Our Story
Hands of Rose is a mother and daughter business with a connection to the Deaf community that spans generations.
Sandra’s parents were both Deaf, and as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) she was raised within the Deaf community. This gave her a deep, personal understanding of Deaf culture, communication and the barriers Deaf and hard of hearing community can face when access is not considered.
Roxanne also grew up surrounded by the Deaf community, making BSL, Deaf culture and inclusion a natural part of her life. Together, Sandra and Roxanne bring their lived experience, professional knowledge and shared passion into everything they do.
Hands of Rose was founded in 2019 in loving memory of Sandra’s mother, Rose. Her influence, strength and values remain at the heart of the business, and the name serves as a lasting tribute to her.
What began with supporting Deaf people in employment has grown into a wider commitment to improving communication access across workplaces, recruitment, training, events and everyday services. Over the years, we have built trusted relationships with Deaf people and organisations, helping to remove barriers and create genuinely inclusive environments.
For us, inclusion begins with listening. We work alongside Deaf people and organisations to understand what is genuinely needed and provide support shaped around each person’s communication preferences, choices and goals.
Hands of Rose is more than a business. It brings together our family story, lived experience and professional knowledge with one shared purpose: to help break down communication barriers and create environments where Deaf and hard of hearing people feel understood, included and able to access the same opportunities as everyone else.
Sandra Rose James
Founder
“British Sign Language is my first language, and growing up as a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), the Deaf community has always been a huge part of my life and who I am. Hands of Rose has never felt like simply a job the relationships we build are incredibly important to us, and many of the people we support become like extended family. I created the business in memory of my mum, Rose, and I’m proud to honour her memory through work that I feel so passionate about.”
Roxanne Southion
Co-Founder
“Growing up surrounded by the Deaf community has shaped both the person I am and the work I do today. Signing has always been part of our family, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have a gift that allows me to communicate, connect and help others. Building Hands of Rose alongside my mum means so much to me this isn’t simply work; it’s something we hope to continue doing for the rest of our lives.”