Today we’d like to introduce you to PhePhe Rose.
Hi PhePhe, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Like most of us, I learned how to draw before I learned to write, and I have yet to stop. I grew up loving to draw and during 11th grade, I was introduced to the field of architecture. Since my dad was in construction, I thought that was a natural path to go, combining the two.
I was accepted into the USC School of Architecture (Fight On!) — that brought me to LA, and I believe my story would be very different if I never came to this inspiring city.
USC is where I met two of my closest friends and former business partners. After graduating undergrad, they introduced me to entrepreneurship and I began selling my art online, which was the beginning of building my personal brand as a Creative. I learned how to position myself as the creative person to get referral work in illustration and graphic design.
After a few years of building a property management company with other partners, I decided to go full-time to build my own design studio. That’s where I am now, I have two businesses, Brush Up Your Brand and Brush Up Your Space where I get to create for others and for myself and I love it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I was not a born entrepreneur. If you would have told me when I was in grade school, I would be the spokesperson for my own company, I wouldn’t believe it. I was a shy kid. My biggest struggle on my journey was being confident in myself, learning my value, and selling that value to others. I was afraid to start a business alone, but my passion for creativity was bigger than my fears.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have to admit, I’m addicted to creating. Because of that and my experience, my creative work is in various fields. I still love drawing and I currently run two businesses: Brush Up Your Brand and Brush Up Your Space.
Brush Up Your Brand services expert-influencers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses in visual brand identity and graphic design. I come from an artist’s perspective to turn their brand canvases into a masterpiece.
Brush Up Your Space is a boutique design practice in interiors, architectural drafting, and property marketing. Since we have been stuck in our homes and also wanting better office spaces, I have been designing and painting interior accent walls to brush up the space.
But what I am secretly most passionate about is children’s illustration. I’m an active member of SCBWI and am constantly learning how to improve my skills in storytelling. I am currently working on two picture books that I hope to self-publish and/or sell in 2022.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Put everything in a contract, even with friends and family. When being hired for a project or starting a business with someone, get a contract in place. This will protect you and place expectations with every party involved. It might feel a little weird asking your family member or best friend to sign an agreement on the scope, but trust me it’s worth it to avoid disagreements in the future. Business is business and personal is personal. With friends as business partners and clients, I’ve experienced rough roads with relationships because the two became intermingled.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: phepherose.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/phepherose
- Facebook: facebook.com/phepherose
- Twitter: twitter.com/phepherose
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDI5xEKy4tx6eaZ5mzDwqQw
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/brush-up-your-space-los-angeles?osq=brush+up+your+space
- Other: instagram.com/brushupyourspace
Image Credits:
SYE Photo
