Meet Maren Roth | Founder/Style Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maren Roth and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maren, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I started the business when I was 25, with no obligations, expectations, or responsibilities beyond myself. I worked all hours of the day and night, blurring the lines between work and play, but I loved everything I was doing. Work never truly felt like work, and I sustained that pace for many years. I put off starting a family until my late 30s, becoming accustomed to late nights, attending every event, and traveling whenever — and for as long as — I wanted. I was burning the candle at both ends, socially and professionally.

As my life evolved — getting married, having children, and simply growing older — my obligations and priorities shifted. Yet my work habits hadn’t, and I began to feel torn, carrying guilt whether I was away from my family or my business, worrying I was failing one or both. It took a major mindset shift to create a sustainable work-life balance. It didn’t happen overnight, nor without the help of others, and it remains something I continue to work on today.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Rowe isn’t just a clothing store — it’s a community. Over the years, our clients have become friends. Engagements have been celebrated here, pregnancies announced, and one-time visits have turned into annual traditions. Rowe feels like a familiar friend: a place where you can confide in your stylist, share a glass of wine after a long day, and find the perfect outfit for an impromptu night out. We’re on a first-name basis with nearly every returning customer, many of whom have my personal cell phone for last minute style advice. Shopping at Rowe is not just about buying clothes — it’s about connection, exploration, and the freedom to experiment with your style in a warm, welcoming space. It’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else.

What I’m most proud of is how Rowe has continued to evolve while staying true to its heart. We’ve created a space that feels like home, and we’ve embraced new experiences to keep that feeling alive — hosting events, welcoming activations, collaborating, and creating moments that go far beyond shopping. I’m excited about the ways we continue to innovate: blending the personal, hands-on service our clients know and love with the challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing retail & digital landscape. Whether it’s a private styling appointment, an unforgettable in-store experience, or the ability to shop Rowe from anywhere, we’re constantly finding new ways to connect. Growth for us isn’t just about adapting to trends — it’s about deepening the sense of community and discovery that has always been at the heart of Rowe.

Today, I am proud to stand at the helm of a business that has grown, evolved, and weathered every storm. Rowe is not just a store; it’s a living, breathing reflection of resilience, creativity, and connection. But getting here was not easy.

There are still seasons filled with uncertainty — economic downturns, the rise of digital commerce, and the unimaginable challenge of a looming recession and/or global pandemic. There are moments I question whether we keep going, moments when the weight of running a small business feels almost unbearable. But each challenge demands a new level of flexibility, creativity, and trust — in myself, in my team, and in the community we have built.

I have learned that growth rarely happens in comfort. It’s in the pivots, the experiments, and the moments of vulnerability that real progress is made. I’ve learned to lead with both heart and strategy, to evolve without losing the soul of what makes Rowe special, and to embrace change instead of fearing it.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know, it’s that Rowe was built on real, lasting connection — and that remains our true north. I once believed I couldn’t scale what made us special, because I thought I had to be everywhere at once. But I was proven wrong. Connection isn’t about being physically present in every moment; it’s about building a culture that carries your spirit forward. Our story is one of perseverance, creativity, and community. We are living proof that you can stay true to your vision, adapt when needed, and still create something lasting, personal, and deeply meaningful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, I love this question — if nothing else, it’s a chance to shine a light on the people and places I love most in this city!

We’d start with a long walk through Bexley, where I’d show off some of my favorite architectural gems, stopping at Cherbourg for their incredible gluten-free treats and the best coffee in town. From there, we’d head to the Columbus Museum of Art for a tour of the latest exhibition — and if it happened to be a Summer Thursday, we’d stay for BAM (Bar, Art, Music).

An afternoon of shopping in the Short North would be a must: Rowe, of course, along with Pivot, Ladybird, Artisan, Sole Classics, and Prologue for a new book, with a stop at Ten Space to see what’s new. We’d head downtown to pop into some of my favorite art galleries — Brandt Gallery and Sarah Gormley Gallery — to experience incredible local and national talent. We’d grab a light bite on Lindey’s Patio to keep us fueled.

For wellness and movement, we’d hit a yoga class at Bluespot and a Pilates session at The Pilates Studio. I’d plan a relaxing afternoon at Massage Garage, including a cold plunge alternating with the infrared sauna & hot tub, topped off with a much-needed massage & cupping. No wellness experience would be complete without a visit to Paloma in Grandview for a facial with Leslie and a quick trip to Fine Feather for a new beauty product to put into rotation. Finishing off our afternoon with a lunch out on the patio at Third & Hollywood.

We’d meander through the Bexley Farmers Market, picking up fresh fruits and veggies, pickles from The Crazy Cucumber, popsicles from J-Pops, and coffee from Cafe Graziella — all while enjoying live music.

For dinners, I’d make reservations at some of my absolute favorites: Comune, Basi, Speck, Chapman’s, 698 Sushi, and Gene’s. Each spot has its own special charm and unforgettable flavors.

For something creative, I’d schedule a one-on-one pottery class at Adamah Studio and cap off the evening with an indie film at The Drexel. I’d also do my best to encourage her to visit during Porch Fest in June — one of the most magical events where the city’s talented musicians perform right on neighborhood porches.

If the timing doesn’t work out, we’d still catch incredible live jazz at Ginger Rabbit after taking a cooking class at Quinci. And no trip would be complete without a stroll through the walking trails of Blacklick Woods Metro Park, with its magical rope bridge tucked away in the trees.

It would be a week filled with art, movement, community, creativity, and a lot of heart — the perfect way to experience Columbus the way I know and love it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It may sound unconventional, but I wouldn’t have my business without the support of my landlord, The Wood Companies. Over 18 years ago, they took a chance on a 26-year-old independent retailer, and they’ve been a true partner ever since. They have quite literally built the Short North into what it is today — not just as fair and equitable developers, but as genuine friends of the Short North businesses. How many business owners can say that about the company that owns their space?

The Wood Companies foster entrepreneurship and help businesses not just survive, but thrive. Over the years, they’ve supported me through expansions, redesigns, the opening and closing of a second concept, and the move from our original 15-year home into a new, larger space down the street. Their openness, flexibility, and willingness to experiment have allowed Rowe to evolve — to try, fail, pivot, and ultimately prosper.

We’ve weathered incredibly tough times together, and through it all, The Wood Companies have been there, cheering us on. I am forever grateful for their support, their belief in small businesses, and their commitment to nurturing a community where brands like Rowe can continue to grow and dream.

Website: https://roweboutique.com

Instagram: @roweboutique

Facebook: rowe boutique

Image Credits
The Scout Guide
Kismet Visuals
Natalie Moran