Roake Women: The stories behind the names.
Did you know, each of our styles are named after wonderful women?
We'll be introducing you to a few of our Roake Women in this blog feature...
Meet Winnie
Rosie’s Grandma Winnie was a hardy woman. The mother of 4 children, excellent 'goodie' baker and a true believer in make, do and mend.
An ambulance driver during the war, a teacher, and one of seven. She parented siblings, cycled 12 miles a day to get to work across rugged Cornish landscapes, and camped out (basic style) for every holiday. Looking back, her strength and resilience must have shaped her character significantly. The Winnie styles are named after her: Practical, feminine, made to last and fit for purpose. Cycle 12 miles a day in them, grow, feed and nurture 4 children in them, roll the sleeves up and care for others in them.
The Winnie styles has evolved in the 3 years we've been working on it, but we feel like we've finally nailed it. We have new colours coming in the wrap top and wrap dress in just a few weeks. We’re pretty sure Win would have loved one!
Meet Lizzy
Lizzy is an inspiring, straight talking and eternally kind person.
An allotment enthusiast and veggie advocate, superstar barista and coffee training expert. Lizzy is a trail runner, who inspires you to get outside for an adventure and knows how to knit a thing or two. Lizzy always teaches you to appreciate the good stuff in life and can always brighten your day with a message.
Our Liz is enthusiasm personified. The North West is a long way from the southernmost point of the Isle of Wight, but we won't let that stop us. We named our Lizzy Brass Hair Pin after this wonderful woman. For every day good-hair do's that are a little bit special, just like Lizzy. We've just received a restock so you can choose every style from our website now.
It's time to introduce you to Betty.
Our Bet was a remarkable woman - Having married a soldier and moved from Devon to Florida, she found herself in fearful circumstances.
Betty single handedly escaped a dangerous relationship with the incredible help of women in her community, travelling covertly back to Devon with her children. The strength and bravery Betty mustered, and the life she rebuilt for herself are both admirable. Betty went on to travel all corners of the world in her old age, renowned for her arrest in a Japanese airport for smuggling the gift of a meat cleaver in her handbag. She couldn't see what all the fuss was about.
She had a penchant for anything sweet and endless love for her grandchildren. We named our belt bag after Betty: Flexible, useful, resilient and practical. Perfect for mothers who have no hands left for bags!
Introducing Astrid
Astrid has modelled for us a few times and it is always a pleasure to be in her company.
We were the first fashion shoot that Astrid modelled for and that feels really special. With a steadily growing and well deserved following building, Astrid continues to share the bright and beautiful sides of thrift fashion through her Insta account. Super eclectic, super fun!
We named our statement flat brass hoops after this wonder woman and you can find them online now. Perfect teamed with multitudes of re-worn garments, vintage finds, considered purchases or let's face it, your loungewear!
Meet Leah
Rosie met Leah when they had desks together in their day-jobs and chatted about pipe dreams of working solely for themselves.
Throughout the growth of Roake, Leah has been there to support, encourage and cheerlead.
Leah is an organic farmer from Devon, passionate about great quality food and sustainable ecosystems.
A woman with purpose, drive and ambition - and is always there on the end of the phone, even if your desks aren't opposite each other any more!
Our Leah bangle is resilient, hardy and beautiful. A subtly shimmering best friend for every outfit. Just like our Leah!
Meet Poppy
Our dry-humoured, kind and talented sewing room supervisor. Always chirping up at the right moment with excellent comedy value.
Poppy has a degree in fashion design and joined us 8 months ago on a graduate training programme. When the programme ended we just couldn't let her go! She is an invaluable member of our team.
Who better to name a sparkly pair of or charm earrings after. You can find our Poppy charm earrings by clicking here.
