Meet Elyse Clark

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elyse Clark a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Elyse, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I’ve suffered from imposter syndrome for as long as I can remember—and honestly, I think it’ll always be a part of me. Over time, I’ve learned not to let it hold me back. My best advice is to just go for it—take that first step, even if it’s small, and trust that you’ll figure things out along the way. No one really knows exactly what they’re doing; we’re all just winging it. The difference is, some people do it anyway—and that’s where growth happens.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Roam Homeware began as a curated homeware imports business, sourcing unique pieces from around the world. Over time, it naturally evolved into something much more—an art gallery and creative hub that celebrates one-of-a-kind objects and emerging artists from Southern California, across the U.S., and Mexico. What makes it special is that this evolution was never part of the original plan—it just happened organically through our love of beautiful design and storytelling.

Today, our 4,000 sq ft seaside showroom in Bird Rock, La Jolla has become a space where the community gathers to experience art, craftsmanship, and connection. We host gallery-style exhibitions, workshops, and events that blend the worlds of design, culture, and creativity. It’s been so exciting to see Roam grow beyond retail into something more experiential—something that inspires both the artists we feature and the people who visit.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three things have been the most impactful in my journey: travel, curiosity, and my background in visual design and digital marketing. Traveling has always been a huge source of inspiration.Iit opens your eyes to new ways of living, creating, and thinking. Trying new things and staying curious has also been essential; so much of Roam’s evolution came from experimenting and following what felt exciting rather than sticking to a set plan. And having a foundation in visual design and digital marketing gave me the tools to bring ideas to life and share them with the world.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice would be to stay open. Try everything, even the things that scare you a little. Pay attention to what lights you up, because that’s where the magic happens. And don’t underestimate the power of good storytelling—how you share your vision is just as important as the vision itself.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m always looking to collaborate with emerging artists seeking representation in San Diego, as well as small businesses that share our values—handmade, one-of-a-kind, vintage, or reclaimed. At Roam Homeware, we truly believe in the power of community and collaboration. There’s so much strength in coming together with like-minded creatives to build something meaningful. If that resonates with you, please reach out—we’d love to connect.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://roamhomeware.com
• Instagram: @roam.homeware

Image Credits

Paulina O.
Stevie & Christina S.