[bctt tweet=”@Summer__Rose – All I ever wanted was to make women feel beautiful” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”]
Rose Mutsau is a nurse, a nutritionist and runs an online shop. But perhaps what she’s really known for is her personal brand, Summer Rose. Summer Rose is also part of the name of a fragrance Rose has created. Belle by Summer Rose is a perfume that the streets are saying smells like a million bucks and lasts the whole day.
We’re tempted to add perfume-making to our growing list of unusual business ideas. Think about it, how many scents created by African women do you know? Read on to learn how Rose Mutsua found her way to creating her own fragrance line.
Please briefly tell us who Summer Rose is. If you don’t mind me asking, is it your real name?
My name is Rose Mutsau but most people that know me via social media know me as Summer Rose. Summer Rose is my brand name and my social media handle.
I was born in Gutu, Zimbabwe and I grew up in Glenview area 8 Harare. I also lived in Gwanda for a couple of years, then Gweru before I moved to the UK in 2002.
You have ventured in one of the most difficult fashion businesses and produced your own fragrance line, what inspired you?
My business inspiration is definitely my mother. She was always selling something at any given time, what a woman! God rest her soul.
I have always had love for fragrance and over the years I have spent a lot of money on high end perfumes such as Tom Ford, Dior, Jo Malone etc, they are a few of my favourites.
When a business opportunity presented itself to me, the first thing that came to my mind was perfume. I knew that it was not going to be easy. At that point, I did not have a clue on how to make perfume let alone convince buyers that it was a worthy product to spend their money on.
I believed in myself and that I could turn this dream into reality, so I started working on it straight away. My aim was to produce a fragrance just as good in quality as the high-end fragrances but a lot more affordable so that women from all walks of life could afford it. I think I have managed to accomplish that.
How long did it take for you to discover the final scent of Belle?
It was a longer process than I anticipated. I had to change the mix three times before I was happy with it.
I wanted to release a product that I would be happy to use on myself before I expect other people to love it. All in all it took about six months to approve the final scent.
I noticed that your clientele all love Belle and have been gushing over it, how does that make you feel? Are you going to offer a different scent as yet?
It makes me so happy, you have no idea! I believed in myself enough to make the perfume and I totally loved the scent. Yet, I was not sure how people would receive it. The feedback has been so amazing.
Most of my customers send me pictures of them holding their Belle boxes and it makes me so happy. The name Belle simply means “beautiful woman”. All I ever wanted was to make women feel beautiful and boost their confidence and I have managed to do that through this beautiful fragrance.
As for what’s coming next, just watch this space…
[bctt tweet=”Rose Mutsau: Business is actually at an all time high during this period” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”]
Besides producing your own perfume line what other business are you into?
I have an online shop where I sell the perfume and clothing items. I’m working on revamping the website soon.
I’m also a rep for a nutritious weight loss programme which has helped me and many women reach their weight loss goals.
In addition to that, I am a mental health nurse by profession, a role I’m very passionate about.
We are in the festive month and about to close up on 2016, is this a slow time for your business?
Business is actually at an all time high during this period. Many people are buying the perfume as Christmas presents for their family and friends.
There’s no better time for business than right now.
Describe your fashion sense in three words. Also, what’s one 2016 fashion item you will take with you in 2017.
My fashion sense is trendy, adventurous and elegant.
One fashion item I will take with me into 2017 God willing is none other than my Belle By SummerRose. It goes everywhere with me, my little bottle of heaven.
[bctt tweet=”@Summer__Rose – Believe in yourself first before you expect anyone else to believe in you” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”]
Any words of encouragement to aspiring business women out there?
Dream big and work hard to turn your dreams into reality. Believe in yourself first before you expect anyone else to believe in you. In your journey, there will be many obstacles but never give up.
Let that drive you to push even harder until you reach your goals. Don’t be too proud to ask for help, you’ll be amazed how helpful people are if only you ask.
Above all pray. Never under estimate the power of prayer. Compliments of the season to you all.
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