in new thought thinking and spiritualism plays a significant role in who I am today.  

Bishop Barbara, as she is lovingly called, often reminds us that we each are a light of God, "so let that light shine!"  Bishop Barbara remind us often that we are here for a purpose.  Everyday we awake, we should look for a new adventure.  Look for it.  Be ready for it.  God has placed each of us here on earth to let our light shine as bright as the stars in the sky.   Bishop Barbara's diligent encouragement that we find our purpose in life inspired me to fulfil my dream of having this website to show my God-given talents.  I am forever grateful to Bishop Dr. Barbara for her spiritual guidance and positive influence in my life!"

"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your goodworks and glorify your Father in heaven." St. Matthew 5:16

In conclusion, to some, it may seem unusual that my surname is “Millin” and that I am a “milliner,” but it’s a true story of déjà vu...of coming full circle into what I was destined to do which is to make lots of hats! I got into the millinery arts because I love to wear hats and never found a hat I liked until I designed my own. Thus, the new journey for Designs by Tasha!

“My hats ‘talk’ style and originality and are made with love.”

"The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands" Deuteronomy 2:7

Original Designs by Tasha has participated in numerous trade shows, particularly at local Atlanta events, such as The National Black Arts Festival (NBAF), Underground Atlanta, South Dekalb Mall Heritage Festival, Inman Park Festival, and Underground Atlanta.  We have also participated in numerous local church, civic and community events.  Now, we look forward to developing a successful online presence and bless many with our brand and products. 

We publish an online newsletter, Designs by Tasha Newsletter (formerly, AvenueSouth Newsletter) .  Chocolate Drops Bead Society is created for people-of-color who want to network and learn more about beads, their origin and jewelry-making techniques.  Jewelry-making workshops entitled, Bead Lovers’ Workshops and HHPs (Home Hat Parties) are held periodically as private home events in Atlanta, Georgia.

Since my millinery career began in 1998, the journey has turned into an exciting adventure because I now do the work I love and love the work I do! It is a delight to see women (and men) wear my hat designs with elegance, pride and a proud attitude! 

Thank you for acknowledging Designs by Tasha!   May God bless each of you with Grace, Peace, Love and hats!

“When you wear a Design by Tasha, it is all about attitude!”

"Handcrafted Afri-Chic Hats and Accessories"

"It's all about Attitude!"

Photographs and Website byTommyMitchell@designsbytasha.net

Thank You, God, in me, through me, as me, around me, in the name of Jesus