From humble beginnings to bespoke fan-making: Rockcoco rocks the boat
The founders of Rockcoco Fans are living proof that a passion for your work and a desire to succeed can take you far in the business world.
Denise Frankel had no experience in business when forming Rockcoco Fans in 2014 but luckily Denise and Janis were no strangers to the design business. Their grandfather Jack established A millinery company in 1936 in the City of London. Their father William joined the company in the 1940s, followed by Janis in the 80s.
At the time they started Rockcoco Janis was 59 and Denise was 53. In the intervening years, their venture has grown spectacularly.
Denise, co-founder of Rockcoco Fans, said: “At the time we formed Rockcoco, Janis had been volunteering for Aspire, which is a leisure centre for disabled and non-disabled people and I had been working for my husband, a consultant nephrologist.”
As a collector of antique fans for many years, Denise’s knowledge, along with support and mentoring from various organisations, would provide the platform for success in business.
The pair received support and mentoring from the Enterprise Agency, Enterprise for London as well as the Department for International Trade and completed courses in marketing and finance at the Guild Hall London.
Denise said: "Our lives have truly opened up and our brand has gone down so well, which has helped increase our confidence too.”
While both Denise and Janis have lived in London all their lives they have travelled to more parts of the City, and further afield, over the last four years than they had previously, including regular trips to Spain where they have built excellent relationships with fan makers and established a solid supply chain.
The fans are made using only the finest materials and precise detail goes into the making of each fan, from the frame to the leaf and all of the adornments.
Denise added: “While 2017 has witnessed remarkable growth for Rockcoco, as we captured imagination at 'Brides the show, Quintessentially wedding Atelier at the Langham London and at Scoop at The Saatchi Chelsea, winning over new admirers in the process, we’re looking forward to an excellent start to 2018.”
ENDS
For more information please contact Denise Frankel on 07957606895, email Denise@rockcocofans.com or visit www.rockcocofans.com