Today we’d like to introduce you to Rose Walker.
Hi Rose, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I started House of Design & Co. in 2010, doing custom design events and decor. Since then, I’ve branched out with multiple subsidiaries such as Walking Roses Styling, Bohemian Black by Walking Roses (apparel line, House of Design: Events and House of Design: Interiors. I have a love and passion to use my creativeness to explore colors, patterns, texture, and natural elements to design a masterpiece.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has had its many challenges but one of my main challenges was the passing of my mother due to breast cancer in the September 2018 while simultaneously the school I was attending, The Art Institute of Washington, to obtain my Fashion Marketing and Management degree. The year leading up to and the years proceeding was my most difficult. If I could describe it in one word, I was lost.
When I made the decision to go to school full-time (Summer 2017) it was a huge risk because I quit my federal government job of 13 years to pursue my lifelong dream of being an entrepreneur in design. This decision left my husband to be responsible for the family…not to mention we have three boys and just purchased our house. Leaving my GS-12 job with retirement and benefits cut our finances by almost half placing us at risk to lose our home less than a year into owning it.
My mom served as a pillar in my business. Even in her battle with cancer, she served as the lead (and only) seamstress. She was a vital part in putting my vision into physical products. She also gave me so much encouragement during my journey as a wife, mother, creative, and Child of God. After chemo & radiation treatment, my mom’s health started to decline around Summer of 2018. My mom lost her 4-year battle of breast cancer on September 6, 2018.
The year following her passing I struggled with so much loss not knowing where to start at picking up the pieces. I felt a weight of failure, especially to my family. It was nothing but the grace of God that helped me with my grief, gave us a second chance with our home, and I was hire as a contractor for the federal government in September 2019. When COVID-19 hit, it was actually a blessing for my family because it allowed us to refocus our priorities. Since my husband is a DC Firefighter, he had the opportunity to work and make more money than years previous.
We are in a better place than before.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a creative. I’m not bound by just one thing. With my mom being a seamstress and my dad a carpenter by gifts and trade, I have the power to create from original ideas or take inspiration from everything around me. Having a creative imagination is gift, I believe. There are times when I am being intentional about what I want to dream. I start off with the imagination of it before I close my eyes. That also helps me in my faith and manifestation.
I am a 6’1 black woman, sister to 7 siblings…I’m in the middle of the 8 of us. Black has always been my favorite color but I have since added to my collection of favorites with dark rich tones like Chartreuse, Hunter, Mustard, etc. Pattern is a must in any design project I do.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Stay Authentic! Regardless of your failures or successes, everything in my life, my parents, the day I was born, physical or emotional qualities, etc was done by accident. Everything is being orchestrated for a greater purpose.
Contact Info:
- Email: walkingrozes@gmail.com / houseofdesignmd@gmail.com
- Website: walkingroses.com / houseofdesignmd1.com
- Instagram: @walkingroses_ @bohemianblackbywr @houseofdesignevents @queen_rosewalker
Image Credits
Charlie P Windsor Photography
