“I’ve cried in work, in front of everyone… Feel your emotions”
Rosie Connolly sat down with Carl Mullan on his podcast, Phone Truths, to delve into the trials and tribulations of life online and behind the scenes.
The founder of premium lifestyle brand, 4th Arq, opened up in this latest episode about life before social media and how she has survived in some of the most difficult times.
Rosie began her career as a personal shopper, but moved into full-time influencing during maternity leave and eventually used her experience to launch her now-thriving business.
In this rare interview, Rosie opened up about the lessons she has learned in life along the way, in business, and navigating personal tragedy.
She spoke of her transition from influencer to entrepreneur and about how she has had to adapt to online criticism while staying true to herself.
“I’m not at the point where I don’t care what people think,” she admits, “but [influencing] helped me understand my audience.
“It exposed me to the reality that not everyone will like you or your brand. That’s ok. Some people like coffee, some people like matcha!”
Rosie credited her success to surrounding herself with the right team and trusting the timing of her life, even during the most challenging moments.
She looked back at being pregnant and living at home while her mum was undergoing cancer treatment.
She said: “It wasn’t the ideal time for me to come home and say, ‘I’m pregnant.’ But it all worked out for the better.”
Rosie explained that her approach to life isn’t about avoiding hardship, but rather, navigating through it. “Life is shit at times,” she says honestly. “I cry all the time. I’ve cried in work, in front of everyone… Feel your emotions and then move on.”
In one of the most poignant moments of the episode, Rosie talked about a phone call that forever changed her life.
At 18, Rosie’s father tragically drowned, and she received a call from someone who unknowingly told her of his passing before she had been told formally.
“My dad drowned when I was 18; he was missing for two days,” she recalls. “I got a phone call asking about identifying my dad, and in that moment, I realised they didn’t know I hadn’t been told yet.”
Having been through such a traumatic experience, Rosie said she now has a fear of answering calls from unknown numbers, but that she continues to feel a deep connection to her father.
“The way my life has panned out since my dad passed has been incredible. We all lean on him when we need him. I always feel that connection to him.”
Despite the heavy topics, the episode is also filled with warmth, relatability and laughter.
Rosie spoke about how she has just welcomed a golden Labrador into her family and shares her excitement about Frankie Bridge from The Saturdays buying and wearing her brand.
“My inside ‘teen me’ is screaming – I went to every Saturdays gig ever!” she said.
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