Liam Ervine never imagined his future would be shaped by felt, fur and steam. But today, he stands as the only hat maker and restorer in North Queensland in Australia, breathing new life into weathered, beloved hats and redefining his own path after an unexpected turn in his military career.
After an injury cut his career in the Australian Defence Force short, Liam found himself at a crossroads. “Like anyone who leaves the military for medical reasons, I was lost,'” he reflects. But a long-held appreciation of hats eventually led him on a new path.
“I was watching TikToks of people reshaping hats and thought, surely this can’t be that hard,” Liam laughs.
He took to his own hats, experimenting through trial and error. Slowly but surely, he refined his skills using different materials and techniques. “Even now, I’m still learning, still changing the way I do things to make each hat better than the last.”
What began as a hobby is now a thriving business. But Liam doesn’t just restore hats; he restores stories. Each hat holds a story, often a family heirloom, and Liam ensures they endure. “I want to create hats as unique as the people wearing them,” he says.
Running his small business – Big Boi Hat Company – hasn’t been without its struggles. Liam confronts obstacles that would deter most, from sourcing materials to navigating the challenge of pricing handcrafted work in a fast-fashion industry. But he’s determined. “This gives me a sense of accomplishment…a sense of pride.”
Liam had a big boost to his journey through the King’s Trust Australia Enterprise Accelerator programme. “It has been very helpful – connecting with other veterans who were upscaling their own businesses. Knowing I wasn’t alone, that other people were figuring it out too, it’s been a very positive experience.”
For Liam, each hat is more than an accessory, it’s a legacy. “Everyone deserves a hat that’s as unique as they are,” he says. And now, his own story – from soldier to artisan – is woven into every brim, crease, and curve he crafts.
Big Boi Hat Company
Photos: Provided with permission, photography by veteran-owned business Digigami.
