Hat-making is an art form rooted in patience, precision, and a deep respect for tradition. It requires a steady hand, an attentive eye, and an appreciation for the quiet, intricate process of shaping something both functional and expressive. Every stitch, every curve of a brim, every carefully chosen material tells a story, not just of style, but of craftsmanship.
Nicole Sanders embodies these qualities wholeheartedly. Trained in Italy and across the United States, she brings a global perspective and refined technical expertise to her work. Over the years, she has created hats for films, musicians, and friends alike, with each piece being approached with the same care and intentionality. As the founder of Sanders Hat Company and M.A.D.E. Nashville (Milliner Atelier Design Experience), she has built more than a business; she has cultivated a creative space where heritage techniques meet modern individuality. Her work reflects a commitment to detail and a genuine love for the craft, elevating each hat from an accessory to a statement piece. It was when she was working on the television show Nashville that she witnessed how hat-making could be more than a hobby.
“I’ve always been creative and hands-on, and seeing people make a living through a tangible craft made something click,” Nicole explains. “I started exploring hat-making seriously, making sure that whatever I built was sustainable, rooted in quality materials, and something I could grow long-term. It gave me a way to work with my hands, express creativity, and build a business around something I genuinely love.”
Alongside her wife, Meredith, Nicole has shaped these ventures with a clear purpose: to make hat-making approachable, inclusive, and inspiring. Together, they have created an environment that welcomes beginners and seasoned creatives alike, inviting the community not only to wear beautifully crafted hats but to understand and participate in the artistry behind them.
“The most rewarding part is being trusted with something meaningful,” Nicole says. “I love being asked to create a hat for a specific project or milestone, whether that’s a film, a big event, or a personal celebration. Seeing my hats worn in movies has been incredible, but what means even more to me are the personal moments, like receiving wedding photos or hearing from a client who’s worn their hat so often they needed to come back for a new liner. Those moments tell me the hat isn’t just being worn, it’s being lived in, and that’s what makes the work truly special.”
Nicole honors the long-standing traditions of millinery in every step of her process, shaping each hat by hand with wooden blocks and time-tested tools. This deliberate, hands-on craftsmanship allows her to devote focused care to every custom piece, ensuring no two hats are ever exactly alike. Complementing this dedication to tradition is her unwavering commitment to premium materials. By working with high-quality fibers such as beaver, rabbit, and coypu fur, she creates hats that are not only beautifully formed but are also thoughtfully constructed to stand the test of time.
“Each material has its own character, and selecting the right one is essential to how the hat wears, holds its shape, and lasts over time,” Nicole says. “I’m equally intentional about embellishments. Some are custom-created specifically for a hat, while others are sourced during trips to places like Italy, New York, and beyond. I’m always drawn to materials that feel distinctive and elevated, little details that add depth and individuality and make each hat feel truly considered.”
While hats are certainly a staple in Middle Tennessee, M.A.D.E. Nashville’s group sessions take that tradition to a whole new level by inviting people into a truly hands-on hat-making experience. Based in a private, converted music studio in Sylvan Park, M.A.D.E. Nashville offers a range of guided workshops where friends, families, and groups can craft unique hats to take home with them. Each session lets participants choose styles, colors, and custom details while ensuring the process is welcoming, fun, and memorable.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, milestone, corporate event, or simply enjoying a creative outing together, Nicole and Meredith make the experience seamless and enjoyable for everyone involved. And if you’re hosting an event elsewhere, M.A.D.E. Nashville can even be booked as a custom pop-up hat bar, bringing the craftsmanship and celebration to your own space.
“At the end of the day, I love what I do,” Nicole expresses. “I love making things with my hands, and I love when someone comes back again and again because a hat has really become part of their life. To me, that’s what investing in quality is all about - pieces that are worn, lived in, and tied to real moments. Being able to build a business around something I genuinely enjoy is what makes this work so meaningful.”
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"To me, that’s what investing in quality is all about - pieces that are worn, lived in, and tied to real moments. Being able to build a business around something I genuinely enjoy is what makes this work so meaningful.”
"Those moments tell me the hat isn’t just being worn, it’s being lived in, and that’s what makes the work truly special.”