Story & Lesson Highlights with Anna Lownes of Los Angeles

Anna Lownes shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Anna, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
I actually think in our business we have to stand up for ourselves and often times it does cost us something. It’s happened that I’ve had to turn down jobs or opportunities if I don’t feel that the compensation is fair for the amount of work being requested. Or the client will move onto someone who will work for less (sadly). It may seem entitled, but it isn’t. Stylists often get some of the lowest pay of anyone on a job, and we are expected to do so much for so little. I stand up for other stylists when I stand up for myself – the only way to truly make change in this industry is to advocate for ourselves. The more people insist on being paid what they’re worth, the more clients will understand the scope of our job and hopefully compensate us fairly going forward. But change starts from within! Even if sometimes it costs me jobs or clients, I’m happy to do it on behalf of myself and others.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Anna, a freelance stylist in LA. I’ve worked in fashion since I was a kid starting with retail, and have also worked in archiving and sales. Styling’s always been my calling, but I got really into it when I moved to LA. I think the true core of my styling is largely rooted in costume – I grew up doing ballet and cannot overstate the influence it has has on my life. I love extravagance, drama, theatrics, and spectacle. Even styling myself, I think sometimes it leans towards a little bit of costume. I love to make up a story or a character for what I’m wearing. I also love for my styling to never take itself too seriously and have a little sense of humor.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
Probably both of my parents. Both of them worked really hard growing up, and they also taught me that I had to earn the things I wanted. They also encouraged me to work when I was younger, even if it was babysitting or a working retail job. Sometimes I felt it was unnecessary – but in retrospect it was good for me, and it’s especially helpful now because I never lost the hustle mentality. Living in New York also made me an incredibly hard worker – it’s so difficult to survive there without hard work. It set me up well for freelancing because you can never become complacent.

What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I think I learned that it’s never too late to start over. When I moved to LA, I had a different job that didn’t end up working out. I had only lived in LA for 3 months, I knew virtually no one, and I was jobless. I beat myself up about it for a week, but then I realized that wasn’t productive and I needed to pick myself up and move on. I had an opportunity in front of me – not a failure – and it was then my responsibility to use that opportunity wisely. I had unlimited time and freedom – what was I going to do with it? Styling was what I always wanted to do but had trouble breaking into – now I had the chance, but I had to start from the bottom. I started interning at 29. I worked side gigs to make ends meet. Over time, I was able to make styling my full time job.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That we all should settle for less. We shouldn’t.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing? 
As much as I enjoy working, I try not to lose sight of what matters. I always tell myself that I won’t ever look back and wished I worked more. I know I would look back and regret not spending more time with my family. As someone once said to me, “you have your entire life to work.” I think about this often. Jobs will always exist. The people you love will not.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://AnnaLownes.com
• Instagram: @annalownes

Image Credits
Sheri Angeles, Nicolas Bates