When Rio DeArmond moved to St. Louis just last year, she knew she had an opportunity to introduce handbag and accessory brand Wren & Roch to the Midwest.
The move was initially prompted by her fiancé, Rob Wilson, who took a job as corporate vice president with Enterprise Holdings. But she quickly saw that it fit into her own work objectives, as well.
In addition to producing high-end handbags, Wren & Roch (pronounced ren & rock) strives to empower victims and survivors of rape, domestic violence and childhood sexual assault by raising awareness, eliminating stigmas and educating for abuse prevention.
Inspired by courageous and resilient women, DeArmond said the brand’s attention to detail and versatile designs unite a rich combination of sultry and chic, with a rebellious edge. Wren & Roch encourages confidence and the strength to “carry your courage.”
The company’s founders, Karen Hansen and Laura Rachlin, were both raped in college, and later faced abuse at home. And long before people had heard about the #MeToo movement, they had come up with the idea of increasing awareness and reducing shame or stigma that victims sometimes feel.
DeArmond herself was raped – more than once – and she shared some of her own story, as well as how she bonded with the company’s owners and became involved in the cause and the sale of the products.
How did you become involved with the company? I became involved in 2016 when I met Karen. We immediately hit it off. She told me about Wren & Roch, which was new at the time, and I wanted to get involved and help spread the word. Karen and Laura are both passionate about what they do, and I had experienced sexual assault and abuse myself. I am also a lover of fashion, so this was a really good fit.
Why is the brand’s mission important to you? I was raped when I was in eighth grade by a friend. When I was 18, I was raped again by a work manager. At 23, I entered a relationship that became abusive. These were extremely hard times, but they helped me become a really strong woman, and I am proud of who I am today. I realize my traumas have given me the ability to help others and empathize with individuals who have been through similar hardships.
What organizations does the brand support? Wren & Roch gives a portion of its sales to organizations with missions to serve those who have been abused, and uses W&R Foundation funds to educate high school and college students, and adults in various settings about awareness and how to speak out about prevention. As a brand ambassador, I have the privilege of choosing local organizations to receive a percentage of my individual sales. I am looking to create partnerships in the area.
What makes the handbags special? Wren & Roch takes the quality and the fashion side of the handbags just as seriously as the mission. The materials come from Italy, but the handbags are American-made in the garment district in New York City. They have been carried down the runway during New York Fashion Week and are in the hands of several celebrities. You can see Gabrielle Union with hers on her Instagram page! Wren & Roch handbags are in several boutiques nationwide, from Napa Valley to Naples, Florida. We have collaborated on trunk shows with Bloomingdale’s, and Karen and Laura are currently in conversations with a major department store about carrying the line.
Are the handbags available in St. Louis stores? They are not, as of today. Along with organizations to partner with, I am seeking boutiques in the area with interest in carrying the handbags.
What is a W&R party? It is designed to create a fun atmosphere where family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances can be introduced to the mission and products. Handbags are displayed that can be purchased and taken home the same evening. The handbags range in price from $625 to $1,250; accessories from $85 to $160. I will be hosting a W&R party in May for Karen and Laura to share their story and to show off the handbags.
DeArmond is currently working on her master’s degree in counseling through Northwestern University. Prior to that, she earned a certificate in nonprofit executive leadership from IUPUI. She has helped various organizations to raise funds, has chaired several events, and helped with board development. She is on the board for Consuming Kinetics Dance Company. She and her fiancé are getting married March 1, 2020, in the exotic location of Bora, Bora.
Wren & Roch founders became involved with the charitable side of its business after being asked if they had ever considered giving back a portion of proceeds to organizations like It’s On Us (its mission is to end sexual assault on college campuses). That’s when they decided it was what they were meant to do … to stand strong as survivors, tell their story, raise awareness and actively advocate to end abuse and make the world a better place.
To purchase Wren & Roch products or to inquire about a W&R party, visit wrenandroch.com or contact DeArmond at rio@wrenandroch.com. Look for St. Louis W&R events on Instagram @wren_roch.
