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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The long daily commute to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) from Arden Heights wasn’t fun for Rosie D’Apolito, 22, who had long aspired to become a creative fashion designer.
To make her commute more bearable, she started creating tie-dye “cute and cozy” comfort apparel to wear on her trek to college each day.
“When people would ask where I got my outfit from, I would say…. ‘I made it,’” said D’Apolito, who found herself designing these fashions for her peers at age 17. “I was getting custom orders left and right, and it turned into a business very quickly.”
The comfortable, yet fashionable apparel branded under her clothing line, “Made by Ro,” was first sold in The Style Shop, FIT’s student-run boutique. But since graduating, D’Apolito has gone full force in marketing her clothing line — most of which can be custom-designed and are tie-dyed and/or utilize other colorful fabrics or embellishments.
The comfortable, yet fashionable apparel branded under her clothing line, “Made by Ro,” was first sold in The Style Shop, FIT’s student- run boutique. But since graduating, Rosie D’Apolito has gone full force in marketing her clothing line — most of which can be custom-designed and are tie-dyed and/or utilize other colorful fabrics. (Courtesy of Jillian Giraud)
“I love color. I fell in love with tie-dying my products because I believe that’s what makes a piece come to life,” she said. “When I receive my piece it is plain white, but I rubber band it and dye over it to create color. I use RIT tie-dye or even sometimes I use natural products, such as avocado or beets. I love trying out new ways to dye clothing.”
In June, Arden Heights resident Rosie D’Apolito started selling her clothing in Lo’KelLi Vendor Market in the Staten Island Mall. (Courtesy of Made By Ro)
In June, D’Apolito started selling her clothing in Lo’KelLi Vendor Market in the Staten Island Mall.
“I never thought that I would ever be a business owner, but it just sort of happened,” she said, noting her bachelor’s degree in advertising and marketing has taught her how to run a business.
“Lo’Kel-Li Vendor Market is a great home for small businesses. I like to call it a ‘one stop shop.’ When people walk into that store, their eyes light up. It is such a warm and comforting feel being surrounded by vendors who just want to help each other grow,” added D’Apolito.
Models wear fashion designs “Made By Ro.” (Courtesy of Jillian Giraud)
CUSTOM DESIGNS
D’Apolito said her apparel is unique because much of it is custom-made for each client.
“I like making my customer’s dream come to life. I love the feeling of walking them through the whole customization process, sending them mock ups and then seeing their eyes light up when they pick up their order,” she said. “The clothes are very, very comfortable. And it’s not a ‘one time wear;’ it’s not like you’re going to a store to buy a shirt to go out at night. You will wear my clothing a lot and live in it, which is what I really like.”
“I love color. I fell in love with tie-dying my products because I believe that’s what makes a piece come to life,” said Rosie D’Apolito. “When I receive my piece it is plain white, but I rubber band it and dye over it to create color. I use RIT tie-dye or even sometimes I use natural products, such as avocado or beets. I love trying out new ways to dye clothing.”
SPARKED BY CREATIVITY
D’Apolito said her inspiration for her creative designs often comes with some help from her mother.
“Growing up, I loved to draw and paint, and use my creativity as an escape from everyday life. My mom, Doreen, is very creative, and is constantly coming up with creative ideas when it comes to arts and crafts, clothing and home decor. I get my creative talents and my fun personality from her,” said D’Apolito.
And the pair continue to work together to come up with new designs.
“My mom’s mind is like a machine. She is always thinking of the next thing, and we make a great team. We love putting our minds together to create one-of-a-kind pieces,” she said.
Rosie D’Apolito has gone full force in marketing her clothing line — most of which can be custom-designed and are tie-dyed and/or utilize other colorful fabrics.(Courtesy of Made By Ro)
SUSTAINABLITY
D’Apolito said she tries to incorporate sustainability into her business whenever possible.
“I love to go thrifting with my family on the weekends to pick up anything I can use to revamp and rework some pieces. I even made by old pair of jeans into slides,” she said. “When I receive my new products from my wholesaler, they are solid colors, but I rework my pieces with tie dye, acid wash or even paint.”
Rosie D’Apolito customizes her designs according to shat her clients’ desire. (Courtesy of Made By Ro)
PASSION TO SUCCEED
D’Apolito said her passion to succeed stems from seeing her customers happy with something she created.
“It’s a great feeling seeing my customers so happy with the products I make for them. I rarely say ‘no.’ I take all ideas when it comes to customization, and I am very good at understanding my clients. I make all of my products with love,” she said.
MADE BY RO AT A GLANCE
Website: www.madebyro.org
Instagram: @madeby_ro
Tiktok: catering agency
New Businesses in Focus is a weekly column that relates the stories of new Staten Island business owners.
If you have a new business on Staten Island, e-mail porpora@siadvance.com.
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