We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Wong and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Where are you from and how did your background and upbringing impact who you are today?

I grew up in eastern Washington in a tiny town. Being Chinese in a rural town was rough. I knew I was never going to fit in. I now know that not fitting in set me free to be who I felt like. It made me look outside of my surroundings for inspiration. It also made me think for myself and not follow others’ opinions on what was acceptable for me aesthetically.

When I was young I wanted to blend in but I stuck out like a sore thumb. I’m not sure when it happened exactly but one day I decided that if I couldn’t just be invisible I would just be me and wear what I wanted. It didn’t matter if others didn’t like it.

What value or principle matters most to you? Why?

What I value most in myself and others is integrity. In the world of styling everyone is hustling and trying to get work.. I appreciate others in the business that are supportive, as I will do the same. There is no reason to put others down to build yourself up.

Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?

The balance in this lifestyle is either you are working nonstop or you have absolutely nothing! What keeps me at peace about it is that when I’m busy I have to keep in mind that the busyness affords me downtime. In the downtime I am able to have time to be with and to concentrate on my kids especially while they are young and want to be in my company. I know that soon enough they won’t want my attention. My parents are immigrants and they worked very hard in building our family’s life. I always wished they had time for me. So I try not to take any walk to school for granted and to try and be patient with the thousandth question they have for me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Wardrobe styling is very personal. I want people to feel their best how they are right now. I love it when people feel seen! I hope that’s what sets me apart.

Professionally I still feel I’m at the beginning and everything is a challenge. A lesson I have learned along the way is that everyone expects you to know everything but treats you like you know nothing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to thank my dear friend and fantastic makeup artist Melissa Korn who introduced me to this world. She is my biggest cheerleader and always has me laughing till I’m crying on set!

Website: annawongstylist.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eggrollwong/

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/anna-y-wong

Image Credits
Patrick Tak . Mcklyn Cole

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