Interview with Grace Rose
Rosie G
Grace Rose - Founder at 10 years old
Los Angeles, USA
Grace Rose is an entrepreneur and school girl, raised in Los Angeles and living with a life-changing condition. This condition, Cystic Fibrosis, whilst challenging to live with, is one which Grace found she could raise awareness for through the means of style and design. Her clothing line, Rosie G, is the outcome of creativity, passion and ambition, with proceeds from sales going towards crucial cure-related research. Now aged 16, with a passion inspired by a greater good, there’s no limit to how far this young entrepreneur can go!
Inspired by the prowess of this entrepreneurial go-getter, Kebloom asked Grace a few questions about her business and journey:
1) How would you best describe what you do?
My name is Grace Rose and my alter ego is Rosie G. Just kidding - it's the name of my clothing line for girls and now young adults. Rosie G is fun, casual and comfortable and helps me raise money and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. As I always say, I want to help cure CF - in style!
“It really helps to have a mentor and someone encouraging you along the way.”
2) What passions inspired your business idea?
I started the line at my 10th Annual Fashion Show Fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis. I designed the runway collection and auctioned it off. After the show people kept asking me if they could buy the clothes. So, I started a website and we later started selling the clothing to stores (spreading the message further!)
3) What problem were you solving in the creation of Rosie G?
I was taking something difficult, living with Cystic Fibrosis, and turning it into something positive. I use this as one of my creative outlets to help me take my mind off of the seriousness of CF. I can sketch and come up with ideas while I am doing my daily medical treatments.
“I was taking something difficult, living with Cystic Fibrosis, and turning it into something positivE.”
4) Who supported you in creating/building your business?
My mom, she supports me in everything I do! She is also a designer so she knows a lot about this industry.
5) What advice would you give to aspiring young entrepreneurs?
It really helps to have a mentor and someone encouraging you along the way.
6) To what extent would a platform like Kebloom have helped you achieve your dreams?
It's always helpful to have a platform where people share similarities (like in being young entrepreneurs), showing off the wide variety of ideas and creativity amongst us. You can connect, network and ask for help!
7) What has been the best part about starting up a business?
I love watching it grow and I ALWAYS love seeing someone wear one of my designs!
8) What skills did you bring to Rosie G and feel you have developed?
I brought the ideas and designs. I also love public speaking so being a spokesperson is a creative way for me to share my story and raise awareness. Plus, I've learned so much about running a business and which I feel will help me in future businesses.
9) ...And anything else you'd like to share?
I am the founder of a 501 C-3 non-profit organization: The Grace Rose Foundation. I raise money to give to Cystic Fibrosis research. This year I am working on an exciting project (that I can't share yet) but it will expand my foundation's purpose and I'm very excited about it!
About the Author:
Ellie McRae is the blogger, interviewer and content creator for Kebloom! When she’s not writing kick-ass articles, you’ll find her studying marketing and drinking copious amounts of coffee. Find out more about Ellie here.