Crafted By Roseshine (CBR), an artisanal brand that emerged during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, has become a beacon of creativity and resilience. Founded by Roseshine Mpofu, CBR started with simple crochet pieces and has since expanded into the intricate world of beadworks. Today, the brand is renowned for its meticulously designed handbags, blending traditional African artistry with contemporary designs, catering to the discerning modern woman.
From the outset, Roseshine's vision for CBR was clear: to nurture creativity and offer clients a variety of beautifully crafted products. Despite beginning with a single artisan, her ambition is to grow the team and empower more women. "Various factors have inspired the development of CBR, such as the passion I’ve always had for handmade products and the process that goes into making them," she shares. "This has mainly been influenced by the faith I have in God, as I am a firm believer that God has granted everyone the abilities to be creators in one way or another. That is why I decided to turn my passion into a career."
Roseshine's entrepreneurial spirit and determination to build something from scratch have driven her to take on new challenges. She reflects on the obstacles she faced, such as convincing prospective clients about the value of handmade products and competing with designer brands that often charge less than the true worth of artisanal work. Setting prices that reflect the value of her creations, without deterring customers, remains a challenge. Additionally, she faced initial resistance from family members who had different expectations for her future. However, she did not let these hurdles deter her. "Finding mentorship and support was also a challenge," she explains. "Connecting with experienced craftsmen for guidance and encouragement was difficult because of living in a remote area."
Despite these challenges, Roseshine's love for art and crafts continues to fuel her creativity. "Art and crafts spark my creativity. Just the thought of another person being able to invent something so out of this world stimulates my imagination to say to myself, if they did it, I can too." This mindset has helped her embrace mistakes and unexpected outcomes as opportunities for growth and innovation.
Roseshine’s inspiration s`tems from her mother, a crochet guru in her youth. Her mother's influence is evident in every piece she creates, each crafted with love and dedication. "I love every single piece I’ve ever made, and it’s always so hard to let go," she confesses. "Bag Cathy, Zariah, Goodness, Zephyr, and Glamorè have my heart. There’s a saying from the Good book that says 'Where your treasure is, there your heart is also,' and that resonates with me because for every piece of art I’ve made for my clients, a piece of my heart goes with them too."
Roseshine is committed to using her craft to empower and uplift others, especially women. Her nurturing approach focuses on collaboration and community-building. She hopes to inspire women to embrace their originality and confidence through fashion. "I want women to feel confident in themselves and to embrace their originality through fashion, especially African women," she says. Additionally, she aspires to provide underprivileged women with skills that will change their lives forever.
Community engagement is at the heart of CBR. Roseshine connects with her community through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, as well as events and customer support. Community feedback shapes her product plans, driving innovation and improvement. She envisions partnering with local organizations to amplify her impact and support the community that supports her.
To women aspiring to pursue their passions, Roseshine offers this advice: "Believe in yourself, take that risk. Resilience is key; don't be afraid to fail and learn from your mistakes. Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift and empower you. Stay focused and be authentic. Your value comes from God and yourself, don’t let anyone else determine the value you put into your craft."