LOCAL: Brands, Businesses + Entrepreneurs | #31 | Rosanna Diggs Embroidery
Kitsap is full of incredible brands, businesses, and entrepreneurs who make LIVING in Kitsap a fun adventure.
Rosanna Diggs Embroidery
Rosanna Diggs, Owner
A creative mother of three has turned her love of fiber art into a small business she’s been able to carry with her through multiple military moves. After moving back to the Kitsap Peninsula area, she has quickly become a local market favorite. Follow her on Instagram to stay connected with her journey.
About Rosanna
What was your first job?
“My first job was working the counter at a gas station in Stanton, KY”
Where do you draw inspiration/creativity in your life?
“Nature-inspired may be cliché but it’s spot on for me. I breathe easier outside in nature, and that’s where the best ideas and inspiration come to me.”
About Rosanna Diggs Embroidery
How did the idea of starting Rosanna Diggs Embroidery begin?
“I’ve been a lifelong lover of various fiber arts. One day cross stitch showed up on my Instagram feed and I realized people make their patterns. We no longer have to rely on whatever kit we can find in a big box store. That was so eye-opening to me. I knew not only could I create embroidery designs, but I could also do it very well.”
The Genesis
Tell us the story of how Rosanna Diggs Embroidery came to fruition.
“It started with going for runs pushing my youngest in the jogging stroller around Alameda where we were stationed. Flowers are always in bloom there and the landscapers have major skills! I would take photos of flowers, come home, sketch them on fabric, and stitch them. When I posted to Instagram, folks loved it. So, it became a small business. But after just a few shows selling finished embroidery pieces, I knew it wasn’t sustainable – embroidery is by nature a slow art, and I can only stitch so fast. I knew I wanted to sell patterns, and probably kits. My dad had a lot of advice, but his best advice was ‘If you’re going to do it, do it right’. I took my time researching fabrics, hoops, transfer methods, eco-friendly packaging, and how to explain stitches – every aspect of the kits. When I finally released my first embroidery kits in the Spring of 2019 they were an instant hit. We’ve just kept going from there.”
The Drive
Tell us what/who drives you to keep working hard towards your goals.
“I have three kids. While we were stationed in California we homeschooled one and my littlest was a baby. I stayed home with them, but I also wanted to be able to work on something that contributed to the family income. We are so incredibly blessed that it worked out. Now that we’ve retired to Port Orchard and all the kids are in public school, I work while they’re at school and have the flexibility to be available when they need me.”
Love Kitsap
Tell us your fave local drink spot - coffee, tea, wine, tequila, whatever!
“I love grabbing a hazelnut latte from Latte on Your Way. If I’m having lunch with a friend, Coffee Oasis has a great coffee and a wonderful BLT!”
Tell us your fave local spot for a comfort meal - what do you always order?
“Mrs. Kim’s! Kim’s Teriyaki has THE BEST eggrolls. If I had to take one food to a desert island, it would probably be her egg rolls (with duck sauce, of course). We love the sweet and sour chicken and beef teriyaki from there as well.”
Live Kitsap
Out of town guests are coming for the weekend. What is the most important thing you share with them about the Kitsap Peninsula? Where do you absolutely have to take them?
“I have to let them see water and mountains! Visit Manchester State Park, drive along Beach Drive, walk the Port Orchard downtown waterfront, watch the ferries come and go.”
Tell us about a favorite small business you love?
“Revival and Josephine’s Mercantile in downtown Port Orchard are so fun to visit. Revival is this modern but hyper-local, super-inspiring, well-curated boutique. My favorite things there are their variety of puzzles and the incredible selection of journals they offer - and each one is pleasing to the touch which might sound odd, but to this journal lover, it’s a big deal! Josephine’s is their sister store just across the street, a second-hand/antique shop. I love seeing how they put furniture pieces together for display - it’s just really well done.”
Thrive in Kitsap
Where are your favorite places to get outside? What do you do when you go?
“If it’s hot out, our favorite getaway is Joemma Beach State Park, down on the Key Peninsula. For a year-round adventure, our next plan is to get back up to Port Townsend. There’s an amazing shop with Italian shaved ice (try a scoop of the coconut and marionberry together!), another with spices and tea, and another with infused olive oil. It makes for a fun day.”
our connections + friendships with local brands, businesses + entrepreneurs is something that makes living in kitsap truly unique. we aren’t just supporting a business, we’re building relationships.
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