Melissa Huff is a business owner, mom of four, and a featured milliner for the Kentucky Derby Museum. In addition to her NuLu fashion boutique, Mamili, she owns and operates Mad Hatter 502, located just next door. The shop provides a variety of hats and fascinators to complement the outfits available at Mamili — and they’re all handcrafted by our newest FACE of Louisville, Melissa Huff!
How did Mad Hatter 502 come to be?
I was just making headpieces out of my home, and my friends encouraged me to open a pop-up store. I did — and it wasn’t crazy busy — but it did well enough that everyone was telling me I needed to take it to another level. So, I begged my husband to let me open a full-blown boutique where we could offer a little bit of everything and provide head-to-toe outfits for ladies to wear during Derby Week. That’s how we formed Mamili in NuLu Marketplace, which was brand-new then. COVID hit a week after our grand opening. Combined with everything that happened with the Breonna Taylor shooting, the business struggled a bit, and we closed five or six times. But things got better, and I was able to lease the small space that’s right behind Mamili, which is Mad Hatter 502.
Is your background in fashion?
I have a fashion merchandising degree. I was also planning to go back to school for my interior design degree, but my mom got sick, so I had to stop and take care of her. Then I had kids and I was busy with that for 18 years. Now they’re in college.
And now you’re busy making headpieces for Derby 150!
Yes, headpieces are available in Mamili and Mad Hatter 502, of course, but people can also order custom hats or fascinators by April 22.
What’s the process for creating a custom piece?
I ask clients to show me the rest of their outfits, and we start planning from there. I also have them look through photos of previous pieces I’ve done on our website or Instagram so I can get a sense of what they like. Of course, they have to tell me if they want a hat or a fascinator. And if they want a fascinator, they can be on clips, a headband, or an elastic band. Headbands can also have stones or other decorations on them.
Do you have recommendations on hats vs. fascinators?
It depends on the customer. Those with smaller heads might prefer a fascinator with a headband or elastic band. And if you have a smaller overall frame, you probably don’t want anything with a really big brim because when you’re walking around a crowded Derby event, it’ll get hit a lot. There are ways where I can make headbands a little tighter, or tighten elastic bands. Some of the hats have elastic or strings that I can tighten or loosen, too. There are also foam pieces that I can add to the inside of a piece to make something more fitted. It’s all personal preference, taking into account how a person is going to wear their hair. Some ladies just love big hats — they say, “Go big or go home,” especially for the 150th Derby.
What kinds of things do you use to decorate your headpieces?
I personally love huge silk flowers. I think it’s just beautiful and makes a big impact. I also like feathers — I love manipulating, shaping, and incorporating them into the headpieces in different ways. I also try to find other materials to manipulate, stiffen the piece, and mix styles. I love doing bigger pieces that incorporate a broad spectrum of styles. With the 150th Derby, more people will probably want to see red for the run for the roses. A lot of people want something different in their custom pieces — different shapes and materials. Metallic is big right now.
What’s next for you once Derby is over?
We’re moving [the shop] in June. We found a bigger, better space in St. Matthews’ Chenoweth Square. It’s 3,000 square feet, compared to the 2,400 square feet we have between the two stores now. I love NuLu, but we need more space, and I want to expand the men’s apparel.
You’ve been successful in growing the business so much in a few short years. What’s the best advice you’ve ever given or received?
Anything worth having or achieving is not easy. You have to work hard and stay positive. It’s hard work to make it through all the ups and downs, the good and the bad. Any failure you go through is good because you learn from it. It will make you a better person or help you through the next obstacle in your life.
When you’re not busy working hard, what are your favorite places to eat, shop, and play around Louisville?
Gogi 1055 is one of my favorite restaurants here, and I love bar Vetti. I also love La Bodeguita de Mima. Nami is good, too, obviously, because it’s run by Chef Lee. And we like The Blackstone Grille in Prospect. As for playing, our family likes Top Golf, and we like going to concerts. I don’t shop much, but I like shopping in my stores!
Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
My kitchen, because I love to cook — especially Filipino food. I love our cats, and I love, love, love my business. It’s been really stressful and challenging, but it’s been extremely satisfying and gratifying.
All photography submitted by Melissa Huff.
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