Wickedly Inspirational Women: Melanie Rose – Designer and presenter of hit Netflix show How to Build a S*x Room
Empowerment is more than just a word, it’s at the heart of everything we do. As a brand we strive to create a movement that empowers women to explore their true nature. In the latest interview for our Wickedly Inspirational Women series, we speak to the incredibly talented Melanie Rose.
Famous for her hit Netflix show ‘How to Build a S*x Room’, Melanie creates luxury rooms and intimate spaces that are tailored to her client’s unique and individual needs. Her work helps to demystify the world of kink and empowers couples to push their boundaries. She is breaking down taboos and her no-holds barred approach encourages her clients to be their boldest, most wicked selves. We love collaborating with the daring, the desirable and the fearless, and Melanie is all that rolled into one with a cherry on top.
Tell us a bit about yourself, name, age, where you live?
My name is Melanie Rose. I am the host, designer and consulting producer for the Netflix Series “How To Build A S*x Room.”
I was born in England, raised in Surrey and worked in London.
At the age of 14yrs I was cast in the West End Musical Annie where I played the part of Tessie. From there I continued my work in Musicals in the West End. I was also fortunate to work with the BBC, LWT and ITV and appear with some of the UK’s icons, like The Two Ronnie’s and Ken Dodd.
I currently reside in Los Angeles where I the sun certainly does shine every day! (Except when it rains!)
Darling, a Lady never reveals her age! As Mae West said, you’re only as old as the man you’re …. well, you get the picture.
What do you do?
I am a writer, a producer, an artist, but principally, I am an interior designer. But I’m not just any interior designer: while I will create a beautiful home for you, or rework your boring kitchen into something spectacular, but I also design Luxury S*x Rooms. My work is tailored to the clients unique and individual needs, to create a deeply personal space.
Can you tell us 5 words to describe yourself?
Curious, energetic, humorous, giving, nurturing.
How do you feel when you wear lingerie as opposed to underwear?
I never wear underwear. I only wear lingerie. It makes me feel s*xy, s*nsual and empowered.
What we wear can significantly impact how we feel and how we behave. There is a process called “clothed cognition,” which suggests that our clothing choices influences our psychological process and self-perception. Dress for success.
As a young lady I remember my mother always telling me to wear matching panties and bras, because it was the right thing to do.
Also, she would insist that you always wore clean underwear, just case you were involved in an accident! God forbid that you would scandalize a paramedic!
I never wear underwear. I only wear lingerie. It makes me feel s*xy, s*nsual and empowered.
What is currently your favourite piece of lingerie that you own and why?
I have a wardrobe full! But there are two pieces in heavy rotation. I make sure to return to London at least once a year, and I always make sure to visit “Rigby & Peller.”
For those of you who do not know the name, they are a British luxury lingerie store in London. They made bespoke undergarments to the royals, and have worked with the late Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, Diana Princess of Wales as well as other members of the extended Royal family.
The bra and panties I have are both sumptuous and luxurious: a confection of floral colours and lace. I love them.
What does female empowerment mean to you?
First of all, it is not about women being like men. It is about dismantling systems that privilege masculine traits and experiences. At its core, female empowerment is about women having control over own lives and bodies.
It is a choice and it comes from within. I will not allow myself to be less than a man. As women – as people – we should have the right to make choices about our own bodies, careers and futures.
Ancient societies revered women as the lifegiver and lifemakers. Time and circumstances have erased that. Every single human on this planet was birthed by a woman.
Female empowerment means reclaiming that ancient, primal power.
What do you do to make yourself empowered/liberated/confident?
I like to dress for confidence.
Over the years I have learnt the value of the word: No.
I have learned to value my time. To prioritize what is important to me and my needs. This should not be considered selfish. Far too often a women’s needs, wants and desires and secondary to a man’s.
I make my own decisions. I try to celebrate my achievements, although being British I find it difficult.
I do speak up. I own my voice.
I find it is important to walk from negative conversations. I don’t engage. Engagement gives those conversation a life and energy they do not deserve. Life is too short.
Over the years I’ve also stopped trying to please everyone. I’d rather just embrace my own authenticity.
‘Female sexuality is no longer a taboo’ Do you agree with this statement?
I think that, unfortunately, in many parts of the world, female sexuality is most certainly taboo. Religions have oppressed women, shamed them, repressed them. Politics and culture have added their own layers. But in every generation, there have always been rebels, women who have stood up and said ‘no.’ Women who wanted more.
Education is essential. Exposure to thoughts and ideas from all across the world is essential. Ignorance keeps us shackled. Knowledge is, most definitely, power. Knowledge and experience will free us. There will come a time when female sexuality is no longer taboo, but we are not there yet.
What message would you give to your younger self eg as a teenager?
To live in the moment, to recognize that it will, eventually, all work out. I would tell my younger self to embrace every experience, both good and bad, to remain in motion. Standing still, doing nothing, is the worst mistake anyone can make. Motion, either physical, emotional or spiritual, is essential.
Website: www.melanieruthrose.com
Instagram: @melanieruthrose
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Bluesky: @melanieruthrose.bsky.social
