Who is Rosee Elliott from House of Colour?
Rosee Elliott is a force of nature, a natural storyteller and an expert at boosting people’s confidence. It was a delight interviewing her on my blog.
Rosee Elliott was born and raised in Aberdeen, Scotland. After attending schools in various parts of Scotland, she graduated from her teacher’s certification. She married her first husband who was working in the oil and business industry. They became parents of two sons and moved to New Zealand where they lived for 4 years, then to Saudi Arabia for 3 years and finally to the island of Borneo for 3 years. She went back to teaching nursery school children when she moved back to Aberdeen. She remarried and now has 8 grand-sons and 2 grand-daughters between her second husband and her. By the time she retired, she was the Head Teacher of a local primary school.
She decided to take over the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire franchise of The House of Colour after her retirement from education. She now empowers both women and men through colour analysis and style advice to embolden them in their personal and professional lives, saving them time and money.
What services do you offer and to whom?
I offer colour analysis and personal style advice based on your body geometrics and personality. I help you identify colours flattering to your complexion and I show you how to work them into your wardrobe. We can also focus on your make-up, hair colour, lipstick, jewellery, shoes and eyewear if you wish.
I need to see you in daylight for colour analysis, store lights distort our perception of colours and make us take regrettable decisions. Once lockdown restrictions are lifted, I can visit your home to assess your current wardrobe and I can go shopping with you. Some of my services are available outside of the UK on line.
Many of my clients come when they are curious about the image that they project and want to explore what goes on behind the mirror so that they can stand out with confidence and courage. My services make wonderful gifts for a special birthday, anniversary, a wedding or anyone going through a major life or body change.
Twenty six years ago, I had my personal style done. I found it empowering and I wanted to give that experience to others. I find it very fulfilling to help people look and feel fantastic. It really boosts my clients’ confidence.
Most people fear becoming frumpy and do not know where to start. They value my supportive and non-judgemental guidance. I make it a pleasant experience for them. I cherish the trust relationship I have with my regular clients whom I have supported for years.
Humour: it is a dull day if you can’t have fun. Seeing the lighter side, smiles and laughter are all important in life.
Love of learning and curiosity: I believe in life-long learning and finding out more.
The Scots as a whole are very careful, they respect and love other people. They are resilient, determined and brave. They are open to new ideas and have a heritage in science. Not giving up in business is important. When I lived in New Zealand for 4 years, I learnt about being welcome with an open heart. People are wonderful and hospitable. They love the Scots and often can trace back their cultural heritage to Scotland. They work to live and do not live to work. Their lives revolve around leisure time: playing rugby, cricket, organising barbecues. They are very proud of being New Zealanders. The seas and the skies are bluer, the mountains higher in New Zealand.
I once organised a fund-raising event for a charity, Alzeimer Scotland, and collected 3,000 GBP through a raffle with prizes from various businesses. I did this in honour of my mother who suffered from Alzeimer. Dealing with her short-term memory which could have made me abrupt or short taught me instead to be tolerant, empathetic and understanding.
A client of mine was working in a male dominated department in the oil industry. She had her colour and style done with me. She re-contacted me when she was about to go for an interview to become a department head. At her request, I advised her on clothes and make-up for that important day. She called me on the day of the interview and she was very quiet. She suddenly said ‘I got it, I got, I got it. I made head of department.’ She burst into tears and I burst into laughter and told her I would toast to her success. This was about 5 years ago. She still emails me and attends my events. She is now one of my champions: wherever she goes, she speaks about her experience with my services.
Any exciting news about your business?
I just started a collaboration with a very talented brand photographer, Iska Birnie, for a ColourandImage service for anyone who would like to have a look at their Personal Brand. We will also offer bridal packages for the bride, their mother and mother-in-law and bridesmaids.
I would love to be introduced to hairdressers, photographers, make-up artists to teach them about warm and cool colours. I would enjoy being invited on podcasts to promote well-being through colour and style. I would love to work with business coaches to talk about how to portray yourself for your business.
This interview was conducted by Lucie Cunningham from Tell Them Well Communications in March 2021. Lucie is a freelance editor, copywriter and translator with over 10 years of community project management. She has lived in France, England, The USA, the Netherlands and is currently based in Scotland.