Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aliza Holmes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Aliza, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

In 2019, I moved to Charleston with no connections, no job, and no idea what was going to happen next. But, gosh, I was SO excited. Charleston felt like my place. Previously, I was making macramé full time, and teaching Paint and Sip classes on the side, but what I really wanted to do, was dedicate all of my time and energy into my business. At first, being here in Charleston was challenging. I had to get a few small jobs to pay the bills, and my business took the back burner. As I rooted in more, I spent more and more time on my business, and little by little it grew. I got to know the incredible vendor community here in Charleston, and so many amazing shops and boutiques. I felt like I was part of something, I felt like I belonged here. My macramé classes began to pick up some traction, and it was time; I was a full time macramé maker by early 2021! Was it terrifying? Absolutely. But nothing could be scarier than moving to a place far from everyone you know and starting from scratch. I knew I could do it, and I am so glad that I didn’t wait another second to take that jump.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, I’m Rosie, or Aliza Rose! I’m the creative force behind Rosie the Wanderer. I fell in love with macramé when I was a child in Girl Scouts, and I reignited the flame in adulthood. I created Rosie the Wanderer in 2016 making all kinds of art, and have since transformed my passion for macramé into my full-time job. I am a maker of all things boho, a lover of happy moments, and a fan of good belly laughs. You can find all kinds of macramé items in my shop that you never knew you needed. My most popular items recently are water bottle slings, disco ball hangers, and double plant hangers, but I have everything from keychains, to earrings, to large wall hangings available! I use the highest quality recycled 100% natural cotton in all of my creations. I strive to source as sustainably as possible, supporting other small businesses, most women owned, along the way. My knots are tied with precision and care, and each piece is created with love and intention. I am featured in a few local and regional stores, I teach macramé classes and private parties, and I pop up a lots of markets around the Charleston area! I’d love to meet you!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Authenticity. I bring my full self to the table for each and every interaction, and that alone has been the growing force behind my business. I am still very much a small business, but I am growing, and as I do, I know that if I keep bringing my true and authentic self into my work process and my business relationships, only great things will come of it. I am very real and vulnerable with people, not only in person, but on my social media platforms. When other people can relate to me on a personal level, we begin our business relationship with a deeper human connection as a foundation.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Atomic Habits by James Clear should be a must-read for any small business owner. It helped me SO much to form solid habits and systems that keep me on track and organized. I struggle with ADHD and anxiety, and the organization and structure this book brought into my business (and my daily life) was invaluable. I now have solid systems in place that create and build upon habits and ultimately achieve my goals. It’s all about the baby steps, baby!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rosiethewanderer.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/rosiethewanderer
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/rosiethewanderer

Image Credits
Certain images by Vision Balm Photography and Rebekah Boss Photography