Modern Entrepreneur Profile: Mississauga's Robert Rose

In conversation with Robert Rose, recipient of the Mississauga Starter Company Plus grant.

1. What does your company provide/do?
Rosewood Branded operates as a clothing brand and offers RWB Studios as a creative studio. Through Rosewood Branded Clothing, we design and produce elevated streetwear and luxury everyday pieces, including jackets, bags, and custom garments. RWB Studios functions as a multi-purpose creative space offering photography sets, small events, workshops, and workspace for artists and entrepreneurs. Together, the brand and studio support creativity, storytelling, and sustainable business growth.

2. What inspired you to start your company?
The company started from a need to own the creative process from beginning to end. What began as making pieces by hand grew into a larger vision of building a brand rooted in craftsmanship, culture, and self expression. I wanted to create something that could stand on its own commercially while also opening doors for other creatives.

3. What’s been the most impactful lesson you’ve learned being an entrepreneur?
Patience and clarity are just as important as talent. Moving too fast without structure can slow you down long term. Learning when to pause, plan, and make intentional decisions has been one of the most valuable lessons in building something sustainable.

4. How do you unwind?
I unwind by sewing and listening to music, especially when creating pieces for myself without the pressure of production or deadlines. I also enjoy spending quality time with my family, which helps me reset and stay grounded.

5. What succinct advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
When you start a business, family and friends will often support you early, but that does not always mean they are your long term audience. It is important to identify your real market and understand whether that early support will be consistent. Many entrepreneurs mistake initial encouragement for guaranteed demand and fail to reinvest properly into their business. Build with clarity around your customer and reinvest with intention so growth does not stall once early support slows down.

6. What are your goals for 2025?
My goals for 2025 are to scale Rosewood Branded’s product offerings, grow RWB Studios as a sustainable creative hub, increase revenue, and expand workshops and community based programming. The focus is on strengthening operations, visibility, and long term impact.

7. How did the Mississauga Starter Company Plus program help you start or expand your business?
The Mississauga Starter Company Plus program provided structure, accountability, and strategic guidance at a key stage of growth. It helped refine my business model, improve financial planning, and build confidence in expanding both the brand and studio with intention.