Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla Rockmore.
Hi Carla, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story began in Montreal 54 years ago. I have always been a conduit of all things fashion and style. Everybody has their talents and mine was sensing trends, sourcing materials and manufacturing them. My work took me from designing Disney children’s sleepwear in Pakistan to Club Kid bra tops in Amsterdam. I produced jacquard sweaters in Hong Kong, denim in LA, and chunky baubles of chain and rhinestone in Toronto. Moving to Dallas eight years ago with my husband and kids was at first very difficult for me. I had an easier time navigating the bowels of Thailand than I did driving through Addison. Because Dallas was not a “port” city in its heyday, there were none of the remnants of factories or trade that I recognized. There were no pattern makers, vintage findings suppliers, or cutters to keep me busy. My husband and kids had “built-in” lives because of work and school. I flailed for a while. Don’t get me wrong, I did make good friends and had a wonderful time discovering what Dallas has to offer.
I adored exploring the amazing art galleries, the design district, shops and art communities. But I couldn’t find my place in the world. Making stuff is my meditation and I go crazy if I’m not creating some sort of dress, bag or bracelet. I bit the bullet and started exploring the amazing world of fine jewelry in the incredible pink city of Jaipur in Northern Rajasthan. I have been developing my line for two years now. When Covid hit, everything ground to a halt. The silver lining in a pandemic is that it helps you define your strengths. I had dabbled in styling and entertainment throughout my life but never took any of that seriously. It wasn’t tangible enough for me to consider it as “job”. I’m in my mid 50’s, so I felt like I somewhat missed the “influencer” movement.
So here I was, sequestered in lockdown with a 35-year-old cultivated massive closet full of designer accessories, vintage clothing and market finds. I am not a fashion snob. I appreciate and collect all things beautiful and a treasure is a treasure, whether it be from Zara to Bergdorf’s. I had an iPhone and an idea of how to make people smile during these trying times. I started a YouTube channel – Carla Rockmore and @ carla.rockmore on Instagram. I would have never had the guts to do it if not for Covid. A very smart friend taught me that if you can converge your skills, hobbies and fill a hole in market, you will find your sweet spot. You can build a successful business that will also feed your soul. My jewelry business is almost ready to launch, and my new “influencer/stylist/comedian” moniker has become the important creative outlet I was craving when here in Dallas. The most satisfying part of my work now is that I am providing a service and a smile while being totally me. All of me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I can’t imagine it ever being a smooth road. Life isn’t smooth. Especially being a creative as well as a being a mom. The world of fashion is not a straight line, nor is there a playbook to being a wife and mother. For me, the family always came first, so my own dreams had less time to be cultivated along the way. It’s only now that my boys are almost up and out that I feel that I can really dedicate myself to something longer term. I also believe that creative talent is not something tangible like a law degree. You can get wrapped up in the “Am I?” for years before you can definitively say “I Am.” I still don’t think I’m there. I may never be and that’s ok… but I think that comes with time.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I define myself as a stylist, entertainer, designer and maybe as an “influencer.” I believe that I have a built-in trend antenna. I don’t know where it comes from, but I can sniff out style without shifts or reading the fashion forecasts. I was always known as the “item” girl when I worked on clothing lines back in the day – that’s the person who comes up with the one or two great pieces every season that blows out of the stores. I never question my style choices and I am fearless in mixing fashion up. I can’t be defined as a minimalist, maximalist, or a strict rule follower when it comes to fashion and creation. I am most proud that I always follow my instincts and don’t box myself in.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I am not a good business person, per se. Numbers, cost sheets, and financial strategies are not my best friend, so I don’t take risks in that area of my business. I defer to the experts for that. Where I do take risks is within the sector of creatively. I will travel to all ends of the earth to find a particular stone, and then dive deeper into very precarious parts of the world to develop a sample with a particular artisan. I will always try something new and follow my instincts. For me, it was a real risk to post my first ever video, but I knew there was something there. If you don’t put it out there, you’ll never know what you could have done. That is worse than never taking the risk.
Contact Info:
- Email: Carla@carlarockmore.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carla.rockmore/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmCCGWDjKxI2U1xHSLFzbrw
Image Credits:
Carla Rockmore
Stewart Cohen Pictures – Me with a yellow background
