14 Cowichan News Leader Pictorial
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
• • • ISLAND STYLE • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Company aims to be a co-op for moms from page 13
None of us could find Canadian made footwear that we felt was as unique and special as the babes we wanted to put them on. One of us was already making baby shoes, so it was a very natural transition. What is it that you design and who are your customers? We design quality and whimsical footwear, clothing, and accessories for babies, toddlers, and women. What fabrics do you use and where is everything made? Our products are made from hand-dyed canvas, up-cycled leather, wool, and cotton. Occasionally we throw in a hand-made wooden button as well. All of our products are made by our own hands in our studio or from our houses in Chemainus. Explain how you all manage to run the business together. Originally when we first started the business, we sewed in the mornings as this allowed our children to be close to us, playing happily while we busied ourselves with production. We always had one of us doing childcare, while the others sewed. In theory it was a great idea, but
we were having a hard time keeping up with orders while remaining attentive to our babies needs. After a few months of this, we decided to try meeting at night after our kids went to sleep. We are finding this far more beneficial to our productivity and sanity! Where are your products sold? Our soft-soled baby shoes are sold at Matraea Mercantile in Downtown Duncan, and our line of up-cycled leather jewellery is now at Radway in Cowichan Bay. You can also find us at a variety of local markets in the summer as well as online at our etsy store. What is the price range? Our jewellery line ranges from $15 to $25, the baby shoes range from $25 to $40 and our clothing line ranges from $25 to $75. What are some of your favourite designs and styles right now? Right now we are making some really fun moccasin-style baby shoes, with up-cycled leather fringe. We are also working on some prototypes for adult sized moccasins and are branching into women’s clothing. We have a lovely hand-dyed tunic with leather detailing we are starting out with. What are your aspirations for the
Cover Story
SaleS event
On nOW
CASUAL BUSINESS FORMAL MENSWEAR CASUAL BUSINESS FORMAL MENSWEAR Downtown Duncan 53 Station St. 250.597.2848 Downtown Duncan 53 Station St. 250.597.2848 outlooksformen.com outlooksformen.com
Island
STYLE
Monthly in the Cowichan Newsleader Pictorial
business? Our goal is to provide quality and unique products for families that they can feel good about. To us that means sourcing sustainable materials and to continue expanding our product lines based off of our customers wants and needs. What do you want people to know about Rocks and Roots Apparel We started off with the idea to be a co-operatively owned business that allows creative women and mothers the opportunity to provide an income for themselves and their families, while remaining at home. We hope that as our business grows, we can provide this opportunity to other mothers who long for the same thing.