DesignHER is a platform that celebrates the vision, craftsmanship, and innovation of women in design. By curating stories from leading female designers, artisans, and creatives, our latest series, in collaboration with Women Create, offers an intimate look at the diverse paths these women take to shape their industries and their own businesses. Through thoughtful interviews and features, the platform illuminates the artistry and technical mastery that define their work, while exploring the deeper narratives of creativity, resilience, and leadership. DesignHER honors the unique perspectives of women, fostering a community where design excellence and empowerment intersect to inspire the next generation of trailblazers.
As Executive Chef and General Manager, Rose Duong infuses the inn’s kitchen with seasonal creativity, drawing inspiration from Saugatuck’s landscape to craft menus that echo the beauty of their surroundings.
Have you faced any challenges in your industry because you are a woman? How have you overcome them?
Rose Duong: Working in both culinary and hospitality, I’ve faced challenges as a woman, especially early on. Kitchens and leadership roles in hospitality have long been dominated by men, and earning respect sometimes meant having to prove myself twice over.
What I learned over time is that authority doesn’t come from the loudest voice in the room, it comes from consistency, composure, and results. I focused on building strong teams, leading by example, and creating an environment where people felt supported, seen, and valued.
I’ve also learned to embrace empathy as a strength, not a weakness. It’s what allows me to understand my staff, anticipate guest needs, and bring warmth to the experience we create at the Wickwood Inn. Those same qualities that were once underestimated, emotional intelligence, intuition, and collaboration, are now what define my leadership style.
How do you see the future of women in the artisanal craft industry?
RD: I see the future of women in the culinary world, especially in artisanal and boutique spaces, as incredibly inspiring. Women are redefining what leadership in the kitchen looks like. We’re creating environments that are collaborative, flexible, and deeply connected to the craft of cooking.
Women bring authenticity to the table, food that tells a story, food that’s personal. Whether it’s in an inn kitchen, a small restaurant, or a farm-to-table dinner, women are leading a shift toward experiences that are intimate, seasonal, and soulful.
I think the future is less about competition and more about community. The kitchen is where creativity and care go hand in hand. That’s the kind of culture I want to keep building at the Wickwood Inn.
With a chef’s artistry and a host’s heart, Rose redefines what it means to create a true “home away from home.”
How has your personal journey as a woman shaped the stories you tell through your creations?
RD: My personal journey as a woman has deeply shaped the stories I tell through food and hospitality. Growing up in my mother’s bakery, I learned early on that the kitchen could be both a place of creativity and a place of connection. Later in my career, I often found myself in spaces where women’s voices weren’t always heard, but I realized that food has its own language. Every dish I create is an opportunity to tell a story of where I come from, of the people I’ve worked alongside, and of the community I’m part of now.
Being a humble woman in leadership has taught me to value empathy, resilience, and authenticity. Those values guide the way I build menus, the way I mentor my team, and the way I welcome guests. For me, cooking isn’t just about feeding people — it’s about creating moments that feel like home, moments that are generous and inclusive, and moments that reflect both strength and warmth.
What unique qualities do you think women bring to the field of artisanal crafts?
RD: I think women bring an incredible sense of intuition and storytelling to the world of artisan craft. Whether it’s in cooking, design, or hospitality, there’s often a deep emotional connection to what we create.
Women tend to infuse their work with empathy, thinking not just about how something looks or tastes but how it will make someone feel. That’s what makes the experience memorable.
There’s also a natural instance for collaboration and community. I see so many women uplifting each other, sharing ideas, and working together rather than competing. That sense of generosity and connection is what keeps the artisanal world so inspiring and human.
For me, that’s the heart of what we do at the Wickwood Inn, crafting experiences that are thoughtful, personal, and full of heart.
Guided by Rose’s vision, Wickwood has become a place where thoughtfully designed spaces and farm-to-table dining seamlessly converge into a memorable hospitality experience.
Have you noticed any shifts in the industry regarding the recognition and support of women artists?
RD: My advice to women entering the field of high-end artisanal craft is to lead with authenticity and patience. Take the time to truly understand your craft, whether it’s cooking, design, or hospitality, and let your voice come through in the details.
In this world, what sets you apart isn’t perfection, it’s passion. Every dish, every design, every guest experience is an expression of who you are. Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t rush the process; mastery takes time.
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