Where are you from originally?
I am from Scituate! I lived here most of my life, except for sometime in Rhode Island, Vermont, and Georgia.`
Tell us about your family! How many kids, names/ages?
I have been married to my husband Barrett Roake for 10 years (also grew up in Scituate) We have two sons, Forrest (7) and Finnegan (5)
How did you start your business?
King Jewelers opened in 1921 by my great grandfather. His name was Forrest King, he then had a Forrest jr who married my nana June and then from there my mom and aunt owned Kings. Now my mom is the owner of Kings, and I am the 4th generation. King Jewelers originally opened in Lawrence, MA then quickly moved to the South Shore. Side note my middle name is Forrest so I know I always wanted to carry on the family name.
Where do you now call home and how long have you lived there?
Scituate is my home, I have lived here for the majority of my life. When I was first married I moved to Georgia with my husband who was in the army at the time. I was only there for a year. It is hard to leave Scituate, it is such a beautiful town and a great place to raise our kids. It is especially nice since a lot of our family is local and it is nice to have a village when raising kids.
What is your favorite part about living in the South Shore? Having our family close by and actively involved in our children’s lives is truly one of life’s greatest gifts. Their presence creates a sense of belonging, support, and shared joy that enriches our family in countless ways.
There is also something incredibly grounding about being able to walk or drive to the beach. To stand at the shore, look out at the ocean, and simply breathe, it feels like all problems could be solved.
What family activity do you enjoy most?
In the summertime, we love taking the boys to Egypt Beach, usually with a couple of subs from Maria’s. At low tide, they will spend hours searching for crabs and other sea life along the shore and in the rocks. I was able to walk to Egypt Beach when I was growing up, so it’s especially meaningful to now watch my own children experience and enjoy the very same traditions.
Another tradition we have in the summer is going out on our boat and checking our lobster traps. They boys love to try and help pull up the traps, and watch as we find “keepers.” The day ends with a visit to Nonnas for ice cream before heading home.
What is your favorite part about the work you do? I think one of my favorite parts of my job is helping a customer design an engagement ring. We always feel so honored to be trusted with one of their live’s most cherished moments. Through the process of designing an engagement ring, we have the opportunity to learn about our customers and develop lasting relationships with them. We really love celebrating love at Kings!
Are you involved with any non-profits or do any volunteering?
We have always felt strongly in giving back to our community. We focus the majority of our giving to local schools, sports, arts, animal shelters, as well as habitat for humanity. We recently have become more involved in the YMCA in Quincy that is opening the Phyllis Godwin Empowerment Center to support young women through mentorship, connection, and education.
What do you find to be the toughest part about being a working mom? Finding the energy for everything and being able to focus on where I am currently. What I mean by this is shutting off work when I am at home. Having that boundary is hard, especially when it is your business. I remember growing up, my mom was always working so hard, and often late nights, she taught me when I am home it is family time. It is important to me for my kids to see how hard I work but to be on with them 100% when I am home.
What is the best advice you have received as a mom?
This advice was actually given to me before I was a mom but it didn’t hit me until I became a mom. The advice was, when you are on a plane, and the oxygen masks pop down, you have to put your mask on first before helping others. What I take from this is I need to make sure I am my best self before I can be my best for everyone else in my life.
What is your best advice for a new mom?
It is important as a mom to have your own self identity, we are so much more than a mom and that’s what makes us the best moms!
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
Prior to becoming full time at King Jewelers I was a teacher at a local Montessori School and even taught 6th grade at the military base when we lived in Georgia.
Is there a Quote or mantra you live by?
Just to always be kind to one another.
Your go-to Pandora/Spotify/Apple Music station?
Spotify is a lot of the Elevators and backstreet boys
Your favorite local spot for: date night, coffee break, workout, new outfit? Date night we love Alma Nove on the bar side specifically and Salt Society! Coffee break- Lucky Finn in Scituate harbor is one of the best spots in the harbor! Self care- The Salt Cave
Be sure to follow King Jewelers to stay up to date on all of their beautiful pieces, as well as, special events they have going on.
Also, visit their website to learn more about King Jewelers, their beautiful pieces, and what truly sets them apart. Thank you Melanie!