Today we’d like to introduce you to Rochele Spencer.
Hi Rochele, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Hi there! My name is Rochele Spencer, I am a 33-year-old self-taught fashion designer based in Jamaica widely known for my clothing and lifestyle brand “Yours truly Rochele”. My aesthetic is focused on unique & affordable ready-wear and made-to-order pieces that are the perfect balance of bold, sexy, and classic. My brand depicts a celebration of women and their beautiful feminine forms.
After obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Technology Jamaica, I started in the banking sector & worked for 5 years then left to develop my brand. Over the years I’ve managed to expand the digital footprint of my business both locally & internationally through social media and the development of a successful eCommerce store www.yourstrulyrochele.com (currently down for relaunch on November 22, 2022.
Some of my accomplishments include being independently recognized and featured multiple times by a local newspaper published in Jamaica -The Jamaica Observer. I am also the season 6 winner of the Caribbean-based design competition – Mission Catwalk.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has been far from smooth because of the challenges associated with trying to operate an international e-commerce brand from a third-world country. Trying to develop a website here is like going into unknown territory. It was only in the last 2 years that it became a possibility for entrepreneurs to set up websites that could successfully receive payments from our clients worldwide easily through our local banks.
Operating a business, much less an online business in a third-world country comes with so many roadblocks and restrictions, but I never gave up until I found a solution that enabled me to expand my reach outside of Jamaica.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I design beautiful ready-to-wear pieces that celebrate women in a way that encourages body positivity and boosts self-confidence. I’m widely known for winning season 6 of Mission Catwalk https://youtu.be/uaYlXto8lzk. Winning that competition was my proudest moment because it validated my decision to step away from a more traditional career path and choose something I was passionate about.
I’m also extremely proud of being able to launch a website that successfully serviced my clients both locally and internationally from Jamaica. At the time I accomplished that because of a lack of resources it was no easy feat. I believe what sets me apart is the high standard of customer service that I offer to my clients.
What are your plans for the future?
Yes, we are relaunching even bigger and better in November. So many more resources for eCommerce are available in my country now. So, with fewer limitations now as it relates to the backend of website development, I’ve decided to relaunch my website with a new collection on November 22nd. My brand has also been steadily growing so I’ve had to restructure how production will be done so we can serve even more clients.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/yourstruly_rochele
Image Credits
Adrian Smith, AKS Photography
