Life after Retirement!
When a senior retires, some think that the senior will stay at home and watch the grandchildren, some may think the senior will stay in the house and watch their favorite television shows, some may think a senior may travel the world and some may think that the senior will go to the senior center and hang out with their friends! Well, I want to let you know something that a senior could do after he/she retires!
Please meet Rose Moultrie! My request to you is, when you connect with Rose, give her a hug (virtual or physical)!
Rose, an awesome senior, was born in South Carolina, but has been a resident of Jersey City for 30 plus years!
After working 25 years, Rose got sick, so she retired. While she was home, she needed to do something other than staying in the house, so she decided to go to Art Shows. During her time at the Art Shows, she met many Artists and started promoting her own painted T-shirts and her life after retirement took off. What happened next…Rose’s entrepreneurial journey started!
Now, let’s learn more about Rose’s business.
Me: What is the name of your business?
Rose: Rose Creations
Me: Where did you start your business at?
Rose: I started my business from the comfort of my home.
Me: What is an avenue that you used to market Rose Creations?
Rose: I would vend to meet people, sell and promote my product. Along with the t-shirts that I created, I sold sayings that a person could hang around their house as well as other trinkets.
Me: How did your business take off?
Rose: After meeting new Artists and noticing that many did not know how to promote their work, I decided to help them with their promotion, while I continued making my own t shirts and vending. I had the opportunity to volunteer with the City of Jersey City at their Art Shows. My niche for promoting Artists and a love for Art allowed me to help create Art Shows and promote Artist, all while selling my products!
Me: How did you end up having Rose Creations on 152-154 MLK Drive in Jersey City?
Rose: Before opening my business on 152-154 MLK Drive, I moved my business from my home and located it at the Hub inside Extra Supermarket. I enjoyed being at the supermarket because it was a great spot and it had much foot traffic. After a few years, of being at Extra Supermarket, I had to relocate and upon me looking for space, 152-154 was available and I jumped at the chance and here I am today! I opened this location in Spring 2017 with two partners.
Me: How old is Rose Creations?
Rose: 20 years and counting
Me: When is your store opened?
Rose:
Wednesday – Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm
Friday-Saturday 10:00am – 6:00pm
Me: Do you have a number where people can reach you?
Rose: Yes, 201-388-0169
Me: Are you on Social Media?
Rose: Yes, I am on Facebook and my page is rosecreationsgalleryandgiftshop.
Me: Anything coming up for you?
Rose: Yes, I am going to be part of the Jersey City Art Show on October 13th & 14th!
Me: Yay, congratulations!
Me: Why do you think a store like yours is needed on MLK in our community?
Rose: We need a store like this for our community, so we can share Art and our history, as well as the ability to educate our community about the importance of Art and Culture.
Me: What are 3 GEMs that you can share with us?
Rose:
- Trust in yourself
- Believe in yourself
- Try to avoid negative people in your life, instead connect with talented people
Me: Rose, who is this beautiful lady with you today?
Rose: This is Bernice, she is one of my partners! Come over here and I will show you her work. These are Bernice pieces that she painted herself. On this table, are her pillows that she also makes and sell!
Me: Hello Ms. Bernice, can I ask you a few questions?
Bernice: Sure
Me: I love your pillows and Art work and I feel extra special because I’m seeing you make a master piece right now!
Bernice: Thank you.
Me: Where were you born?
Bernice: I was born in South Carolina; however, I have been a resident in Jersey City for over 50 years! After retiring, I wanted to do something that made me even more happy!
Me: How did you get started?
Bernice: I used the equity out of my house to start my homebased business.
Me: What is the name of your business?
Bernice: Belle’s
Me: Did you go to Art School?
Bernice: No, I always loved drawing, a natural you can say! A family member of mine told me that I was good and I should pursue it. I also loved sewing, so I started making decorated pillows. I make all types of pillows. If you need a pillow for a special event, like the Special Olympics, I can make it for you!
Me: Did you go to business school?
Bernice: Now, but I did attend Rising Tide Capital, where I learned how to price my products. I thank Jay for all his help. I can price my products with my eyes closed!
Me: I am a Rising Tide Capital graduate as well, and I have been one of their instructors for 2 years and counting. It is a beautiful program!
Me: What are 3 GEMs that you can share with us?
Bernice:
- Continue to learn, keep learning and moving
- Don’t put a stopper on age, never stop
- Don’t let your music die in you
When Passion Meets Purpose?
- Rose and Bernice are two seniors who are retired and during their retirement years, their passion blossomed! Being in their presence for about an hour or so, it was clear to me that their passion met their purpose and they are fulfilling their mission!
Yes, Rose and Bernice are #SeniorsontheMove !
Forever care,
Angela V. McKnight
Assemblywoman
The Carepreneur
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