Interview with Coco Rose and Queen Eileen's

Who doesn't love clothes made for all body types and gift baskets for any occasion? What if you could have both? I sat down with two of San Diego's beloved companies, Shannon and Eileen Burke of CoCo Rose and Queen Eileen's, to showcase their businesses and give insight on how they master running two business, opening new stores across San Diego, and traveling all at the same time. 

Ok, so just like the chicken and the egg, which came first? Queen Eileen’s or CoCo Rose?

Eileen: Queen Eileen's was open 27 years ago on 101 in Downtown Encinitas. CoCo Rose is our newest addition to the empire. We opened our first store in Carlsbad on State Street three years ago, then our second last year at the JW Marriott Palm Desert. This summer, we opened two pop up CoCo Rose stores: one in the Headquarters in Seaport Village, and our newest in the Del Mar Plaza Shopping Center.

Shannon: My mom has owned Queen Eileen's since before I can remember. CoCo Rose was inspired by a mother/daughter trip we took to Southeast Asia when I was 14. [We had] Queen Eileen's as a starting field for my mom; she knew from the spark of interest in the pieces we were bringing home that there was a future within creating CoCo Rose.

What’s the best part about working with your mother/daughter?

Shannon: Being so close to my mom, we have a very similar style. While we are developing our line in Bali––we always gravitate to the same color patterns, jewelry pieces, and furniture for the stores. I am able to incorporate more of the younger feel of our line, where my mom ties it all together to make each collection for mothers and daughters alike. 

Eileen: Shannon has been coming with me to the store since she was four days old, so it's natural to have her around. Now she is 25, smart, kind, beautiful... What else can I say? She is our wholesale apparel director in charge of key accounts, the CoCo rose website, and our showroom in Dallas, as well as other trade shows all over the US. I am very proud of her. I'd say the best part is the mother/daughter shopping all over the world.

My favorite piece of CoCo Rose is the Peeping Pineapple Crotchet Monokini as well as the entire Seaside Collection. What are some of the favorite pieces or collection(s) on the site right now?

Shannon: My favorite piece from our line is the Pebble Tie Me Up Maxi. It's versatile in a way you can wear the ties in front in three different ways and is flattering on all body types. I own it in all three colors!

Eileen: My favorite is the Sundance Collection. It's one size and can be worn on all body types for all ages.

Shannon: As far as the collections, I have a soft spot for the Seaside Collection. Each piece is created by our closest friend and employee in Bali, Yunik. Providing her with the production of this line gives her and her tailor work in Bali to help provide for their families.

Eileen: The Seaside Collection has been selling great for us, as well. It's our afforable collection that we designed ourselves in Bali. We print our fabric and have it made by housewives in Bali working out of their home. This is a great way for these woman to have income while taking care of their families. 

What has been the most fun or creative basket that you’ve made?

Eileen: Oh, here I go down memory lane! I have made baskets in wheelbarrows, on surfboards, for the Big Bertha Club with only the best Dom Perignon, and a $100 Nordstrom Gift Certificate. I make hundreds of baskets over the holidays in all different varieties. I absolutely love being able to supply this service for the locals of Encinitas and beyond. I can even make a bow without looking at it!

Are there any challenges faced with running two business, one of which that has multiple store locations?

Shannon: I think that my mom would agree that the most challenging part of owning multiple businesses is management of so many employees. We've been used to having only one store until the first Coco Rose began four years ago. Now with multiple locations, there are a few part time employees I haven't met yet! 

Eileen: Having multiple locations is so new to us. We have opened four Coco Rose stores and our shoe store, Queen of Sol in Palm Desert, in the last seven months. My biggest challenge has been stepping back and letting the company flow without me having to be involved in every single aspect.

What’s one thing you want readers to know about your businesses that they may not see by looking at your websites?

Shannon: Funny you should ask. My mom and I have been talking about creating a section of the website where each one of our employees models one of our pieces with a little side story on how each employee became a part of the CoCo Rose tribe. By this, we want to show that all shapes, sizes, and ages can rock the CoCo Rose line. We want our customers to know that ourselves and our staff love the clothes just as much as they do.

Is there any advice that can be given to anyone who may want to start their own business or who may want to go into business with a friend or family member?

Shannon: Give it your all and always remember your truth. There are many difficult aspects in owning a company that I've seen unfold, but my mom and I always keep each other in check and remind one another [that] we got to where we are today because we are passionate about a mother and daughter inspired line, the love of the Island of Bali, and being able to be a part of the "shop local" community.

Eileen: Never, ever give up! It will take twice as much money and time as you think, and there will be an obstacle in your way at almost every turn. If it was easy, everybody would be doing it. 

Their words of wisdom for upcoming entrepreneurs and business owners, as well as their likeable personalities, will have them on top in no time. Be sure to check out their local shops, including a pop-up shop at the Del Mar Plaza. 

For Related Articles Try:

Hot Fashions at Haute 2 Trot

Make Memories and More with Made in Earth

Steve Madden Brings Style to Summer