I can’t actually pinpoint the when / the how of first meeting Anna, but we definitely met through the blogging world. I believe it was through mutual blogging-buddies who thought we’d hit it off (Caitlin from Sacramento Street I’m looking at you) and sure enough, we instantly did. We have always made it a point to catch up during fashion week and even lived in the city (New York) for a short time together. Anna has always been a creative spirit I’ve admired, and in the past year someone I’ve looked to for advice, having followed in the same footsteps as: owner / buyer / creative director of a women’s clothing boutique.
While in New York this past month we exchanged stories–girlfriend to girlfriend, buyer to buyer, store owner to store owner–and here’s an inspiring look into what she had to say. Meet Anna, my girlfriend, store owner of Lola Boutique and the sweet Northern Arkansas gal behind Tulip Louise.
How did you first get involved at Lola Boutique?
I was hired by my friend Jade [now business partner] as a stylist in 2010 and then quickly became the online styling director. I relocated to New York for a bit and then almost two years ago, moved back to Fayetteville, Arkansas [where our flagship location is based] as an owner. It has been a fun / wild ride that I’m immensely grateful for!
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Creative freedom, being on the ground floor of growing a cool / unique brand aesthetic + voice, directing in-house photo shoots, choosing the product mix at market + sourcing new lines, styling clients, marketing x social media, and possibly the most rewarding of all… building + leading a team of empowered women. Wow, that was a lot huh?
What’s your least favorite part of your job?
110% my email– clearing out my inbox is an uphill battle.
(UM yes, why is it never ending?)
What’s the one piece of advice you’d give an aspiring entrepreneur who wants to run her own store?
Well, the shop never sleeps— even when it is closed. You will never get everything on your to do list done, and the second you do it may be time to re-evaluate your goals. I want to constantly be pushing myself, lola, and our team for greatness. Work hard, be honest, and hire good people. Try to take moments to reflect on what you’re building–it’s those little pauses that make it all worth it.
What’s been your biggest challenge thus far?
Rapid expansion and growth. To put it in perspective, within only six months of acquiring Lola, we were already expanding to the west coast. However! With that experience came development of new skill sets; i.e. time management and learning how to delegate.
Where do you see yourself and your company in five years?
Well, it’s so hard to say because a lot can change in five [ehem, two] years! Professionally–on the brink of opening our fifth or sixth brick-and-mortar storefront. Personally, who knows, maybe starting a family? I find peace knowing that everything happens as it should… my goal is pretty simple, to be happy!
My style is best described as:
Romantic with an edge—I love a white flowy chiffon gown equally as much as I adore a tough black leather jacket. The juxtaposition of an unexpected pairing is what makes my heart beat.
My style icons are:
My style is definitely a mixture x constant evolution everyday. I take a lot of inspiration from a lineup of style crushes—my late grandmommie, Maja Wyh, Alexa Chung, and I think Liz from Late Afternoon does a fantastic job.
My best kept beauty secret is:
I’m honestly super minimal with my beauty routine (which is something I want to work on). Currently? Crest whitestrips, tons of water, and eye drops every morning. In terms if makeup I just picked up my first pot of RMS (organic) ‘living luminizer’ and am excited to give that a try.
Favorite spots to visit when I’m…
In NYC: Michael’s Vintage, Chelsea Flea, MOMA, Luzzo’s Pizzaria, and Bianca in the Bowery (for cash only lasagna x wine).
In Malibu: rent a convertible and cruise the gorgeous PCH along the water, and then stop into the adorably teeny tiny Ralph Lauren RRL shop.
In Arkansas: Crystal Bridges museum of American Art, Mae’s Emporium for vintage jewelry, the farmer’s market for fresh flowers, and Lola (naturally)
My dream vacation would be…
I have a long bucket list, but right at the very top is to float the Grand Canyon (which is gonna be a major shock to anyone who knows me) and I have to see Antelope Canyon in Arizona with my own eyes one day. Have to! Internationally, Dublin is way up there, also want to visit Greece, and must make it back to Paris–I’m clearly always down for an adventure.
Photography by Lydia Hudgens