BOOKMARK BABES
You have a way with Stationary
Artists find inspiration in everyday life but Renea Boles creates inspiration in everyday life for her clients. She is the Founder and creative force behind Rosemary Renea. The small black women owned business, Rosemary Renea, is composed of award-winning bookmarks to an expanding line of luxe paper goods. A brand of stationary she created that centers identity, intention, and style.
A luxury stationary brand was not an open position looking for applicants. It was a space that she carved out herself. Sometimes the world doesn’t know what it's missing and it's up to artists to provide it anyway.
Her designs celebrate individuality in a way that is overlooked in mainstream retail. She makes people, especially women, feel seen and valued. Which in turn inspires her. “That emotional connection is an achievement I’m proud of every single day,” she states. Keeping these values close to heart is exactly how she won Best in Home, Gift & Beauty at her very first trade show. Which not only validated her work and efforts but also introduced her brand to a wider audience.
But of course this was not an easy journey, as hard work never is. She’s fought against society’s assumptions about Black Women Owned Businesses and a personal journey against cancer. “One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is scaling my business while securing the funding needed to expand beyond bookmarks,” she says. Like many small business owners she’s struggled with limited resources. Her way out was by connecting with a small community bank that provided not only financial support but also mentorship and tools to grow. She shows that reaching out for help never diminishes your strength.
