Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Love.
Anna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
After spending almost a decade in NYC working as a clothing technical designer and a yoga instructor, I was ready for a change of pace and decided to move to LA. My goal was to take some time off to focus on healing from a major medical diagnosis (Multiple Sclerosis). In the process, I was looking for ways to be creative, sustainable and to have fun. I decided to go to rag house thrift stores to source all kinds of white clothing and purchase some different color dyes to start making some tie dye. My friends and family were really supportive and encouraged me to start marketing my eco-friendly tie dye wears and selling them. With the help of Instagram and friends who have market-type selling platforms, I’ve been able to reach all kinds of people.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s mostly been smooth, my biggest challenge has been knowing when to stop for the day. Searching for the white garments requires a discerning eye, arm strength for digging, and leg strength (being on your feet all day). These are all things that I took for granted before I became disabled. With MS, I only have so much energy each day and if I’m not careful, I can crash and my mobility becomes impaired. (Right before I moved, I was walking with a cane because my left foot wasn’t able to lift off of the ground. With acupuncture and physical therapy, I was able to regain dorsiflexion) I also am extremely sensitive to heat, so since I’m doing all of the dying outside, I have to plan doing that part of the process either early in the morning or later in the evening. I have learned to listen to my body and sometimes I have to stop and go lay down for a half hour to recharge.
Another challenge, which can also be really fun, is finding the right white pieces. They need to be mostly cotton, a cute or interesting silhouette, or sometimes I have a custom order and it needs to be the right size. I never know exactly what I’m going to find, so sometimes I have to look for hours to find the right piece. Other times, I have something in my arsenal that I can pick from.
Lastly, which can also be really fun, is working with the dying techniques. I had a custom project which required about 14 pieces for a poetry reading. The goal was to have them look alike. I did my best to fold each piece and place the dye in all of the same positions on each of the garments. When they came out, each one was unique and some looked like completely different techniques. I amazed me that it’s possible to have this happen when you think you’re being super calculated. But it also reminded me that there is an element of surprise that I love about the process.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Long Weekend Clothing is a tie dye company that specializes in making tie dye pieces for everyone. Since all of the garments are recycled, everyone wearing the pieces participates in sustainable fashion There are so many stained white t-shirts that get thrown away or donated that are otherwise in perfect condition. Being able to dye over the stains and give the garments new life feels good as someone who cares about reducing waste. Working in the fashion industry for years, I saw how much fabric is used for each garment, and how much gets thrown out, eventually ending up in a landfill. My role in the company is everything. I handle the sourcing of materials, the dying, selling, shipping and social media. My goal is to continue making tie dye for all sizes, from newborn to 3XL.
What were you like growing up?
I was always interested in art as a kid. I enjoyed being quiet and focusing my mind on drawing, especially. It provided an escape from stress that I was going through with my parent’s divorce. I remember being fortunate enough to always have a journal and a sketchbook with me, almost to confide in. Any school project that had the option for me to create something was the most exciting and received all of my efforts. I wasn’t much of an academic and although I always played sports, I was never a star athlete.
I remember in college, I had a little sale where I made about 30 bags and purses out of old clothes and bedding. The school store allowed me to set up outside the shop with a table and people could charge the bags to their accounts. Since I removed the obstacle of having to pay cash, it was super easy and successful. I sold almost everything and realized that I wanted to make things for a living. It also gave me confidence that I was making things that people were interested in. I never thought that what I did in college was “eco fashion” but now that I’m doing it again, I realize what it was and that it’s important to me.
After playing around with draping and sewing, felt like I could eventually design clothes that were functional and fashionable. Eventually, I started working in the fashion industry on a more technical side (fitting, measuring, working with pattern makers, etc.) and I craved a creative outlet. My sister-in-law Robin owns a dance company called Indelible Dance in NYC, and every year we collaborated as I designed and made all of the dance costumes.
Contact Info:
- Website: annalodwick.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @Long_weekend_clothing
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