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

Andrea, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

I would have loved to have started R+r sooner than I did. I was in the corporate world for so long, at a job I was not happy with, at a job I could not challenge myself in. I’m an entrepreneur at heart always dreaming + creating. For the longest time I had the problem, like many new business owners, to take the leap of faith and dive into the business. Until I had affirmations and the support of family and friends reassuring me that I would never know unless I tried, did I finally take that leap of faith. I am so glad I did. They gave me the strength and courage to push myself and believe in myself and products. And while I did not start as soon as I would have liked, I appreciate the time I took to ‘perfect my craft’. I will always be grateful for that group of people that cheered me on and supported me.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m an entrepreneur at heart always dreaming + creating. Most days I am restless + always looking for the next product or creation to be born or new creative outlet to come through.

You’ll find me singing or dancing in my kitchen, spending time with my zoo of animals, laughing + joking with daughter, Ryleigh, at the barn with Charlie + drinking plenty of coffee.

Our zoo includes: Ryleigh (15 year old “hooman child”), Sloan + Zelda (collies), Boone + Basil (Bernese Mountain Dogs), Charlie (Thoroughbred horse), Hazel (guinea pig- RIP Hazelnut), Fury (kitten)

HOW R+r EVOLVED
Rosemary + Roots was conceived shortly after our Bernese Mountain Dog, Bernie, passed away unexpectedly from a very aggressive form of cancer. We were heartbroken, grieving, and lost. It was coming up on the 2 year anniversary of my Grandmother’s passing in the midst of this and inspiration kind of came to me. Rosemary was her given name- a name she, yes, wasn’t exactly fond of, but struck me as perfect. The herb is one I frequently use, and it is recognized as a symbol of remembrance. Remembering her memory- remembering Bernie’s memory- and most of all, remembering your roots. Not just of where you came from and family roots, but your own authentic self.

R+r prides itself on the quality of products we offer, and using recycled or reusable products.

The skincare + healing line was re-branded in 2020 to R+r as new packaging, new logo + new products were developed and the skincare + healing line was eventually phased out with the increase of demand of our candles + air/linen sprays.

Have you ever had to pivot?

R+r first started as an all natural skincare + healing line. We had products from moisturizers, cleanser, masks and much more. After rebranding and adding candles into our line, we came to the conclusion to discontinue our skincare + healing line and focus on our candles + home essentials line. The demand for our candles increased + we are able to provide the quality we want to our products now. All our products are curated, hand-poured and labeled by hand. We put such love + detail into each of our candles.

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

I believe our reputation comes down to every R+r product is thoughtfully + lovingly handcrafted.

We create each collection + story to invoke emotion. We hand-pour the wax, place every label by hand + package each candle with exceptional care + love.

We pour in small batches to ensure the best quality.

Our customers recognize this + resonate with that. Our core mission is to create candles that are inspired by nature, nostalgia + the magic in life. We communicate emotions with fragrance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rosemarynroots.com/
• Instagram: @rosemarynroots
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosemaryandroots1

Image Credits
Photo credit: Andrea Kirk (owner/creator)