In the heart of Cleland, St. Andrew, near the picturesque Farley Hill, Eliza-Rosetta Home is not just building furniture; they’re building a sustainable future. Three years ago, in January 2022, a dream took root; now, that dream is a thriving reality. What began as a spark of inspiration from a simple Pinterest dishrack has blossomed into a pioneering enterprise, championing bamboo as a versatile and eco-friendly alternative to traditional timber.
It’s a testament to the power of vision and environmental consciousness. “I have always had a passion for crafting,” the under-35 founder shares, recalling the spark that ignited the journey. “About 5 or 6 years ago, I saw a dishrack (later realised that it was made from bamboo) on Pinterest and decided to make it from tree branches.” That initial project and a subsequent experience with an installed bamboo wall led to the realisation of a growing demand. “I started thinking, why not stock up on this product if it’s in high demand?” And so, Eliza-Rosetta Home was born in January 2022. “Three years now, we registered in January 2022,” she confirmed.
The initial idea was to create custom, handcrafted furniture from tree branches, but the environmental impact of that approach quickly became apparent.
“After realising how many trees are needed to make one item, I needed a more sustainable resource, which is why the switch to bamboo was made.” The core mission of Eliza-Rosetta Home is clear:
“To enlighten and inspire the Barbadian public on the innovative uses of bamboo as a building material and emphasise its positive environmental impact.
“This mission is more than just words; it drives every product and workshop.
The founder notes a steady increase in interest from Barbadians. Initially, the customer base was primarily ex-pats, but that’s changing.
“Each year, we are seeing more locals embrace the brand and this regenerative resource. I love it when we receive messages from people lending advice or praise on our journey thus far. The support we receive is tremendous and greatly appreciated!” Bamboo’s appeal goes beyond its aesthetic and versatility.
“Making a positive impact in my community inspires me and keeps me going,” the founder explains:
“With this business, I not only get to make a positive impact in the lives of our customers, but I also get to make a positive impact on the environment.
“The environmental benefits are significant:
“Bamboo has a high-speed growth cycle compared to timber, especially pine. Some bamboo species can grow up to 35 inches (90 cm) daily under optimal conditions, reaching maturity in 3 to 5 years.”
This makes it a highly renewable resource. Eliza-Rosetta Home offers a wide range of products and services, from treated bamboo poles and custom fencing to luxury bamboo furniture.
“I recognised a demand and need for an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional timber for outdoor solutions in Barbados,” the founder states.
Recently, they’ve expanded their offerings to include bamboo workshops and courses, giving the public hands-on experience with this remarkable material.
“The journey has been long and short, lol,” the founder reflects.
“It feels like we have done a lot in such a short time, but there’s still so much to do.”
Being an entrepreneur has its challenges, but it’s also gratifying.
“Being your boss is the best part about being an entrepreneur.”
“As an entrepreneur, you gain an abundance of valuable life lessons on an accelerated basis.” However, working with others can sometimes be challenging. “Working with other personalities is always tedious,” she admits.
“Some individuals, collaborators and customers, that you come across as an entrepreneur may not always have your best interest at heart.” But these experiences are seen as learning opportunities, fostering patience and professionalism. Looking ahead, Eliza-Rosetta Home has big plans. “We plan to continue to increase our brand awareness and presence through the continuation of our bamboo workshops,” the founder reveals. “Eventually, we will open our showroom at our premises in Cleland, showcasing our handmade bamboo furniture and decor. We are here to stay, so get used to seeing much more of Eliza-Rosetta Home!”
To learn more about their work, visit their Instagram and Facebook pages: Eliza-Rosetta Home, @bamboo_elizarosetta.
