Why I started all about me
“Hiya and welcome, and nice one for being here and OMFG I tried to edit this down but I had way too much to say! I personally lurve to know the nitty-gritty of peoples stories so Voilà, heres mine - you might want to grab a brew ”
Im Carla…Designer, all-round creative, over thinker, positive enthusiast, magpie mentality, girl boy mama, domaine brights, a sucker for a chazza, loves to barta, margs and spice is always nice and GF to my uni love the most creative fella I know!
Step into the heart of 'All About Me' and my journey from the sh*t scary world of job loss, juggling motherhood, and relocating.
This is more than a brand; it's a testament to overcoming struggles and finding a purpose.
With a mission to spread positivity through creativity, fashion, illustration, and lifestyle, we celebrate individuality while embodying our mantra of maintaining a positive and mindful attitude. (Or at least I'm desperately trying to!)
Me and my little Fam
“A Childhood Prelude Nurturing Seeds of Creativity - From Spirographs to Fashion Wheels, the Early Chapters of My Artistic Journey.”
From my earliest days, colouring, crafting, and drawing have been my passion. At the age of 7, I wrote an autobiography, declaring my dream to be a future fashion designer.
As an 80s kid, you'd always find me designing outfits on my fashion wheel, creating vibrant artwork with my Blitzer airbrush, getting lost in endless spirograph patterns or writing very deep heartfelt poems.
Fast forward to when I was 11 years old, my parents lived in a golden catchment area, for grammar and state schools but, I had a different idea. Knutsford High School, about 10 miles away, won me over at its open day.
The art department was amazing and looked so creative, especially the large Monet canvas, which stole my heart.
Painted by students in the Japanese Gardens of Tatton Park they became my inspiration, leading me to recreate them later on.
Art was my fav subject at school, and I went on to study A Level AVCE which was a mix of Fine Art, Ceramics, Graphic design, Textiles, and 3D products.
Unsure of what to specialise in, I went on to do an Art Foundation at Manchester Met, which ultimately led me to choose Fashion Baby at Liverpool.
"Our kids have also inherited the creative genes”
I literally had the time of my life at uni, which was the home of Liverpool superclubs Cream and Garlands.
You can only imagine the raves, parties, spray tans, French manis, fabulous outfits, and wild, rambunctious adventures.
However, as hard as I played, I worked through the hangovers and remained dedicated to my studies.
I have always been passionate about Textiles and Fashion because of my love for fabrics, textures, colours, and surface patterns.
In my final collection, I focused on screen printing and dying. Three years went by in a flash, and I was buzzing to graduate with a First in Fashion and Textiles.
Exploring Fashion Worlds: My Road to Creating Rosy Cheeks
After completing my degree, I was desperate to have a CV that stood out so I gained work experience in various fields related to fashion.
I did some slave labour in a high-end Trim company in Italy, learned a lot at a Textile Print Studio in London, experienced the not-so-glamorous life of a Styling assistant in London, curated a window display in the famous Cricket boutique in Liverpool, and also shadowed in a PR agency in Manchester.
While waiting for my dream job in fashion, I ended up working at Resurrection, an independent clothing store on Liverpool's famous Bold Street.
Resurrection used to sell and still sells distinctive unique labels, along with vintage items. I had the privilege of managing the vintage, which meant I had the best wardrobe ever, getting first dibs on the kilos of pre-loved items.
I was incredibly fortunate because the owners allowed me to showcase and sell some of my designs under the name Rosy Cheeks, which was inspired by my name, Carla Rosa.
During this time, my fabulous Nana consistently encouraged me, always saying I know you will have your own brand one day with this name!
“Designing Dreams: From Making Brews to Designing, Travelling and Managing Trends in the Big Smoke"
In 2008, I secured my first role as an Assistant Designer for a kidswear supplier.
I started at the beginning by making brews and organising the beads, buttons and bow drawers. Over time, I progressed up the ladder through various roles, working for multiple high street retailers.
Eventually, I landed the position of a Design Manager in London for one of my favourite childhood clothing brands.
Designing collections allowed me to create trends, choose colours and fabrics, and see my designs come to life.
Styling outfits and seeing people wear my creations was the best feeling, and I felt so bloody lucky to work in a job that I loved."
I got to travel the world designing and shopping, New York, Seoul, and Antwerp, to name a few, flying business, staying in fancy hotels, following trends, being creative, and essentially having my dream job.
I mean I have totally glamorised the travel and did not include the horror stories of Delhi belly, seafood poisoning in Sri Lanka, working day and night, getting stuck in 3-hour traffic jams in China, or being protected by men with machine guns from Bangladesh riots, but I like to remember the sugar-coated way.
"Becoming a Mum and Paving the Path: Manifesting, Navigating the Joys, Challenges, and the Creative Vision for a Flexible Working Approach"
Just when I thought life couldn’t get any better, in 2018, I became a mum. The joy & love that filled my heart were immeasurable, & the thought of leaving my little pickle and returning to work with a three-hour round commute, extensive travel, and long hours led me to question my priorities.
