Two Countries One Idea

The story of Melrose Haven begins in the Caribbean Sea on the island of Jamaica where I spent my early childhood. There, I was raised by inspiring women who taught me the importance and joy of home decorating, cooking, hosting and sharing delicious meals. Our home, in Glenmuir Haven, was always decorated with flowing floral fabrics, delicate crocheted lace accents, and flowers. When preparing meals or completing house work, the matriarchs always wore what we called house frocks. These hosting traditions and family recipes immigrated with my family and were passed down to me when we moved to the United States, to our house on Melrose.

The first Melrose Haven apron was made to be a handmade Christmas gift for a close family friend. She loves baking and cooking, and (after lots of spent fabric) I felt I created the perfect baker's apron for her. With that one apron, all the memories of cooking and hosting came rushing back, along with an idea: What if I could share that same heritage with others? From that first gift grew the idea of Melrose Haven, rooted in connecting with loved ones and good food. Today, I pour that same love into everything I do – because the things we share should come from the heart.