We recently connected with Renea Boles and have shared our conversation below.

Renea , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

People always ask me, “What problem does your bookmark solve?” For the longest time, I couldn’t answer that. Honestly, I didn’t start Rosemary Renea to solve a problem; I just wanted a cute bookmark for myself. When I first began selling these, I wasn’t aiming to add something unique to my community of book readers—I just wanted some extra shopping money.

But then, I thought about how frustrated I got when shopping for character figurine decor. Being conscious about what I produced was always at the forefront, even if I was initially blinded by the thought of extra income. I’ve always wanted to see myself in every part of my life, and reading was no different… down to the bookmark. So, that’s what I created, and that’s the space I’m in as I begin to expand my product line.

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 Renea, the proud owner of Rosemary Renea, a business dedicated to creating unique and diverse bookmarks. My journey into this industry began with a simple desire for a cute bookmark for myself. Little did I know, this small idea would blossom into a thriving business that celebrates creativity, inclusivity, and diversity.

At Rosemary Renea, we specialize in crafting bookmarks that reflect the rich tapestry of our community. Our products are not just functional; they are pieces of art that tell a story. We offer a variety of designs that cater to book lovers of all kinds, ensuring that everyone can find a bookmark that resonates with them.

What sets us apart is our commitment to representation. As a breast cancer survivor and a passionate supporter of local authors, I understand the importance of seeing oneself reflected in every aspect of life, including the small joys like a bookmark. Our bookmarks are designed to celebrate diversity and bring a touch of personal connection to your reading experience.

I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had on our community. We’ve created a space where everyone feels seen and valued, and that’s incredibly rewarding. As we expand our product line, my goal is to continue this mission and inspire future generations of Black women entrepreneurs.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Rosemary Renea is more than just a business. It’s a celebration of creativity, a commitment to inclusivity, and a testament to the power of representation.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In the process of scaling up my business, I was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer, and life came to a screeching halt. I remember taking a business class on Zoom, and all I heard were just sounds as I lay there trying not to have a mental breakdown. Each time we were put into breakout rooms, I literally shut the computer.

But, although I moved like a sloth stuck in molasses, I was able to pack every order and make it to the post office. My body was slow, but my mind was sharp. I finished the class, designed a marketing plan with my very patient business coach, designed packaging, and applied to and prepared for a trade show in which I ultimately won an award for Best in Home Gift and Beauty.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

When I first started my business, I was making everything by hand, so I needed raw materials and a cutting machine. As I mentioned before, I love to shop, so naturally, I had a closet packed with clothes and shoes. I’m a dopamine shopper who buys to feel good, but in real life, I rotate the same four pairs of jeans, a go-to dress, six shirts, a pair of slides, and comfort boots.

I decided to make money by selling the clothes in my closet. I found a reselling app and dove right in. I even bought items off clearance racks and resold them to make a profit. With the money from that, I was able to get what I needed.

Contact Info:

• Website: RosemaryRenea.com
• Instagram: Thebookmarkbabes

Image Credits
Robert Lay