Roses And The Stars is all about the classics. Clothes, toys and interiors that take you back to your own childhood and last a couple of lifetimes. Who doesn’t simply love the idea of passing on well-loved items to our babies and then perhaps their babies to enjoy?
We caught up with Founder Rosie to hear about how Roses And The Stars came about, the eye-openers of running an online business and her favourite pieces from her beautiful shop.
TELL US ABOUT ROSES AND THE STARS AND HOW IT ALL CAME ABOUT…
I’ve always loved childrenswear and was lucky to have my first job on the shop floor at Bonpoint which is the most spoiling place to be if you love beautiful quality and design. I worked there throughout university and it definitely sewed a seed.
I’ve had a natural love of fashion and dressing throughout my life but over the last 20 years I’ve been blessed to have 11 nieces and nephews born into my family and this was what ultimately pushed me into the kids lifestyle sector. I was always buying gifts for them and then friends started to ask me for advice of which brands to go to when they needed to buy things for babies and I realised I’d not only built up a great address book of brands but that I also had a passion for tracking down the perfect present.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
Every day is different, from planning ranges and cash flow for the upcoming seasons to setting up pop up shops which I do all over the UK. Unlike most entrepreneurs in this sector I’m currently at a child free time of my life so when work allows, my evenings are for having fun with friends either at a gig or trying out a new restaurant!
HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE?
I’m known for my lack of sophistication when it comes to coffee. I drink a lot but very happy with Fair Trade instant and some milk. I’ve just given up sugar in my cup which has been hard as I have a very sweet tooth!
WHAT’S BEEN THE BIGGEST EYE-OPENER ABOUT RUNNING AN ONLINE SHOP?
Although bricks and mortar stores have the obvious overheads an online store has a lot hidden costs associated with it, particularly marketing, which definitely took me by surprise. The internet is a loud place with everyone trying to make their mark and it sometimes feels impossible to cut through the noise but slowly over time, with a loyal customer base, you can start to build a reputation for yourself and your brand.
THREE ROSES AND THE STARS ITEMS YOU ARE LOVING RIGHT NOW:
We’ve just started to sell Little Unicorn, a brand from the US who we’ve been trying to work with since we opened, and who have now started to trade in the UK. Their muslin accessories are such great gifts. My favourite is the Rolling Hills Quilt. I love gender neutral design and having grown up in the countryside the green hills and rustic barns takes me to my happy place – Find it here
My first gift as a child was my much loved teddy bear and so our range of handmade teddies are a real favourite for me. Polka Dot Club are all handmade using traditional materials and are made to be loved for life like all good bears should be – Find it here
As a November baby I’ve got a long lasting affection for being cosy and cuddly so my fail safe gift for a baby is a traditional cashmere cardigan. Olivier Baby were our first brand and I love working with the team there. This Rose cardigan is a beautiful present for baby girl – Find it here
WHAT’S NEXT FOR ROSES AND THE STARS?
I’m busy finalising our schedule for another busy Christmas season. We’re in year 2 of business and have now found our feet so I’m hoping for lots of exciting new partnerships and collaborations in the new year.
GO TO: rosesandthestars.com
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Image Credits: rosesandthestars.com
