Olivia's brand, Roekate is a range of sustainable athleisure wear for the eco-conscious consumer. Made in the UK all the range is made from the finest natural and eco-friendly fibres to create loungewear that is kind to the planet as well as being luxurious.

Find out more by reading on.

Editor: Hi Olivia, it's lovely to have the opportunity to chat with you. I'd love to know what did you enjoy most when you were at Ipswich School?

Olivia: I loved the variety that the School offered, from the subjects to the sports, arts and much more. It definitely made me a more rounded person and able to juggle multiple commitments and for that I am very thankful. 

Editor: I notice from your Roekate website that you chose Durham University after A Levels, why did the city appeal?

Olivia: As soon as I visited Durham I knew it was where I wanted to go after finishing at Ipswich School. Everyone was so friendly but it also had so much going on, very much like School!. There were so many things I could get involved in and I loved the college aspect too. It was also one of the few universities that offered the specific course I wanted to do - Combined Honours in Social Sciences - where I could study Politics, International Relations, Theology and Sociology. 

Editor: Were you able to obtain work experience whilst you were at Durham?

Olivia: During my time at Durham I did a sustainability internship at the British-born, Norfolk based demi-fine jewellery brand Monica Vinader, and continued to work with them whilst I completed my final year and launched Roekate, so it was one busy year! I then joined the MV team full time in September 2023 and still work for them full time alongside running my business. I am lucky because everything I do is impact driven, and that is what I love, making a difference to people and the planet. 

Editor: What made you decide to set up Roekate, how does the business work and how did you finance the set up?

Olivia; My brain is always thinking of new products and ideas, but Roekate was born out of my frustration as a consumer that I couldn’t find any really good quality loungewear that looked good with minimal harm to the planet. The current loungewear sector has two polarities; high street fast fashion and high-end luxury cashmere and silk, so I saw there was a gap in the market - affordable luxury. I work from my flat in London that I share with two best friends (both from Ipswich School). I financed the business using my savings but it took over three years to launch so I made every decision consciously and tried to save money wherever possible by not rushing into anything.

Editor: You launched the business in November 2022, congratulations on your first birthday! It must have been daunting setting up, how did you know what to do?

Olivia: The last year has absolutely flown past. I haven't had any formal business training and have pretty much taught myself everything I know, especially about the fashion industry. Luckily, my dad has run  businesses throughout his professional life so he has been on-hand as an incredible sounding board for advice and support. Something I will always be grateful for. 

Editor: Working full time as well as running a business must be a juggle; do you deal with every aspect of the business yourself or do you employ staff or use freelancers?

Olivia: As Roekate is so young I am the only person, the buck stops with me! I don't employ staff.-  I do however, work with an incredible team of freelancers who look after my website, branding, marketing and social media - all female-founded small British businesses. My clothes are manufactured in the north of England which is extremely important to both my customers and myself. One day I would love to grow the team but I can’t run before I can walk so it is all about being patient and timing - I am sure when the time is right I will take that next step.

Editor: What's the toughest part about running Roekate?

Olivia: Honestly? Juggling everything with my full time job, which is pretty full on. Carving out enough time to work, build Roekate, exercise, socialise and have some down time is a constant struggle and a balance I definitely don’t always get right. It's also hard to get the right exposure and push your brand when you yourself at not well known and you don’t have many industry contacts, despite knowing you have a great product with huge potential. 

Editor: It sounds like you really enjoy what you do, what gets you out of bed in the morning?

Olivia: I love the freedom and creativity of running a business. You are pulling all the strings so if you want to change direction or strategy you can, because you are only accountable to yourself. I also love the customer feedback; there really is no better feeling than someone giving you a compliment about something you are so passionate about and have poured hours of work into. It makes all the challenges worth it.

Editor: You are obviously an ambitious person Olivia. What is next for Roekate?

Olivia: I would love to expand the collection, to include more transpersonal pieces and use more innovative, sustainable materials whilst supporting British manufacturers. Getting Roekate products into other retail shops to expand our customer base and gain further exposure is also a huge focus for me in the coming months and years. I also loved hosting Roekate's first pop-up shop in October and would really like to host some more to showcase the product range and have the opportunity to meet more of Roekate's loyal customer base.

Editor: It's been great chatting with you Olivia, as our conversation draws to a close, tell me how has Ipswich School shaped you and what did you gain most from your time at the School?

Olivia:  When I arrived at Ipswich School aged three I was shy, quiet and under-confident, and now I am anything but! The School pushed me academically, gave me incredible social skills, and the ability to balance multiple commitments, as well as the most loyal, caring and amazing group of lifelong friends. It has been the best springboard for my future career and has given me such a well-rounded skillset, which I will always be so grateful for. Ipswich School will always have a special place in my heart.

Editor: And to finish Olivia, what message would you give your younger self if you could?

Olivia: I would tell myself to trust the process and enjoy every step. I have always been incredibly ambitious and always looking to the future for the next project or venture. But everything happens so quickly that it is important to stop and enjoy the little wins and trust that everything is happening for a reason, and will all work out in the end. Even if the journey to get there is challenging. 

Editor: Thank you for speaking with me Olivia, wishing you every success over the coming twelve months. I hope your Christmas sales go well!

Olivia: Thank you so much.

 To find out more about Olivia's Roekate brand visit https://roekate.co.uk/