'&' The ampersand your wardrobe’s been waiting for!
With a desire to share something new and personal with the world, great friends Lillian and Roanne named their brand Lilliroa. The logo, an ampersand (&), symbolizes the idea of “both and”, that binds people and meaning together. Their first collection, Enjoy & Appreciate, reflects their shared belief in focusing on the positive and finding balance in a world that can often feel overwhelming. The typography is designed to feel like a tattoo, not on your skin, but on your clothes and accessories, serving as a gentle reminder to notice and share joy in both small and big moments.
North Norway in The Arctic Circle
In the small town of Harstad, north of the Arctic Circle, where fjords meet mountains and creativity thrives in the northern light, a unique collaboration transformed an old public gymnasium into a vibrant hub for art and innovation. This is the story of Roanne O’Donnell and Lillian Mathisen: two women from very different backgrounds, united by a shared passion to create something lasting and meaningful.
The Artist & The Business Advisor
Roanne, an award-winning artist from Scotland, arrived in Northern Norway with a clear vision: to buy and breathe new life into a worn-out gym hall. Where others saw decay, she saw possibility and imagined a place where creative minds could meet, create, and grow together. But a vision like that needs more than inspiration, it requires structure, strategy, and resources. This is where Lillian Mathisen came in. As an experienced business advisor, she quickly recognized the potential. This was not just an art project, but an initiative that could uplift an entire region. Their partnership worked beautifully. Roanne brought the ideas, building management, and gathered a diverse creative community, while Lillian ensured structure, funding, and steady progress alongside her. In 2006, A:rt Gymsal opened its doors, a clear testament to what they could achieve together. Over time, the space grew into a dynamic community filled with events, exhibitions, and creative professions. There were challenges along the way, but trust and mutual respect carried them through. Roanne found the courage to take bold steps, while Lillian was reminded of the vital role creativity plays in all work. Their professional collaboration also grew into a close and trusting friendship. Even as their paths later diverged, with new projects and relocation, their bond remained strong.
Yin & Yang
In Harstad, many saw them as opposites and often wondered how they could be such close friends, affectionately calling them “Yin & Yang.” One winter morning, as they walked to a conference, Roanne suddenly stopped and said, “Look at us, it’s no wonder people call us that.” Lillian stood in a bright red jacket, yellow trousers, and colourful shoes and bag, while Roanne was dressed entirely in black. They looked each other up and down and burst out laughing, and passers by might have thought they'd been at an all night party.
Activewear & Athleisure
More than 20 years later, they've come together again professionally. Despite their obvious colour preferences, they have always shared a love for personal style, quality, and the feeling of expressing themselves through what they wear. This time, their focus is on clothing and accessories with meaning, where words inspire everyday life. Lillian has always loved meaningful quotes and has long lived by the phrase “Enjoy and Appreciate.” Roanne brings these words to life through her artistic creativity. Their shared platform is therefore Lilliroa, and they wish that you will become part of this positive vibe!
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