Who is Vivian Rose?
Nana Vivian circa 1932
Vivian Rose is named after two of the most influential women in my life, my great-grandmother and grandmother. Nana Vivian, my great-grandma, was a hardworking, kind, vibrant woman. She cleaned houses for wealthy residents of Long Islands Sag Harbor and touched everyone she met. Nana Vivian loved to dance, act and could often be found at church or volunteering, which Nana did into her late 90's. She passed away at the age of 102 years old, but her spirit is never far from my heart. You can learn more about my Nana Vivian here.
My Grandma, Catherine Vivian, has always been a tremendous force in my life. She was a bridge over troubled waters for me and thousands of other people in her community. In her youth, Catherine Vivian was also a dancer and was scheduled to attend Julliard in the 1960s. Grandma was my first peek into glamour; she wore jewels and fur coats everywhere. Having no daughters of her own, she'd often buy me miniature versions of whatever she had. I was two years old when she bought my first fur coat. I can still remember her powders, perfumes in pretty bottles and lotions in fabulous scents. As a little girl, I'd play in them whenever I could. You can learn more about Grandma and how she's touched the lives of others here.
The "Rose" in Vivian Rose is a tribute to all women and a reminder that we need to take good care of ourselves. Roses flourish when they're pampered, and I believe women do too.
Email me any time at tahirah@lovevivianrose.com