A FORMER office worker – who was made redundant – has turned an award-winning hobby into a new business.

Esther Matthews, 40, designs and makes exquisite ladies' hats. She launched her business as a milliner from a home studio in Ruardean Woodside, under the label Esther-Louise.

The talented designer has an impressive CV of qualifications as well as award accolades, including becoming a Hat Designer of the Year runner-up.

Esther said: "Losing my job came as a huge shock, but offered the perfect opportunity and impetus to take my hobby one step further, and start my own business.

"Creativity has always been a passion and with my interest in textiles, fashion and sculptural form, millinery seemed a natural path to follow. A complete career change is a huge step but it was now or never so I decided to just go for it!"

Esther combines traditional couture millinery with fabric manipulation techniques using high-quality materials to transform classic shapes into beautifully sculptural pieces. She plans to offer two main collections each year, sold online, with prices ranging from £150-£500, as well as a bespoke design service. Esther's collection can be at