A PILL businesswoman who set up her own hat-making business has been nominated for a prestigious award.

Tricia Hamilton has reached the semi-finals of the regional Venus Awards, which celebrates women in business across Bristol, Somerset and Bath.

The married-mum-of-two, who also volunteers at Portishead Youth Club teaching sewing and life skills, has been nominated for the Customer Service Award which recognises individuals or businesses that go the extra mile.

The 60-year-old, who calls her business Tricia Designs, said: “I pride myself on providing a good service, but it is really heart-warming to think my customers have voted for me for an award like this.

“I believe quality is extremely important in my work, all my designs are sturdy and made to last a long time. I love my work and to be recognised in this way is an honour.”

Tricia had retired from work as a teacher when she set up her business from her dining room table four years ago. Today she has orders from as far away as Australia and the United States and displays her work in stores across the South West.

She added: “I enjoyed teaching as I got to be creative and I missed that when I retired, so starting a business where I can use my creativity was the perfect solution.”

Tricia, who has always been good at arts and crafts, developed her millinery skills when she studied with top designers at Cockpit Arts in London and Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design.

The milliner first visited Portishead Youth Centre as a member of the Portishead Chamber of Commerce and decided she wanted to use her skills to give back to the community.

She has since been involved with a number of different age groups running workshops ranging from teaching knitting and crochet to clothes customisation.