Today we’d like to introduce you to Rose Vargas.
Hi Rose, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The House of Roses has gone through three iterations until it became what it is now. I’m originally from Los Angeles and relocated to San Antonio in 2017. Starting in a new city was a bit of slow start, but I knew that I wanted to be a part of the growth in San Antonio. I just didn’t know what that looked like.
The House of Roses started in 2012 as an online vintage clothing shop on Etsy. It was a great experience and lined up with my hobbies, but then life changed and I changed along with it. I reopened the shop again during the pandemic. I sewed and sold face masks, as one does when a sewing machine is sitting in front of you collecting dust.
When my oldest son went back to pre-school I started planning slowly … and then we had our second son. It wasn’t until my youngest started pre-school that I buckled down after asking myself, “where do I fit in our family dynamic?”. My husband and kids had descriptors when I was asked about me. I barely had an answer about what I did. I love design, colors, textures, art, and music but I didn’t do anything with it. I was a spectator always looking from the outside with ideas but nothing to contribute that I called mine.
In October 2023, floating in an energetic and determined “haze”, I quilted three throw quilts. At that point, I was antsy to do something that I was nervous to do – selling my art. I participated in The San Antonio Botanical Garden’s ‘Marigolds en Maravilla’ event. I sold my first throw quilt and it was a different type of excitement I’d ever experienced. I know it’s never good practice to equate self worth with how successful or unsuccessful someone is when it comes to their work, but I rode that elated wave. From there I applied to more markets but I still didn’t have a solid grasp on what The House of Roses embodied.
It took a while from Fall 2023 to now to realize that everything I designed and sewed was about togetherness through food and comfort. I made a Brunch series that had linen bread bags, wine totes, quilted placemats, cloth napkins, bowl cozies, tortilla warmers, and trivets. I added a Farmer’s Market series that had oversized canvas totes that said ‘Farmer’s Market Bag’, ‘Market Bag’, and my very special original design – ‘For the Flowers’ and ‘Para sa Bulaklak’ flower tote. The very first canvas heart tote was for my mom, which is dedicated to her love of flowers.
All of it was centered around being together to eat and share whatever you brought to the table. It was about practical, vibrant, and washable goods. Each item that I made and continue to make is influenced by my mom and friends. All of it is used in everyday life. After reflecting on my shop, I realized that this is where The House of Roses is supposed to be. Two of my love languages are Quality Time and Touch. What my shop personifies is spending time and nurturing that chosen kinship. My items are essentially just items. They are things, but I want these “things” to be useful in your scape of being together.
I don’t mean to be maudlin, but I do feel so much gratitude and abundance from everyone I’ve met just by existing in a space that I was unsure of. I’d like for The House of Roses to grow and flourish. It’s been a reflective and beautiful experience that I’ve had by participating in markets in San Antonio. I’ve gotten a chance to see the city through the market organizer’s eyes and community events. I owe so much love to the city and the people who’ve helped me get here.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My main struggle is imposter syndrome.
Self doubt in my art and worth is hard to overcome because regardless of how logical I can get, the unkind words come back. “You’re not good enough”, “Why would you even make that?”, “I wouldn’t pay for that.” and etc. But, I know I’m more than that. It is frustrating and overwhelming, but if I’m anything, I’m resilient in times of self-crisis. It doesn’t always work, but I make it work. If anything, all of this has made me funny, you know?
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I quilt and design practical goods with fabric for your home!
I love colors and textures in fabric, interior design, and clothing. It’s so visually pleasing to see pretty things used in your home. Our home is where we unwind and gather with our family and friends. For some, it’s a sacred space for solitude and peace. So, I make useful and washable items that is used in your everyday life. Let’s bring color to our spaces! Iris Apfel said, “Color can raise the dead” and I keep that in mind every time I choose fabric.
I’m known for my quilted heart totes. I designed it for my mom. She loves flowers and I made it originally in canvas that said, ‘Para sa Bulaklak’, which translates to ‘For the Flowers’ in Tagalog (Filipino). I make them in mini and standard sizes in vibrant prints.
I’m most proud of the prints I choose. Fabric is a big passion of mine – how they’re made, the fabric designer’s inspiration, and cultural history of textiles. I love learning more about processes. I believe that my choices in prints and patterns set me apart from others.
You can find my heart totes and goods at Elysia Collective and Si Art Market (by Si Art San Antonio) in front of Larder at Hotel Emma (The Pearl) on every third Saturday of the month. Importantly, you can always find me at different local markets and pop-ups around the city! You can find my monthly schedule and current work on Instagram @thehouseofroses.shop.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I can confidently say that almost every person in my life deserves credit.
My mom surrounded my siblings and me with delicious Filipino food that she cooked and shared at her parties. She also instilled a love for beauty and practicality in daily life: flowers, patterns and sequences, and importantly honoring our culture by sharing it through food.
My kids and husband encourage me in pursuing the growth of The House of Roses. Kindly loving me and being patient when I need it most and reminding me to slow down and be present.
My mother-in-law introduced quilting to me. When I quilt, I often recall her advice on not following the “quilt rules” but quilting for me.
My friends encourage me by showing up and being themselves. I met new friends this year and have made a developing, yet deep connection with them. (I’m quite selective in the people I allow in my life. Connection is so special. I can’t show up half way.) Their presence is a grateful reminder that I’m more than the harsh criticisms I impose on myself and, also, just revisiting the person I was before becoming a “serious grown-up”.
Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to the Director of my son’s school. She’s been a second mom and a comforting shoulder to be on whenever I needed that extra hug. Thank you, Ms. M.
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Rose Vargas
