Chitter Chatter is a series I’m running all about inspirational women in the wedding industry whom I greatly admire. These women successfully combine running their own business with married life and, in a lot of cases, raising a young family. The ‘Chitter Chatter’ twist is is they have to answer my questions in just 140 characters or less….
Today I have the absolute pleasure of chitter chattering to the beautiful Rose Murphy, owner and creative director at Rose & Ruby Paper Co, the award winning luxury British design studio. Rose creates exquisite stationery for weddings and beyond, and she also specialises in working with fellow creative entrepreneurs on branding their businesses and making everything beautiful. I first met Rose, and discovered her beautiful work, at Paperfest, a London festival that celebrates creative, independent entrepreneurs.
Rose lives in Devon with her husband Brendan and dog Willa, and they’ve just moved into a beautiful Victorian house which they’re currently renovating to create their dream home.
What was your first job?
Head of Design for a start up fashion company when I was 17. I was completely thrown right in at the deep end and the learning curve was invaluable.
Tell me more about your career before launching Rose and Ruby
I worked as a fashion designer for various different companies, and then I set up my own company freelancing.
What made you start Rose and Ruby?
It was time for a change from fashion and I realised after designing wedding stationery as a little side project that working with brides was a lot lovelier than the relentless and stringent deadlines and often quite “challenging” characters in the fashion industry!
What inspires you to keep growing and developing your business?
I am always inspired by the wonderful and beautiful clients I work with and I love that I can make my business whatever I want it to be.
What obstacles have you overcome along the way?
Definitely trying to find balance when you have such a passion for what you do. That probably doesn’t count as “overcome” as I am still working on this but I’m getting there
What is the best opportunity that Rose and Ruby has brought you?
Community, and the opportunity to meet and work with so many beautiful and inspiring women.
What’s your best tip for a work / life balance?
I find the best balance comes when I rigorously schedule everything even down to time out and time for social life etc. It sounds harsh but makes it easier to fit everything in.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?
Perfection will hold you back. Take action and start. I am a perfectionist so I really struggle with this but it’s so true!
97% of Britain’s small creative businesses are run by women. Why do you think this is?
I think women have a real strength and amazing vision and are generally better at multitasking and keeping several shows on the road.
How did you meet your husband?
I came down from London for my sibling’s birthdays and met him on a night out in my home town!
What was the highlight of your wedding day?
I would say the actual marriage ceremony, “getting married”. I absolutely loved that. And getting to spend so much beautiful time with my husband.
Was there anything standout about what you wore?
My dress was pretty big with a 6ft train, and I had it tailored so tight that I actually couldn’t sit down fully but it was absolutely worth it.
Looking back, is there anything you would change about your wedding?
Nothing. It was such a special day, and I am so happy we stuck to our guns and kept it small with only 11 guests.
What are your tip tops for brides-to-be when planning their wedding?
Invest in photography. Hire the best photographer you can and really research the kind of photos you want.
Secret to a happy marriage?
Respect. Listening to each other. And making time for having fun together. It’s so important to spend time just the two of you to laugh, connect and have fun as often as possible.
Love is…
Everything!
Favourite quote?
“Spread love wherever you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” — Mother Theresa
Favourite gadget?
My iPhone 6. I use it for everything! And the camera is excellent.
Favourite film?
I’m not really a film person. I get bored and feel like I should be doing something else!
Last holiday?
It was our honeymoon in Mexico 2012. Wow! I did not realise it was that long ago! I am definitely due a holiday!
Currently reading?
I always have way too many books on the go. I’ve been reading The Desire Map
If you could be trapped in a lift with any living person who would it be and why?
My husband for sure! It would be a little luxury to be trapped 1 on 1 without phone signal or any interruptions.
Tell me something about you that most people don’t know… preferably non work-related
I am a bit of a not so secret geek. I LOVE maths and problem solving
What is your guilty pleasure?
Trashy TV. I am extremely partial to Real Housewives.
What did you do today?
Prepped artwork first thing, spoke to suppliers, out for client meetings for most of the day, checked in on the progress of our new studio, then dinner with my husband.
What’s next?
Bigger and better! We’ll be finally moving into our new studio after some technical hold ups in the next week or so and I have huge plans for pushing Rose & Ruby forward over the next year. I’m really excited for what’s next.
Thank you Rose! Enjoy more of Rose & Ruby Paper Co. on:
@Twitter
@Instagram
@Facebook
@Pinterest
