Who is Roselle? What's the Roselle Collective?

Roselle M. Edmunds better known as Rosa, was admirable to say the least. In her mid to late 50's she raised our mother (Christine). Our family knows of her as my grandmother's mother, but she was a friend, teacher, aunty, significant other, neighbor and much more to many. A quiet storm. Roselle was together, even when she shouldn't have been. Our mother confessed she'd only witnessed "Ma cry twice in her life". Once, notably was after receiving news that one of her son's passed away and even then, it was only a few tears or so. Roselle's mother came to the United States from Guatemala when she was 2 years old. We assume it was to escape growing civil conflicts at the time, but we truly don't have exact answers. Like, why Virgina?

Roselle met her love, our great grandfather, Sky in Virginia. Sky is our grandmother's father. Enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, medicine man/herbalist, business owner, Tsalagi language speaker. He would invite you to have a seat at the table for a good time but also was the first to let you know when the party was over and to get the hell out. Our family has been huge from the start. Sky had multiple sets of siblings, most of them were enrolled. It was his father, Major who lived until he was 105. Another enrolled member of EBCI, professional Dowser, he built all the houses he lived in (once he left the Qualla Boundary) in the middle of woods in the Dinwiddie area. We assume there weren't many building regulations at the time. He literally got to everywhere he needed to be by the help of his mules. Thanks to our mother Christine, we have endless stories and history to share.

Externalizing our love and respect for our ancestors has become medicinal, kind of like it was written in the stars for us to learn the ins and outs of holistic, alternative lifestyles.

Whatever the reasoning for anyone's move it was a part of our fate and here we are today, two sisters from DMV (we went to college in Washington D.C. and Maryland) using the name they share (Roselle) to create a difference, primarily for BIPOC women. Roselle passed away too soon, in her seventies. Complications from diabetes is how we can generalize her cause of death, but The Roselle Collective is how we can generalize only a portion of her life.

Criszia and Charisma hope that the Roselle Collective can grow for generations to come. It is a digital space, a physical space, a safe space, pro-whichever way the world decides to flow- we will be prepared space. The logo is a fusion of the sisters' individual logos. Charisma Roselle is an artisanal creator, certified dental assistant, Biology major and graduate from Notre Dame of Maryland University. She is also a world traveler, mother, wife, sister and more. Criszia Roselle, the thread of our siblings, has two degrees- English and Political Science from the illustrious Howard University, countless certifications, educator and a professional business consultant (among other things).

We, ourselves, have come together in the name of healing, grief, happiness, hopefulness and most importantly health. We are works in progress but together we can build on our processes. Our only goals are to enjoy life-long satisfaction and success as we are liberated to live as we see fit. There's so much pain in the world, we aspire to be the light. We decided to come together with all we have to provide support, empower the people and band the community together. Though our services, sensitivity and knowledge are not exclusive to BIPOC people, we do prioritize those communities.

This is what our grandma Roselle would have wanted, opportunities to get ahead. She would have wanted accessible support. A tribe of folks that happily worked together. She would have wanted to be able to do what she enjoyed, while being able to rest well at night. Maybe you are just getting started with your business and do not know how; maybe you have relocated and need some guidance; maybe you don't want to be consumed by the monetary aspect of the work. Whatever the case maybe, anything small business, we got you. Besides the digital directory, you can find us on Instagram @TheRoselleCollective where we will be sharing life tips, recipes and highlighting the upcoming features. You can also book online appointments with The Cr8tive Consultant, Criszia | My Site (charismaroselle.com) to get your business started. Note that this booking includes your initial, "Discovery Consultation" (up to 1.5 hours) + a follow up consultation (up to 1.5 hours as well).

If you feel it in your spirit, reach out. We're only one booking or email away. We are ready to share and grow this collective with you. May the universe gift us with all that we need, no matter the timing. Sending you love, always.