Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Hillman
Hi Jennifer, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Sure! Growing up, I always had a deep love for fashion and a fascination with the power of media to shape culture. Before co-founding LuxAnthropy, my career was focused in New York City, working in the fashion and beauty industries. One of my most meaningful roles was working alongside Evelyn Lauder, supporting her Breast Cancer Awareness initiatives. Having that opportunity impacted me more than I realized at the time. My mother was a two-time breast cancer survivor, so I knew firsthand the importance of catching cancer early. But working with Evelyn Lauder made me realize how each one of us can make a difference and help others.
While living in New York, I also developed a love for finding unique designer pieces at vintage and second-hand stores. There was something magical about uncovering treasures that were more affordable because they were pre-owned, but they were also one-of-a-kind pieces I knew no one else would be wearing. That experience taught me the value of sustainability in fashion and left a lasting impression on me.
When I moved to Los Angeles, my love for fashion and desire to give back only grew. I began to notice that there was an unmet opportunity for wardrobe pieces from Hollywood TV shows and movies to have a second life in an impactful way. This sparked an idea: What if we provided movie fans everywhere with an opportunity to own a piece of Hollywood, and a portion of the proceeds supported meaningful causes? That’s when LuxAnthropy came to life, blending entertainment, fashion, sustainability, and philanthropy.
LuxAnthropy’s mission is simple but powerful: to sell wardrobe pieces – many times are worn just once or brand-new with tags – from today’s movies and TV shows, donating a portion of every sale to charity. It’s not just about fashion – it’s about storytelling, creating change, and fostering a sense of connection. We extend the life of the item, offering people everywhere the chance to shop wardrobe pieces straight from a Hollywood set – all while effortlessly supporting important causes across a range of categories.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all—it’s been anything but a smooth road! Like any entrepreneurial journey, starting LuxAnthropy came with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was simply getting the concept off the ground. The idea of merging Hollywood fashion, sustainability, and philanthropy is something people immediately connect with, but explaining how it all works – and building trust with both studios and buyers – took time. Studios had to feel confident that we could handle their wardrobe pieces responsibly, and customers needed to believe in the quality of what we were offering, as well as the impact their purchase would make.
On top of that, we’re not just running a business; we’re running a mission-driven initiative. That means finding ways to balance the for-profit side of the company with the nonprofit goals of supporting charities. It’s a delicate dance, ensuring we have the resources to grow while staying true to our core values of giving back and sustainability.
And, of course, like any small business, we’ve faced the occasional curveball—global challenges like the pandemic, supply chain delays, etc. Some days, it feels like there aren’t enough hours to get everything done. But honestly, every challenge has been an opportunity to learn and grow. The struggles have made me even more passionate about what we’re building. Each time we overcome a hurdle – whether it’s forging a new partnership, helping a charity reach its fundraising goals, or hearing from a customer who loves their purchase – it reminds me why this work matters so much. It’s those wins, big and small, that keep me going.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At LuxAnthropy, our mission is simple yet powerful: to transform Hollywood’s wardrobe pieces into opportunities for giving back. We specialize in sourcing wardrobe – with minimal wear or brand new with tags – from today’s movies and TV shows, offering them to fans and fashion enthusiasts while donating a portion of every sale to charity. It’s a way to connect people to something bigger through the items they love – whether that’s helping rebuild communities from fire disasters, supporting healthcare initiatives, or promoting sustainability in the fashion industry.
What sets us apart is our unique intersection of entertainment, fashion, and philanthropy. Every item we sell tells a story – it’s either been worn by a beloved character on-screen or comes from a studio collection – and every purchase directly supports meaningful causes. We’re not just a resale platform; we’re creating a ripple effect of positive change, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the partnerships we’ve built along the way. From Hollywood studios to incredible nonprofit organizations, these collaborations have allowed us to amplify our impact in ways I couldn’t have imagined when we first started. Knowing that LuxAnthropy is contributing to wildfire recovery efforts, cancer research, and other vital causes through these partnerships is deeply fulfilling.
I also take pride in the sustainability aspect of our work. The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to waste, and LuxAnthropy is helping change that narrative. By giving wardrobe pieces a second life, we’re extending the life of the item and encouraging a more thoughtful way of shopping – one that prioritizes quality, uniqueness, and impact over excess.
What truly drives me, though, is the stories we’re able to tell through LuxAnthropy. Whether it’s a fan excited to own a piece of Hollywood or a nonprofit sharing how funds from our sales helped further their mission, these connections are what make our work so meaningful. I’m proud that LuxAnthropy is more than just a business; it’s a platform for change, and I’m excited to see how we can continue to grow and inspire others to shop and give back with purpose.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has definitely played a role in my life and in building LuxAnthropy, both the good and the challenging kind. On the positive side, I’ve been incredibly lucky to cross paths with so many talented and generous people who have believed in this vision and helped bring it to life. From my early career experiences working with inspiring leaders like Evelyn Lauder, to the studios and nonprofits that trusted us enough to partner with LuxAnthropy, these connections didn’t just happen by accident. I think luck often comes from being in the right place at the right time, but also from being prepared and open to opportunities when they arise.
On the other hand, like any entrepreneur, I’ve faced my share of challenges that felt like bad luck in the moment. Whether it was logistical hiccups, or navigating the ripple effects of global challenges like the pandemic, there have been times when things felt completely out of my control. But I’ve come to see those moments not as bad luck, but as opportunities to adapt, get creative, and grow stronger.
One example of what I’d call “good luck in disguise” is how the growing awareness around sustainability aligned with LuxAnthropy’s mission. When I started the company, sustainability wasn’t the buzzword it is today, and it took time for people to see the value in what we were doing. Now, the world is catching up to the importance of reusing and repurposing, and that’s been a huge boost for our work. Timing really is everything.
Ultimately, I believe luck is a mix of preparation, perseverance, and perspective. You can’t control everything that comes your way, but you can control how you respond to it. In my life and in business, I’ve learned to embrace the unexpected -whether it’s a lucky break or a tough challenge – because both have shaped me and LuxAnthropy in ways I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.luxanthropy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxanthropy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luxanthropyusa/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/19020360/admin/dashboard/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@luxanthropy4067/videos
