Life and Work with Madeline Patinella

Today we’d like to introduce you to Madeline Patinella.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Creativity has always been a part of my life. When I was in college studying Art History at CU Boulder, I would paint shoes to make extra money. One creative project morphed into the next but it had always been a side hustle until I decided to go for it! In the last year, there has been so much growth with Rose & Royce. Denver has an amazing community full of small businesses supporting one another, which has definitely contributed to us expanding.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I can’t imagine anyone’s journey while starting a business is easy, but the challenge of it is what makes it rewarding. There were times when I was left questioning if I should keep going. For many years, I worked other jobs to pay my bills and would stay up late doing work for R & R but in the end the excitement I would get from selling something I created far outweighed sleepless nights. My two pieces of advice would be to keep grinding and believe in yourself. Confidence can carry you a long way!

Please tell us about Rose & Royce.
I chose the name Rose & Royce because I never wanted to pigeonhole us as a brand. The name allows us to create whatever products we want next. It all started with the embellished cow heads. My first pop up market I had about seven skulls and that was it. Fast forward to today and we have added so many new products. We now carry scrunchies, earrings, embellished jackets, hats, & mini skulls. Each item is hand designed, produced and assembled, which we take great pride in. Usually, the scrunchie you are wearing was cut and sewn for you in my little basement office. Every time you buy from Rose & Royce, you are truly getting something handmade with love. I grew up my whole life in Denver, and it feels so cool to be supported and loved as a small business by your own community.

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Any of the markets put on around Denver are a great networking tool. I have found other small business owners to be an amazing source of information and inspiration, as well as those putting on the markets. There’s an incredible sense of comradery around the handmade- we all understand each other.

Pricing:

• Scrunchies: $6
• Acrylic Earrings: $16
• Fabric Earrings: $22
• Jackets: $65- $125
• Skulls: $250-$420

Contact Info:

• Website: www.RoseAndRoyce.com
• Email: create@roseandryce.com
• Instagram: @rose.and.royce
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rose.and.royce/

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