Clay Pigeons, Planting Trees and Dreams of a Cotswold Home

We recently sat down with our Rosara manager Jess to have a little chat and get to know her better

 

So Jess, I understand you have been with Nicholsons for a while; could you let us know a little bit about what you were doing before you took charge of Rosara? 

Gosh it seems like a lifetime ago! I started working with a team planting large trees – lots of organising diggers, cranes and concrete breakers. Then when the concept of Rosara was born, I was brought in to help run the day to day logistics. Now, we have a small team split into Buying, Marketing, Warehousing and Styling. Rosara is a fast-paced company, it’s always buzzing with new items, concepts and customers so there is never a dull moment!
 

Now Rosara has seen some pretty great success, what would be your personal highlight?

The shows are my firm highlights each year – seeing a stand coming together is so exciting, and then being out meeting customers as well as visiting some beautiful places. Hampton Court Palace, Blenheim Palace, Chatsworth House… Come rain or shine, this is by far my favourite bit of the job!  

 

Ok so moving away from your work life, I hear you have a very rural Oxfordshire type hobby, could you let us know what that is?

I dabble in a bit of clay pigeon shooting!

 

So how did you get into shooting?

I am generally quite a competitive person, so after having a couple of go’s for friend’s birthdays I really started to love the challenge. It requires concentration, self-discipline and perseverance. What better than being outside on a cold winter’s day, wellies on partaking in a bit of light-hearted competition…

 

So If the Rosara story was adapted into a book/film what genre would it fall under and who do you see playing you?

So I am thinking Superhero film… Saving the world from ugly furniture!

 

Ok quick fire round, Go: Early bird or night owl?

Night owl… Until 11pm.

What is for your favourite flower, Plant or Tree?

I can’t choose so flower: Large White Alliums; and tree: Catalpa bignonioides or a knarly olive tree.

 

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Don’t worry about what people think of you.

Which historical figure would you most like to have dinner with and why?

I never liked History… But one story that stuck in my mind from a university lecture was of Alfred Wegener. A German scientist who made 4 expeditions to unknown territories in the North pole, and was rejected for his theory on tectonic plates. I would love to tell him that he was, in fact, correct and The Wegener theory is now part of school syllabuses all over the world!

 

So In 5 years’ time where do you see yourself and/or Rosara?

In 5 years, hopefully, I’ll have a family home in the Cotswolds, a couple of Cocker Spaniels and have perfected cooking a Sunday Roast dinner (which I have never made!). I would love in 5 years’ time for Rosara to have a few select shops in the UK – with a unique range of high-quality products that make people excited when they come in – inspiring people and offering something new. That’s what I’m passionate about.