NellieRose is a textile artist and clothing maker based in Thomas, WV, a vibrant arts community in Appalachia. As a child growing up in Elkins, WV, she used fabric scraps to sew up pot holders and make bags for friends. In college, she studied textile arts as a Fulbright Scholar in Japan. Now, her business is fashion-focused. Every piece by Nellie Rose Textiles is one-of-a-kind, made from hand-painted or hand-dyed fabric, and often custom designed.
In light of Covid-19, NellieRose and other business owners had to close their storefronts, and she found herself asking, “What can I do to help?” With a helpful tip from her best friend and RP Founder Katt Schuler, NellieRose started using her resources to build a regional network and create an organization that provides personal protective equipment to those in need. Holler Mask Force is the result. 100% of masks are donated to those who request them at hollermaskforce.org. Visit the website to learn how you can join the force, donate or share what they’re doing with your network. “This is a very very strange time,” says NellieRose, “and I am full of anxiety, but I am also brimming with hope.”
Rolling Pepperoni interviewed NellieRose for our first session of Porch Talks on April 2, 2020. We started the series to connect with our Appalachian neighbors during quarantine, and we interview someone every Thursday over Zoom, 5-6pm. Watch the full interview below.
NellieRose of Nellie Rose Textiles and Holler Mask Force, based in Thomas, WV. Porch Talks with Rolling Pepperoni, April 2, 2020.
“Well, I feel like Appalachia is a symbol of resiliency and of interdependence, where I feel like a lot of folks are self-reliant. But I do think that there is a beautiful culture of sharing, and I feel like that’s what creates an emotional interdependence. And wow, so, Appalachia is warmth. It is intimate people mountains. It is a beautiful star-filled sky. It is people gathering on their porch until the wee hours of the morning playing music and sharing songs.”