Rosemary Reed Miller

Rosemary Reed Miller
Born	(1939-06-22) June 22, 1939 Yeadon, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	August 2, 2017(2017-08-02) (aged 78) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Occupation(s)	Boutique proprietor, author
Known for	Founder of Toast and Strawberries boutique; author on African-American dressmakers

Rosemary Reed Miller (June 22, 1939 – August 2, 2017) was a distinguished boutique proprietor in Washington, D.C. known for her establishment Toast and Strawberries, and an author specializing in the history of African-American dressmakers spanning the nineteenth through twenty-first centuries.

Biography

Originating from Yeadon, Pennsylvania, Rosemary was the daughter of Byron and Eloise Miller and completed her studies at Temple University. Her early career included journalism roles in Jamaica and Puerto Rico, contributing freelance articles to publications such as the Washington Post, Washington Star, Afro-American Newspapers, Miami Herald, and the Amsterdam News.

During the 1960s, Miller held the position of information officer at the Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., while simultaneously crafting jewelry accessories on a part-time basis.

In 1967, she founded Toast and Strawberries initially as a wholesale showroom for fashion and jewelry designers. It later transitioned into a retail boutique to maintain financial viability. The shop featured both emerging talents and established designers from around the world, promoting inclusivity regardless of gender or ethnicity. Among its clientele were notable figures such as singer Aretha Franklin and actress Heather Locklear.

By 1973, the boutique achieved annual revenues of $190,000. Miller was instrumental in advancing designers' visibility through community fashion events like the National Council of Negro Women’s yearly showcase and fundraisers organized by the American War Mothers. Additionally, Toast and Strawberries implemented educational initiatives that underscored African-American women’s roles in dressmaking as a means to economic advancement.

The boutique became a well-known fixture in the local area until its closure in 2005 due to increasing rental costs. Rosemary Reed Miller died at her residence in Washington D.C. on August 2, 2017.

Awards

• 1981: Honored as "Small Business Person of the Year" for Washington, D.C. by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Publications

• Threads of Time, The Fabric of History: Profiles of African American Dressmakers and Designers, 1850–2002 (featuring prominent figures including Elizabeth Keckley, Ann Lowe, Zelda Wynn Valdes, and Tracy Reese).

Private life

She was married to Paul Miller, who served as dean of Howard University School of Law and died in 1974 at age 38. Their son is Paul Miller, known professionally as DJ Spooky, a musician and author. Her daughter Sabrina Miller oversees CARE Corozal Animal Rescue Experience in Belize. Grandchildren include Mia Miller, Hakeem Ford I, and Kerwince Jones II.