I spent endless days and nights chatting to anyone who would listen about my new creative vision I had for a flexible working approach of starting on my own, however as exciting as this sounded it felt scary AF and I went back to my full-time job in Sept 2019.
During mat leave, I found a crew of like-minded mum mates, and when we returned to work, we tried to meet up monthly in the evening to share our chaotic lives now juggling mum life/work whilst also doing something fun or creative.
“Jan 2020 THE ACTUAL Vision Board that changed my life”
Our first meet-up of Jan 2020 involved a bit of manifesting by creating vision boards, whilst having a vino at the Leyton Star pub.
Obsessed with the book ‘The Secret’ before manifesting became a trend, meant I was very excited to hang with the gals whilst collaging my dreams and thinking about the endless possibilities of the journey ahead.
I hung my masterpiece by my bed so I could see it all the time, and like witchcraft, a lot of other things (apart from all the luxury holidays and a third child Ahem!!!) have started to become bloody true!!! Note to self be careful what you wish for!
"Navigating Life's Twists: From Redundancy to Reinvention - A Journey into Self-Discovery, Retraining, and the Birth of Rosyandcheeks."
It was a challenging time, but I saw it as an opportunity to go on a journey of self-discovery and reinvention.
Despite feeling overwhelmed, I wanted to take control of my future and create a flexible career. There were no job opportunities in my industry due to the pandemic, so I thought f*ck it, I will upskill and start on my own!
In 2021, I took a bold leap of faith and retrained in baby massage, yoga, and tree babies to create a cool baby class experience that focuses on the well-being of new parents.
Inspired by my first mat leave, I had the most fun and made so many friends I wanted to offer support to other parents with similar classes. (and let me be honest drinking Prosecco in the park picnics, getting a coffee oat milk addiction, I could go on but I won't)
Simultaneously, I teamed up with my partner in crime at @studiomethod to set up our shared Design Studio and I started Rosy and Cheeks.
Which was essentially an adaptation of the name Rosy Cheeks, I'd used when graduating. Eventually, Rosyandcheeks became the brand name for my two characters - Rosy the girl and Cheeks the boy - that I had created during my baby classes.
My mission? To create garments that embody a Positive & Mindful Attitude inclusive for all, whilst also offering parent & baby classes all with the same ethos.
We were born out of a 'positive mindful attitude' becoming our life mantra. Initially created as a joke, it helped us get back in the game during the dark times of the pandemic.
Studio Life: Play Mural to RemiND us
"Our Bold Move from London to back up North to a random town I’d never heard of in the Quest for a Meaningful Life."
We decided to sell up in London and relocate back up north to be closer to family, and nature, have way more space, and lead a more meaningful life growing veggies!! Ha
We were on a mission for a completely new adventure, we had once visited the creative town of Hebden Bridge and thought it had a vibe so we randomly settled in the next town.
Despite not knowing anyone, we were drawn to the green hills, proximity to Manchester and Leeds, and the quirkiness of the local community.
I'm not going to lie, I found it difficult to adjust to the massive changes that came my way.
I missed my job, monthly salary, friends, and the city's culture. I felt ashamed that my first-world problems were causing me so much distress.
Every day, I navigated through my new life with tears of uncertainty. I was pregnant with our 2nd, whilst juggling motherhood full-time, retraining, screen printing, designing, wanting immediate results and putting unrealistic pressure on myself.
“2022: The year I thought I could conquer the world, juggle motherhood, and Embrace the Creative Entrepreneurial Journey All at Once."
Well, reality hit me hard, and I quickly realised that lack of sleep and exhaustion is no joke.
I decided to prioritise self-care & bond with my bundle of joy for my own sanity and mental health. This meant temporarily putting my ventures on hold.
It wasn’t easy, & I couldn’t help but feel like a failure. But you know what?
I’ve come to learn that being kind to yourself & recognising when to take a step back is essential.
Initially, I had wanted to teach baby massage and yoga classes, and also run a fashion business. However, I eventually realised that teaching these classes was not my true passion.
I felt disappointed having invested a lot of time and money studying and teaching classes but on the flip side I also learned new skills and met some amazing people.
" Dreaming Big, Diving into Digital Marketing, and Rebranding 'All About Me'
Always wanting to arm myself with new skills and add just a bit more pressure to my life I started studying for a digital marketing diploma which will take a few years cramming it around everything else but hey why not?
With way too many ideas I have rebranded to "All About Me" with a mission to create a lifestyle brand that deeply connects with people.
Its vibe is a reflection of my personality and passions channelled through authentic products that I genuinely love and would be proud to wear or use myself, as well as for my kids.
Each item is unique and handmade with love, incorporating eco-conscious processes. The prints and interior creations I develop are inspired by what I envision filling my own home or studio with.
My goal is to bring a bit of fun and positivity into the chaos of everyday life, finding mindfulness in the mundane.
I will be creating a range of original fashion pieces, printed artworks, and customised items that embody my mantra #positivemindfulattitude, from our home design studio.
I aim to make you feel good, look good, and enhance the cool spaces around you.
So if you have read to the end and not fallen asleep…I f*cking did it…I finally launched!
Wish me Luck and let's do this shit together Babes!
See Ya
Loves Yas!
Carla X
