Meet Renea Boles

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Renea Boles. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Renea below.

Renea , thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.

Burnout is real, and I’ve felt it creeping in more than once. What’s helped me most is learning to honor the need for rest without guilt. I used to push through exhaustion, thinking that nonstop hustle was the only way to succeed. But I’ve learned that true sustainability comes from knowing when to pause.

Now, when I feel burnout coming, I allow myself to step back, to rest, reflect, and reset. I don’t force productivity. Instead, I give myself space to just be still, process what’s weighing on me, and ease back in with small steps when I’m ready. Rest isn’t the opposite of ambition, it’s how I protect it.

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

I’m the founder and creative behind Rosemary Renea, a brand that turns reading accessories into beautiful, expressive works of art. I design high-end bookmarks, stickers, and stationery that celebrate identity, creativity, and bold personal style. What makes my work so special is that it’s deeply intentional, every piece is designed to reflect real people and real stories, not just trends.
My customers often tell me that my products make them feel seen, and that’s the most rewarding part of what I do.

Right now, I’m especially excited about the launch of several new bookmark lines, building on the characters people already know and love. I’ve also been expanding into new types of stationery, offering fresh ways for readers and creatives to express themselves beyond the page. Whether it’s a bold paperclip, a thoughtfully designed sticker, or a collector-worthy bookmark, everything I create is made to bring a little more joy, personality, and beauty into everyday moments.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are: being able to pivot, being smart with money, and asking questions, even when it feels uncomfortable. Business rarely goes exactly as planned, so the ability to shift directions without losing your vision is everything. Being financially smart, especially early on, helped me stretch resources and make strategic moves without overextending myself. And asking questions- whether to mentors, vendors, or fellow entrepreneurs—opened doors and saved me from costly mistakes.

My biggest advice? Move at your own pace and trust your research-backed gut. It’s easy to get swept up in what others are doing, but your timing and instincts matter. Learn as you go, stay open to change, and don’t be afraid to be the one in the room who raises their hand. That courage will take you far.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

My mom has been the most helpful person in helping me overcome challenges and grow into the entrepreneur I am today. She taught me how to balance drive with rest, how to move through life with intention, and how to center love in everything I do. Watching her navigate life with grace and resilience gave me a blueprint for how to face challenges without losing myself.

Her wisdom helped me understand that success isn’t just about pushing forward, it’s about knowing when to pause, when to shift, and how to stay grounded. That foundation has shaped the way I approach business, creativity, and even setbacks. She’s been my quiet guide through every stage of this journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rosemaryrenea.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookmarkbabes

Image Credits

Robert Lay