Annie from Miss Winks. Pic credit @wearefoundau
For those who don't know, Annie is the owner and master mind behind MissWinks an online lingerie boutique stocking intimates, jewelry and gifts from independent and Australian designers. On top of owning a personal business Annie also works as a Marketing and PR officer for QT Hotel in Canberra.
We hope you are inspired by her as much as we were. See the below interview with Annie.
Deejay: How did you get your idea or concept for the business?
Annie: It’s always been in the background I suppose. A few years ago I owned a boutique that stocked mainly vintage and also some designer labels and I always thought it would be fantastic to stock unique, feminine lingerie but the store wasn’t the right format at the time.
I then worked as a personal stylist and the importance of lingerie in making a woman feel beautiful and confident really struck me.
Deejay: What as your mission at the onset?
Annie: I wanted to source pieces that were different to the usual offerings you find in department or high-street stores. I also wanted to support up and coming designers. These designer pieces are made with love and are high quality so it makes sense to support these small small businesses.
I also want the experience to be fun! Miss Winks epitomises the duality of our nature- the girly girl, the feminine but also strong, sassy and mischievous.
Deejay : What do you
attribute your success to?
Annie: I think I am still
defining what success looks like. I just keep chipping away and keep the bigger
picture in mind. I have goals, as we all do, and try to keep my daydream as the
impetus to keep working hard.
Deejay: What difficulties have
you had owning a business and how have
you overcome them?
Annie: It’s all about
balance. I’m not always good at prioritising my wellbeing when I am busy but
that’s really something that’s coming into focus. When you’re busy, sometimes
self-care can be the first thing to go. I have seen my desire to do things
differently as feeling a bit overwhelming at times but now I see it as a good
thing.
I’ve balanced full-time work with a business,
I’ve gone out on my own a few times and it’s not always easy but I know that
this is what I am born to do. I feel it on a soul level. So, I can’t ignore
that and I just need to ride the waves as they come.
Deejay: If you have one
piece of advice to someone just starting out what would it be?
Annie: Put in the hours.
Growing a business takes double the time and usually double the money you
expected. There is no such thing as an overnight success, as much as it can
seem that way. Also, have fun with it! Don’t forget why you had the dream in
the first place. Take time for you, prioritise your physical and mental health.
Be authentic. Do you.
Deejay: You also work full
time, how do you find the time?
Annie: Sometimes I don’t
feel like I do! I work in PR for a leading hotel group, which can be quite
demanding, although really interesting and dynamic. I then work on my business
in the evenings, on weekends, and in my sleep it feels like! You just have to
do it to make progress. But I’m really passionate so that spurs me on.
Deejay: What is your goal
for the next five years?
Annie: So many things!
Growing my business to stock more labels is one thing. I also have an itching
for design so watch this space! Personally, I want to travel more. It enriches
my soul and enlivens my mind.
Things you might not have
known about our boss babe Annie.
Deejay: What song or
artist do you have on repeat?
Annie: I never really seem
to have gotten past the 90’s and 00’s for tunes so you will most likely have me
listening to some RNB or Hip Hop from then interspersed with Britney and the
Backstreet Boys! What a dag.
Deejay: What fashion item
can’t you live without?
Annie: Wow this is like
naming my favourite child! I love leather…and black…so probably my leather
jacket and skirt. So versatile. But my Moschino belt and Jimmy Choo satchel
would probably be my most special staples.
Deejay: What is a fun fact
that our readers wouldn’t know about you?
Annie: I can do a really
convincing Bronx accent. I think I was a New Yorker in a past life. In fact,
accents I can do pretty well- I’ve had fun with that!
Thank you Annie for your time your journey is inspiring to
witness
You can see Annie’s fabulous curated collection at this years Fashfest. She will be showcasing on Saturday night, show 1 at 7:00pm.
Xo Deejay
Editorial image credits
Model // Sinead Carpenter
Makeup // Amy Capeda
Hair styling // Kate Lily
Hair cut and colour // Axis Hairdressing
Styling // Our editor Deejay
Wardrobe // Miss Winks
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