Ragtradejobs gives a big group hug to the divine Rose Palmer.  For all of you who had a dream at 13, don't give up.  Let the gorgeous Rose tell you anything is possible. Giving up a job as an Assistant Designer in Sydney, Rose headed back to her home town to settle down and get all the inspiration she needed to make the www.matildarose.com.au dream come true..

Rose we are inspired and we know you will inspire other Ragtradejobs.com fashionista's. Let's see what Rose had to say when Ragtradejobs.com recently interviewed Rose on her secret to success...

What did you study after school?

Firstly I went to University of NSW College of Fine Arts where I studied and obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Textiles), followed by attending Ultimo TAFE, Sydney, where I studied and obtained a Diploma of Fashion Technology.

How long have you had the dream to start your own label and where did you start?

Since I was old enough to dress myself I have loved fashion. I grew upon a community 40km inland from Byron Bay which was an extremely creative environment, and where I was continually encouraged to pursue any dream or passion. I was given my first sewing machine for my 14th birthday, and I have been creating bits and pieces ever since.

But the last 12 months have really brought my dream into a reality after I decided to leave my Assistant Design job in Sydney to return home to Byron Bay and give 100% focus and everything I had into getting my label off the ground.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Everything inspires me back home, from the fresh clean air, to the country hillside houses with their white picket fences.

My first collection really has been inspired by this sense of wholesome home-style comfort, a return to a classic country-living beauty,combined with some more modern, chic designs. Floral prints, cotton lace and ruffles dominate this range.

What has been the greatest learning gift on your journey so far? 

The realization that you can do anything you put your mind to.Hard work and determination really do pay off, it doesn't always just have tobe a "one day I'll do that"... things can happen right here and nowif you really want them to.

Is it what you know or who you know?

For me so far it has definitely been "what you know". I have really utilised everything I have learnt through all my studying, bring it all together to cover every side of the business. Having said that I have been very lucky to have some great mentors within the local Byron Bay fashion scene.

What would you have done differently? So far I can only say I wish I had of believed in myself sooner, and not been so afraid to step out on my own.But it's very early days for me, and thankfully everything has been running great thus far.

Where to from here?

I'm hoping only up. Currently the local northern rivers market scene (Byron Bay, Bangalow, Lennox Head and Brunswick Heads markets) is my main focus, and the website having been launched will ideally generate some interest. And if all goes well I will be soon establishing local stockists. And then who knows, I am staying very optimistic and positive.