Rosie Fortescue
Get to know Rosie Fortescue, the founder of Rosie Fortescue Jewellery
What made you want to start Rosie Fortescue Jewellery?
For as long as I can remember I have always been a magpie and obsessed with jewellery. From trying on my mother’s rings as a child, to always noticing jewellery that people were wearing, jewellery has been instilled in my brain for as long as I can remember!
When you were younger what did you want to be?
I wanted to be a vet! I absolutely adore animals, especially dogs. Sausage dogs to be precise!
What was your decision behind only having a website and no store?
I am personally more of an online shopper and it’s definitely the way the market is going with shopping. However, stores are amazing too, and I am stocked in such incredible stores such as Harvey Nichols and it always makes me so unbelievably happy to see my jewels in store.
What has been your favourite Rosie Fortescue Jewellery moment to date?
I have to say, seeing Olivia Palermo wear my Heartbeat Hand Cuff two years ago has to be a HUGE highlight. I remember I was on the bus to a breakfast meeting and a friend sent it to me on Instagram as I had missed the article the day before. I literally burst into tears with tears of sheer happiness.
What is the favourite piece you have ever designed?
It has to be my Heartbeat Hand Cuffs and rings as they are such a statement and I would say such a recognisable style for my brand.
Who is the favourite person you have worked with?
I have SUCH an exciting collaboration coming out next year that I cannot wait to share with you all. It’s the perfect match for me and you guys are going to absolutely adore it!
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
My mother always told me to do what I love and I will love what I do and it’s totally true. Every day I am SO grateful that I adore what I do, and my brand and I couldn’t be more grateful!
How do you choose which jewellery to wear in the morning?
I dress and accessorise each morning depending on my mood. Sometimes I am super feminine and others a little simpler and statement. I love mixing the metals, but also sticking to all one colour too depending on my outfit.
Which accessory is timeless?
Rings are timeless. They are my true love. I always notice people’s hands and their rings and I feel like they tell such a story about someone and their character.
Who is your ultimate fashion inspiration?
Anyone that has personal style and shows their personality through what they wear.
Who is your ultimate business inspiration?
Whitney Hawkins who owns Flowerbx is such an inspiration, as is Olivia Rubin for her incredible brand. Any boss woman is a true inspiration to me.
Do you prefer statement or subtle jewellery?
It totally depends on my vibe that I feel that morning and also what goes best with my outfit.
If you had to wear one item for the rest of your life what would it be?
My Rosie Fortescue Jewellery Silver Heartbeat Hand Cuff with white stones. It always catches people’s eye and is such a conversation starter.
What trend do you predict will be the biggest in 2020?
I think the love of colour is going to stay strong, which I adore. I just love accessorising with colour, it truly makes me happy.
What are 3 words to describe yourself?
Ambitious, Dedicated and Passionate.
What are 3 words to describe your brand?
Colourful, statement and fun.
What is the secret to success?
Hard work and dedication.
What advice would you give to future female generations?
To strive for what makes you happy and makes you fulfilled. You can truly make anything happen if you believe in it enough and put in the hard work.
What motivates you?
Seeing people wear my brand and talk about my brand makes me happier than I can even explain. It’s what gets me up in the morning and makes the late nights worth it!
Which 3 people would make up your dream dinner party?
Louis Theroux, Lewis Capaldi and Piers Morgan. I feel like we would have a howler but I could also speak to Louis about his documentaries as I have watched every. Single. One. I am obsessed with his documentaries!
What are you grateful for?
My health and my family.
What is one thing everyone should do?
Give back and be grateful.
What are you reading right now?
Shoe Dog about the founder of Nike and it’s so good. I am also a huge fan of How I Build This the Podcasts and love hearing about how people started their businesses.
What is your spirit animal?
A sausage dog. We sadly lost our family sausage dog Noodle a couple of years ago and she was the most special soul. One day I will have one of my own, but right now I am too busy with Rosie Fortescue Jewellery!
What are you most unapologetic for?
My love of documentaries and eating peanut butter out of the jar with a spoon.
What is the best thing about having your own business?
No matter how tired or busy I am, I just adore what I do. I am so grateful to have a job that inspires me so much every day.
What is the hardest thing about having your own business?
All aspects of running the business on my own are hard. The highs and the lows and the general stress of making sure that everything runs smoothly are part of the day-to-day in the office. I took on my first employee this year and it has really made me able to grow my brand and keep expanding.
What is something you’re currently working on?
I am working on the samples for my new collection, which will be launching in a few months.
What will Rosie Fortescue Jewellery look like in 10 years time?
Hopefully known by everyone around the world and people continuing to wear my jewels with pride.