News / Tradeswomen
Breaking down barriers with brush, roller and spirit level
Tradesmen guilds have been a feature in Western Europe since the Middle Ages, where their influence was felt acutely in the prevailing social order.
But the presence of women in trade guilds has been a rare occurrence, almost non-existent. Into this scenario enters Rosie Russell, a Bristol-based painter, decorator and tiler who was accepted into The Guild of Master Craftsmen last year.
Rosie is the founder of painting and decorating business, Rose and Black, and she wants to inspire other women to have the confidence to follow their dreams, despite the challenges along the way.
Rosie originally hails from a small village in Yorkshire. Her journey into the world of paint and cement began at a young age. Inspired by the county’s walls, murals and buildings, she found her passion for art and design. She completed her studies in Art and Design College in Yorkshire 20 years ago and was ready to put her skills into practice.
Life happens. Rosie is a survivor of trauma. Moreover, she triumphed over adversity and moved to Bristol some 14 years ago to start afresh. Here, she founded her own one-woman enterprise and entered a heavily male-dominated industry competing for both trade and relevance.
“My aim is to create beautiful, long-lasting interiors and enhance people’s homes, businesses and lives” – Rosie Russell
When Bristol24/7 asked what she felt about being inducted into the Guild of Master Craftsmen, Rosie said: “It feels great because it has recognised the quality of my work, the commitment to the craft and that my clients are happy too.”
Despite facing skepticism and doubt from some quarters at the beginning, Rosie persevered, driven by her love for creativity and a desire to carve out her place in the industry.
Along the way she added further skills to her portfolio: she completed a course in tiling and mastered the essential skill of social media and podcasting over the pandemic.
Asked about branding and advertising, Rosie continued: “I do all that myself. Of course, I had to learn everything from scratch from invoicing to Instagram.”
However, she refused to let such obstacles deter her. Armed with determination and skill, Rosie set out to earn her rightful place in the sector.
Rosie’s approach to her work is marked by precision, creativity, and attention to detail. Whether she is transforming a blank wall into a mural or revamping a living space with a fresh coat of paint, Rosie’s work speaks volumes about her dedication. Her perspective as a female painter and decorator brings a fresh aesthetic to her projects, earning praise and recognition from clients and peers alike.
“It feels great to be recognised for the quality of my work and the commitment to the craft” – Rosie Russell
On the joy of transforming spaces, she said: “My aim is to create beautiful, long-lasting interiors and exteriors. And that enhances people’s homes, businesses and lives. Every job is done with care and respect for the client and their property.”
She adds: “The environment we live in definitely affects our mental and physical health. So, bringing joy to interiors and exteriors is my aim.”
Rosie loathes platitudes such as “pioneer” or “trailblazer” but, through her work, she is essentially breaking down barriers and inspiring others to pursue their passions, regardless of societal norms or expectations.
She is particularly proud of the use of non-toxic and eco-friendly paints in transforming spaces. When Bristol24/7 asked if she is currently working on a theme, she said: “Oh, I’m working on what it means to be a child. To recreate that nostalgic experience through paints.”
Apart from her skills in painting and decorating, she is equally adept in tiling and furniture restoration which she commits to as her busy schedule allows.
In 2023, she was shortlisted for On The Tools Awards in recognition for her contribution to the industry.
In 2023, Rosie was shortlisted for On The Tools Awards in recognition for her contribution to the industry
In addition to her portfolio as a tradeswoman, Rosie is also involved in her local community. She lends her time and experience at Victim Support where she listens to people who have undergone trauma. She also takes time to motivate people through speaking engagements.
As Rosie continues to make strides in the industry breaking down barriers, we finally asked her of the biggest motivation of her life despite the hectic schedule. She simply said: “My children.”
All photos: Rosie Russell
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