Meet Charlie Roberson | Creative Design & Events

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlie Roberson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlie, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
Never stop! Whether it’s learning, dreaming, trying new things, meeting new people, making connections, or improving yourself or your product—never stop the pursuit of just creating. Fear of trying something new is what will hold you back the most. Even if that new thing fails, the knowledge you gain through trial and error shapes you in ways success never could. It’s in those moments of uncertainty and discomfort that magic happens!

I’ve learned that you are as good as the people you surround yourself with. Having people who challenge you, inspire you, cheer you on—that’s what is going to ultimately set you up for success. It truly takes a village and I would be nowhere without mine.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started my business, Rolula James, after searching for art for my home and not being able to find what I was envisioning in my head. I wanted something that represented Texas, where I am from—and North Carolina, where my husband is from. Of course, this exists, but I was only able to find generic landmarks/popular attractions. I wanted something more personal. Something that we could reminisce on every time we look at it, filled with landmarks that actually mean something to us. Thus, my town prints were born. I sold them on my social media platforms, Etsy, and word of mouth. I personalized over 200 hand drawn prints my first year doing this on the side. Eventually, I added watercolor portraits, workshops and hand lettering to the mix.

Having people being able to personalize each print that year was incredibly special. Going places, both new and old, and passing by landmarks, buildings, and houses and being able to say “hey, I’ve drawn that!” is pretty cool. However, working a 9-5 and this becoming my 5-9 led to burnout…fast.

I eventually met friends in the event industry by making connections and getting to be involved in creative projects. This opened my eyes to the event world and I fell in love. Being able to curate intimate gatherings, milestone moments, and happy times sparked something inside of me. Weddings, showers, corporate events, galas, private dinners, birthdays—I’ve done a little bit of everything. I find the most joy in small gatherings and luxe children events.

Most people think my name is Rolula when reaching out, and while that would be cool, it is actually super sentimental and represents some of my favorite beings. Rosie and Oakley, our beloved dogs at the time. And my late Grandmother, Lula—who was and will forever remain my favorite person. Having a boyish name, I have always imagined having a daughter with the middle name James…it just stuck!

Although RJ has transitioned into more event design, I will forever remain a “creative studio” and continue to offer a wide variety of services, including: line drawings, watercolor prints, hand lettering, balloons, event design, coordination, and more. My heart is happy when creating, in whatever capacity that may be!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Starting the day off with a coffee from Moss and Ivy Coffee Co or She Chose Down is a must! Then I would take my bff to Yoga for Good and take a class with the wonderful yoga instructors before going shopping! C Squared, Nans Children Boutique, Southern Style Mercantile, Wilkinson Creative Co., The Hub on Main, and OX4D Record Store are just a few stops you can walk to and kill time before lunch! Then, the obvious choice for lunch is Strong Arm Baking. The pastries, perfectly crafted sandwiches, and atmosphere would be a crime to miss. Heading over to Tobacco Wood Brewing for a craft beer, a must. BBQ fan? We have the best in the area—Big Foot BBQ. Soon, we will have a coffee and wine bar in town, Sanctum, and that would be the perfect place to end the day and have a nightcap!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, friends and family have always been my greatest support system. Recently however, my greatest motivation comes from my daughter. Although I created my business long before she was born, she is my driving factor for continually wanting to grow and do better. So, I dedicate it to her. My greatest adventure of all, I hope this interview one day reminds her to always chase her dreams.

Website: https://www.rolulajames.com

Instagram: @rolulajames

Image Credits
Morgan Caddell Photography

Hand drawn mirror photo: Cooks Photo and Film