We had the good fortune of connecting with Rose Hobson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rose, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
“There were a lot divine intervention when it come to the Code x Rosella you see today. CxR (formerly named Carmella x Rosella) first began as a clothing line my senior year at Cass Technical High School in 2017. One morning I woke up to get ready for school and next thing I knew my home was being raided by police. That was a hard day to come to terms with, they allowed me to go to school, but when I came to my home that night everything was either broken or destroyed beyond repair. Those next moments were something out of a movie, I dug throughout the rubble and discovered my sewing machine was perfectly intact just as the time was 11:11. It’s almost like I was being shown what to do. The next day I registered CxR as a business and I haven’t stopped working.

I was looking to create a better way for myself so I could one day have a better life than what I came from. Through that struggle I realized so many people where I am from were looking for the same escapes. I went to college in New York City, there I learned what doors a career in fashion could open. As years passed, I was given the opportunity to be featured in fashions shows all over the midwest and even during New York Fashion Week. I came back to my hometown Detroit, Michigan and witnessed the talent it possessed. From their I gathered other designers and produced my own fashion shows, those fashion shows then turned into fashion festivals and then concerts and then musical festivals. I had to then choose between creating the fashion featured in the shows or creating the platforms so other can show their talents. After I moved into production, it was like that’s were I was meant to be all along and Code x Rosella production company was born.

While in production, being able to open bigger doors for others and create opportunities to put all versions of Detroit on a bigger stage is why I do what I do. I am able to inspire others which inspires me to keep going. It’s all a divine intervention so maybe this is not where I’ll end in my journey, but as of now I’m proud of all the work we’ve done and people we have met along the way.”

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
“Code x Rosella creates for creators. We produce platforms for independent and emerging creatives to get opportunities that helps them grow. Our goal is to enhance and perfect the audience and artist experience. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with hundreds of models, artists, designers and entertainers. And those who are inspired by our works go to produce their own amazing shows, which open even more doors for creators to create and artists to showcase.

My team sets me apart from a lot of companies in Detroit, we are currently a company of 6 diversified, young and qualified professionals. I’m so grateful to have some brilliant people in my life. We truly balance each other out and share the same goals to keep advancing the music, art and fashion culture in Detroit.

I’m most proud when I see the growth from those I’ve worked with. It’s almost like having [your own] kids. We give them the tools they need, offer our support and training and then they’re off in the world going to take on anything that is to come. People would come to me and credit CxR for getting them started in music or fashion and I’m always like ‘You did it! We set up the stage, you are the one who got up there, thank you!’ I hate taking that credit when all I did was create the platform. It is amazing that I get the chance to give people a platform they possibly would not have had before. To inspire others is what fuels me.

I want everyone to take away that we are a genuine company who creates high-quality platforms for live performances. Whether it’s a fashion show, festival, immersive experience, an album release and so on. CxR will be there for you every step of the way to ensure you as a designer, artist, model or creative is growing in your craft. You are only as big as your investment so we will invest in your vision and I hope you trust us to bring it to life.“

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
“ I love Detroit, but if a friend was coming to the city we would not be hanging out in the city the entire time. I love art so the first place we’ll hang out would be the Robert Kidd Gallery in Birmingham, Michigan. For some local fashion accessories we’ll head to Harper Ray in Southfield, MI. I am obsessed with Savvy Sliders, but for different scenery we’ll head to Prime and Proper downtown. As for food goes I’m a bit of a food enthusiast so we’ll be all over the cities of Troy, Novi, Dearborn and Oak Park.”

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
“Definitely, First God. There’s no moment of success I could value without acknowledging God first. My grandmother, who raised me herself along with six of my siblings in Jacksonville, Florida. Who she was and the city we were in played a huge part to why I am the way I am today. I would like to appreciate and treasure my talented team of 6 diversified, young and qualified professionals, Shayna Brown (Production Manager), Davonte Byrd (Administrative Analyst), Cederick Campbell (Creative Director), McKenzie Campbell (Graphic Media Coordinator) and Shannel Chambers (Operations Manager). Everything truly happens for a reason, whether we choose to allow those reason to guide us or haunt us is up to the course we want to follow. I like to think I’m guided by bigger forces out of my control. I have met many people who I would enjoy to be on this journey with, but we are meant to follow different paths.

I honor and appreciate every model, performing artist and creative who chose to give me their time and attention, to every designer who trust me with bringing their vision to life. The parents and loved one who always were so giving of themselves along the way. The production team and entrepreneurs who supported all my shows through their participation. To my twin sister, Renee Hobson, for always showing me exactly why I do what I do. To my family supporting every crazy endeavor, and every single guest who has purchased a ticket to one of our events. I could go on all day, but I’ll stop their.”

Website: CodexRosella.com

Instagram: @Rosehobson_ @CodexRosella

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rose-hobson-b72b20178

Other: https://www.codexrosella.com/about-us

Image Credits
Photographers Brandon Williams @brandonmauricee Models and Artists Featured Arnell @nellrenkin photographed by Mike Pfeiffer Rohna @__iamrohna Ace 3 Times @3timesace Shelton @trustinet Daiya @xyungmedusax Louie Ray @Louieray__ Jordan @j.hibb Cho Beezy @chobeezy Obi @theob1_

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