Fashion Gxd Magazine - The Supermodel AnnaSoSwede Taking Over New York City [Print Issue Now Available]
Written By: Samantha Cee
Born and raised in the countryside of Sweden, Anna moved away from home at 17 and have since lived in 6 countries, has three degrees and started her career in the non for profit sector doing events for United Nations, various world leaders and political organizations. A few years later she ventured into hospitality and hotels and currently holds a Director of Sales title at NYC first boutique hotel, Hotel on Rivington. As if a 24/7 type of job wasn’t enough, she also models and creates for Playboy.
FGM: Its an honor to sit down with you all. Tell us a little about your brand and how you've come to this vastly successful peek in your career .
Answer: My brand has taken many shapes and forms – I started out as a political lobbyist and writer for United Nations, Manhattan chamber of Commerce and Global Citizen to just finish my Master Degree in International Crime and Justice and completely switch directions. The direction it took me was into weddings, private events and hotels and I couldn’t be happier.
FGM: Who are the clients/what are the projects that you most enjoy working on?
Answer:I love event planning that includes a lot of productions and design. It’s always amazing seeing things go from and idea and a vision to actually come alive!
FGM: How do you feel you make a difference in the world?
Answer: I try to always be a mentor and a connector. I love getting people hired and job opportunities where I now they’ll grow and I’m always here to guide people in general on hos to be successful and get their own goals and motivations to turn into reality.
FGM: Tell us about a time when you showed determination to continue as an entrepreneur
Answer: When I got denied on y intial visa process, I knew I had to go harder. And so I did. I worked 24/7 and studied for my masters full time at the same time but I needed more – more on my resume, more connections and more ME. And so I went ham. I was never really “outside” unless it was for work and I stayed out of the scene and just kept going, until I finally got my special talent visa.
FGM: Give me the three best qualities of your brand
Answer: I treat all my clients as if they were more family. I have an eye for details, I’m slightly OCD and I don’t accept imperfection in my job. I will lay on all four and mop the floor during an event, while wearing a ballgown – if I have to!
FGM: Give me an example of when you worked irregular hours?
Answer: I always work when others are off: I haven’t been off for NYE in almost 10 years. Besides that, during event days load in and set up might starts at 9 AM and event conclude at 4 AM. And I do it in heels, haha.
FGM: Being a entrepreneur is a 24/7 job, how did you get ready for that?
Answer: My mom had her own company for 14 years – I grew up in that world and have a hard time seeing myself in any other setting. I always tell people that I’m never off – every time I step out of my door is an opportunity for me and a new meeting to have or connection to gain.
FGM: How did you acquire the ability to work under pressure to beat meet deadlines as a entrepreneur ?
Answer: I drink a lot of wine, haha. No but in all seriousness – I make sure I start my days at the gym, that I get a lot of sleep and just take care of my body and mind in general. A healthy body and mind is key to keep up with an insane life.
FGM: What is your favorite inspirational point, place, to develop new brand developments?
Answer: I love going back home to my family in Sweden and just take a walk in the forest. It gives me so much peace and clarity and gets me back on track if I’ve just completed a busy events season or something that’s felt overwhelming. Nature really has a healing power.
FGM: Which current public figure, are you inspired by or appreciate the most?
Answer: So many. I look to very strong successful females that society often misinterpreted or even banned –Marilyn Monroe, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Pamela Anderson, Malala, Oprah Winfrey. The list is endless!
How do you handle stress ?
Answer: I look at life as a process of obstacles needed to get through. Stress often comes to me because I have a lot of things to do – but as long as I bullet list and start checking things off, stress is manageable. And of course. Wine. Haha.
FGM: What are the three qualities you feel an entrepreneur must have ?
Answer: The power of a string will, determination to not give up or give in and charm. If you can have your shit together but also be charming while trying to convince others that you do, life is going to be a lot easier for you to get things across the finish line.
FGM: Where do you see your business in 10 years ? How do you plan to get there ?
Answer: In ten years, I’ll have my own show about either my every day life of running events and sales the way I do, or I’ll have a talk show talking to others about similar things and experiences. If I continue the way I do now and keep putting all my hard work, dreams and determination towards growing myself and my network, I will get there sooner or later!
FGM: It was a pleasure speaking with you thank you for joining us
Answer: Thank you! <3
By Pilar Scratch in Entrepreneur cover for Fashion Gxd Magazine
32 pages, published 2/8/2023