Check Out Rae’Anna McDowell’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rae’Anna McDowell.

Hi Rae’Anna, 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?
Crafting, for me, started at birth. As early as I can remember, my mom and I would take over the kitchen and work on any multitude of crafts; from wedding bouquets to Christmas ornaments, we’ve done them all, and well.

Before I even knew the meaning of entrepreneurship I was surrounded by its effects and influences. Black Girl Magic radiated in its truest form all around me as I watched my mom, sister, and other women in my family build their own businesses from the ground up. A good work ethic, sharp attention to detail, and drive are just some of the crucial skill sets that weren’t taught, but became environmental norms.

My childhood and adolescent years were filled with me following close behind my mom at events that she would organize and decorate. I was voluntold into the position of executive assistant and appointed my dad as operations manager. Together, we turned ordinary mundane spaces into luxury parties, weddings, retirement parties, baby showers, and more. “We work until the work is done” is a mantra my mom said on repeat on event days. I didn’t know it then, but she was setting the tone for the rest of my entrepreneurial career.

After high school, I went on to Clemson University where I met friends that I would later call family. We cultivated a unique dynamic within our community and became notable for celebrating birthdays. It was in those moments that I found myself going the extra mile to #MakeItPersonal. From personalized events and apparel to custom wine glasses, bottles, and other drinkware – I challenged myself with it all.

Following undergrad, I continued on to pursue a Master’s Degree and that is where Rosie & Lu’s Custom Creations was born. Tranced in the hustle and bustle of school, work, and adulting but still there was a whisper to do more. I wanted more for myself, both present and future. I was constantly seeing ways to #MakeItPersonal, I just had to act on it. Custom Tumblers was my entry into the entrepreneurial world. It gave me the chance to give my clients the opportunity to truly express themselves in a vessel that they could carry daily while keeping their beverages at their desired temperatures.

Today, that same business offers much more. Though I remain steadfast in custom tumblers, some areas I’ve expanded into include custom apparel, phone cases, branding bundles for small businesses, and more. In the spirit of creativity, I choose not to be boxed into any singular mold. As I grow and change, so does my business. As the market needs to change, so do the offerings of my business.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Know when and how to rest – Being an entrepreneur, especially in the start-up phase, means wearing all the hats; production, customer engagement/retention, marketing, product advancement, etc. It took quite a while for me to really detach, if only for an hour, from the business to allow my mind and body time to rest and recover. Without adequate rest, burnout is inevitable.

Don’t spread yourself too thin. – As creativity flows, it can lead you in an array of different directions. Though creative flow is essential in a business like mine, it is important to stay the course you set out. The course itself may change direction, but it is important NOT to split yourself on the fork in the road. You can keep with the trends, but don’t get swept away by them. In short, stay your course.

Stay Consistent – This is easy to struggle with when you’re focused on the wrong things; who’s buying, who is/isn’t interacting on social media, your own internal monologue, etc. Even if you don’t get any interaction, keep posting. Keep putting yourself out there. Keep progressing in your skillset, your process, and your abilities.

Your target market will most likely not include people you know. This one took a long time for me to digest. I tied my worth into what I thought for sure would be guaranteed support. Don’t get discouraged because those you know are slow to support. Your product will not be for everyone. That is okay, it is actually ideal.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Rosie & Lu’s Custom Creations we specialize in #MakingItPersonal either for yourself, a friend or family member, or even your small business. Whilst we’re known for our custom drinkware (stainless steel tumblers, mugs, wine glasses, etc.), we cater to a great deal of other custom-made needs. Some of our other popular product offerings include apparel, phone cases, resin art, Christmas ornaments, and other memorabilia.

We’re most proud of our more recent product addition, the Business Brand Bundle. It allows us the chance to serve the community in a unique and effective way. As more and more small businesses emerge and grow, we aim to consistently offer products that will aid them in effortless marketing. We equip small businesses with the tools needed to be their own walking business card.

Over the past year we’ve had a few run-ins with the public school system and the inefficiencies they’re faced with. Taking heed of this and the needs of tomorrow’s leaders, we took the initiative to see what and where we could lend a helping hand. We took care of our research and preparations. We worked hand-in-hand with Pre-K teachers within the city to devise a product that’s designed to meet and support Pre-K and Kindergarten students alike. As hastily encroach on winter break, we trust that this interactive binder will be perfect for concept retention and daily practice. This is the first of what we hope will be many learning tools that work both inside and outside of the classroom to support the student.

At Rosie & Lu’s we strive to stay in tune with our community and what it needs from us. By pouring into those around us, we’re able to receive the same in return. Regardless of where the market takes us, we are committed to keeping a listening ear, a watchful eye, and a creative heart.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Faith of a Mustard Seed – Following that little whisper in my mind that kept nudging me to step out on my own talent is the single thing that changed the game for me. That and actually believing I could do it.

Passion and Drive – Passion is ever-present. It exists regardless of the orders coming in, the people engaging and liking my posts, the profit in my bank account. That passion burns just as hot on good days as it does on bad ones. That same passion fuels the drive that gets me up day after day. It forces me to push myself and to continue on my path relentlessly.

Tunnel Vision – I don’t allow myself to be consumed by that which I can’t control. I spend time instead, on creating and perfecting my processes and systems. I know my worth and I stick to my guns – I accept nothing less than what I actually deserve. I turn away those who try to diminish my value in any way.

Learning can happen anywhere. I am always open to learning anything from anywhere at the hands of anyone. From the novice to the expert, I remain humble, open-minded, and receptive to new information always.

Contact Info:

• Email: rosieandlus@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.rosieroyalties.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosieandlus/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosieandlus