Today we’d like to introduce you to Annalee Burkley.
Hi Annalee, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I launched Always Annalee in 2021 with the intent of offering an everyday effortless style that not only makes you look good but feel good too.
For so long, I struggled with getting dressed, and as I got older, I realized it was only getting more difficult.
My entire life, I’ve worked in the retail industry and even went to school for Fashion Merchandising. I have always loved fashion, art, and anything that made me feel creatively inspired. The last few years of my life, I strayed from my retail roots and opted for a more “traditional” job, which eventually led to me being laid off due to the pandemic. It ended up being one of the best things for me because it brought me to where I am today…
I started Always Annalee with the intent of eliminating the stress of what to wear and helping women build a closet they will love. Helping people is my passion, and when someone tells me about their positive experience and how much they love their new stuff, it truly makes me so happy and all of the hard work worth it.
I just recently relocated my business from Maryland, so I am excited to bring Always Annalee to Southern California and grow a customer base here. Our first pop-up event will be at Market for Makers LA this October, and I am looking forward to many more events.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I first started Always Annalee, I was very fortunate that it was an exciting start and did very well — I had no idea what I was doing, it was a definitely “learn as I go” experience. It was a lot of fun, but after about a year or so, I realized I needed to get serious and figure out where I wanted my business to go. I would say the biggest struggle along the way is dealing with “imposter syndrome” — it is hard to stand out when there are many other options out there. It is also difficult to not compare your journey with someone else’s. But at the end of the day, I know everything happens in good time, and once you’re ready to handle it!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Always Annalee Boutique?
Always Annalee is a women’s online clothing boutique focused on offering everyday effortless style. We help eliminate the stress of what to wear through easy outfit ideas and elevated basics. I am most proud of the reviews and following I have; my customers mean everything to me, and our brand is best known for our amazing customer service. One great perk of shopping small is your work with an actual person, I offer high-quality products, fast responses to questions about sizing, styling suggestions, and whatever the customer is looking for I ensure they are taken care of.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Growing up I always loved clothing, I was easily influenced by trends and styles. There have been many people along the way who have taught and supported me over the years. I have worked in retail since high school and after college, I moved back home to be a buyer and manager of a high-end family-owned department store. That is where I learned the importance of customer service and going above and beyond. After that, I worked at a family friend’s small women’s clothing boutique, and that was where I really learned the ins and outs of owning a boutique and what goes into it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alwaysannalee.com
- Instagram: @alwaysannalee
- Facebook: @alwaysannaleeboutique
Image Credits
Brooke Michelle Photography Boat Photos – Taken with my personal camera
