Patrycja Grzesznik discovered millinery quite by chance, after moving to the US from Europe she was  invited to the Kentucky Derby. Faced with the challenge of finding a hat, she enrolled in a class with milliner Jan Wutkowski—a moment that sparked her passion for hatmaking. With a background in creative hobbies including painting, sculpting, and sewing, Patrycja quickly found that millinery offered the perfect blend of artistry and practicality.

She continued to refine her skills through extensive training with Jan, courses on Hat Academy, and the formative experience of attending Millinery Meet Up, where she built lasting connections within the craft community. Today, she co‑leads Millinery Meet Up alongside Andrea Blohm, helping to foster education, collaboration, and support among milliners, tutors, and suppliers.

Patrycja’s millinery practice is defined by her ability to draw inspiration from the world around her, translating shapes, textures, and impressions into refined, elegant designs. Her nickname, “Warped Mind,” was affectionately given by Jan after observing one of her works in progress—an acknowledgment of Patrycja’s imaginative approach and her talent for transforming ideas into distinctive, edited forms.

After creating a hat for the Royal Wedding, Patrycja established her own brand in 2018, focusing on bespoke pieces for special occasions. Based in Atlanta, she creates hats for major Spring racing events including the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, Preakness, Tennessee Steeplechase, Le Diner en Blanc, and weddings—particularly cherishing the opportunity to design elegant Mother‑of‑the‑Bride hats.

Committed to preserving the artistry of millinery, Patrycja is an active member of the Milliners Guild, a non‑profit organisation dedicated to raising public awareness of the craft. Through her work, teaching, and community involvement, she champions the value of handmade hats and the community around it.

Hear from founding members of Millinery Meet UP Jan and Diane in the podcast here.

This podcast is hosted and produced by Lauren Ritchie for MillineryInfo