ABOUT US
"I dream of a world where urbanites can appreciate the craftsmanship and painstaking effort that goes behind each piece of handcraft product. A world where these handmade crafts can be branded and brought to international recognition in a global marketplace."
- Rosemarie Wong, Owner of The Ranee of Sarawak -
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Owner, Creative & Project Director
With a Bachelor of Arts degree in printed textiles for Fashion (Central St.Martins) and a Diploma in Interior Design (Chelsea College of Art & Design), Rosemarie has always had a lifelong passion for indigenous handicrafts and heritage buildings. As the owner and creative designer of The Ranee Boutique Suites, The Marian Boutique Lodging House, The Granary Kitchen+Bar, and The Ranee Artisan Gallery, Rosemarie has a definite mission: to create, connect and collaborate with local artisans to raise awareness and inspire change in the areas of preservation of crafts, heritage, helping to promote self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship in our developing economy.
The Incidental Gift Shop
Our story began in 2012 when we opened our 1st hotel, The Ranee Boutique Suites, a 24-room luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Kuching city. “Ranee” was the title for the Queen consort of the White Rajah of Sarawak, during the time of British rule of Sarawak, Borneo (1841-1946).
At The Ranee, stood a humble shelf of postcards in support towards
the Sarawak School for the Intellectually Disadvantaged Children.
The section of cards soon morphed into a bigger selection of gift items, and before we knew it, we had a burgeoning gift shop!
The Ranee Artisan Gallery supports various charities, NGOs and independent artisans of Sarawak.
Rosemarie was also responsible for the restoration and revival of an 1885 historic building, the ex-boarding house for St.Mary’s Girl’s School, Kuching, Sarawak, now The Marian Boutique Lodging House. This black and white accommodation boasts the 2nd Ranee Artisan Gallery, carrying products from even more budding artisans and communities.