Donna Hartley is an award-winning milliner with over 30 years of professional experience in the art of hat making. She began her millinery career in Battersea, London, training under renowned milliner Tracey Mogard of Herald & Heart Hatters, where she designed collections alongside Tracey and contributed to the Royal Ascot label at its inception.

Donna’s work has been exhibited internationally in Portugal, France, and Spain, and she was awarded Best Hat in Show at the prestigious Estivales du Chapeau in Caussade, France. Her hats and headpieces are sold and worn across the globe, reflecting a distinctive blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.

Over the years, Donna has built strong professional relationships with château owners in southwest France, where she now hosts her highly sought-after four-day immersive millinery courses. These courses are designed to provide students with an in-depth, hands-on learning experience in an inspiring setting.

As an educator, Donna is known for her generous approach to teaching, sharing decades of industry knowledge, professional techniques, and practical insights. Her courses are content-rich and carefully structured, enabling students to develop both technical skills and creative confidence. Consistently excellent feedback highlights the clarity of instruction, the depth of learning, and the supportive environment she creates.

Whether teaching beginners or more experienced makers, Donna is passionate about preserving traditional millinery skills while empowering students to develop their own unique style and professional-level expertise.