A Lifetime in the Making

Some careers are built around ambition. Others are built around passion.

For over three decades, renowned milliner Liz Cohoe has quietly devoted her life to the timeless art of handcrafted hats from her studio in Nelson, British Columbia. With extraordinary skill, patience, and imagination, she has created thousands of one-of-a-kind pieces that have found homes around the world, each carrying a little of her artistry and spirit.

A Documentary Portrait in the Making

As Liz prepares to retire, filmmaker Justin Randolph Joffe is developing A Lifetime in the Making—an intimate documentary that celebrates not only her remarkable body of work, but also the enduring values, deep friendships, and guiding philosophy that have shaped a truly legendary career in creativity.

Rather than telling Liz’s story as a simple timeline, the film invites audiences into a heartfelt conversation. Through thoughtful interviews, Liz reflects on the experiences that inspired her, the challenges she overcame, and the joy she found in creating something beautiful by hand. The documentary will be filmed in a cinematic, character-driven style that allows her warmth, wisdom, and authenticity to shine.

Voices of a Community and the Heartbeat of a Workshop

Alongside Liz’s own reflections, the film hopes to feature the voices of former staff, loyal customers, friends, and family—people whose lives have been touched by her generosity, mentorship, and remarkable talent. Together, these stories will paint a portrait of a woman whose influence extends far beyond the hats she created. The work has also been a group effort, with many people contributing to and supporting Liz’s vision over the years, including her former business partner, who originated the business and worked alongside her for twelve years until 2004.

The documentary will also draw from years of archival footage captured inside Liz’s workshop. Viewers will witness the quiet rhythm of master craftspeople at work: drafting patterns, sampling new shapes, experimenting with techniques to make fabric take the shape envisioned, and sharing accomplishments and the satisfaction of a job well done. Throughout the film, the workshop itself becomes a character—a place where creativity flourished and where countless ideas were transformed into works of wearable art.

A Still Studio and an Enduring Legacy

As the story comes full circle, we return to the now-quiet studio. The tools remain. The workbenches are still. Yet every corner holds the memory of a life dedicated to craftsmanship, beauty, and purpose.

A Lifetime in the Making is ultimately about much more than hats. It is a celebration of creative passion, of choosing quality over convenience, and of the enduring value of making something with your own hands. It asks us to reflect on the legacy we leave behind—not only through what we create, but through the lives we touch along the way.

Unscripted Storytelling and Observational Filmmaking

The documentary will unfold through genuine conversation rather than scripted interviews. The most meaningful moments are often the unexpected ones—the stories that emerge naturally when someone reflects on a lifetime of experience.

Supported by beautiful archival footage and quiet observational filmmaking, A Lifetime in the Making promises to be an honest and deeply personal portrait of an artist whose work has inspired generations.

We look forward to following Justin Randolph Joffe’s journey as this documentary comes to life, and to celebrating the remarkable legacy of one of Nelson’s most treasured artisans.

Stay tuned for updates on the film’s production and release, and join us in celebrating the legacy of a true Nelson artisan.