DC Officiant’s Handmade Hats & Hand-Painted Artisan Flowers

✨ This is the story of how I turned handmade hats into a form of self-celebration.

Not Every Crown Is Made of Gold

Two seasons, two styles—each crown tells a story.

Some are stitched by hand and styled with a colorful, hand-painted flower. Wearing hats has been my signature for a long time. Now, it’s more than a fashion statement—it’s about honoring my spirit and the Creator within. As a wedding minister and artist, I express my style through delivery, creativity, and hand-made artistry.

My creations have been carried into ceremonies, sacred spaces, and everyday life. They’re a quiet reminder that individuality is beautiful, and confidence shows in many forms.

Color Is My Language

In warmer seasons, I wear vibrant, handmade kufi hats adorned with a hand-painted flower. In winter, I lean into berets with elegant hand-made button pins. Wearing a beret to events is a little tricky. I’m careful not to match in a way that resembles military uniforms or organizational attire. The speak-easy style works for me.

I’ve often been encouraged to wear bold colors. And when a bride says, “Wear something bright,” that’s a pass to do me without limits. It says, “Be your full self.” That kind of freedom energizes my spirit. I’ve also been in spaces where theme colors were expected—and that’s fine, as long as I can still be me and the color is available.

But matching the bride’s exact color isn’t my goal, unless it’s a white-themed or unified-color event. Color has always been part of my spiritual fingerprint, even though black has always been the color for formal events.

The Flowers Came After the Healing

Each hand-painted flower is inspired by a vision I had during an 11-day hospital stay while recovering from surgery. I call it divine timing that felt nothing short of miraculous. During that time, I saw an angelic presence that surrounded me with hues of indigo, violet, fuchsia, and white. Those colors now influence every hand-painted flower I create.

As a symbol of transformation, I wore a flower in my hat for the first time in 2024. It was a bold step—a quiet way of saying I was done with black. That surprise cancer diagnosis shifted how I moved through life. It opened the door for more color, more light, and a deeper appreciation for each day. That flower wasn’t just an accessory—it was a declaration of faith.

Each one carries the vibration of health, joy, a love for life, and grace. They’re made with intention, reverence, and love. I don’t just design these pieces—I wear them as a cancer survivor and living testimony of what divine timing can reveal.

Now Open: The Healing Link

The Healing Link opened last week. It’s a collection of the hand-painted flower pins and sacred healing energy bookmarks, each one designed and filled with healing intention.

The flowers aren’t just accessories. They’re gentle reminders that beauty can carry purpose—and that healing can bloom again and again. I’m always looking for better floral canvas. If you know of any, pass it on.

Explore the collection →

Rev. SJ Burns

DC Wedding Officiant, Spiritual Healer & Founder of Free Healing USA