We were lucky to catch up with Annemarie Roggow recently and have shared our conversation below.
Annemarie, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I keep my creativity alive by seeking out new opportunities for myself. I went to school for fashion, got my Bachelor’s in Apparel Merchandising and Advertising and my Master’s in Fashion Marketing. I’ve loved art and have been creative since I was a child, so to learn more about the fashion industry was a no brainer. Through my education, I have developed the skills to plan, direct and style fashion editorial shoots which I continue to pursue. In 2019, I studied at London College of Fashion for a study abroad semester, I got asked to model at London Fashion Week. This kickstarted my passion to seek out modeling, and other creative endeavors for myself in the Twin Cities.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Full time, I work as a Planner in Jewelry in Apparel and Accessories. Essentially, I manage product lifecycle and work with the jewelry buyers to push out product to customers. This allows me to understand how business runs and the skills required to drive results for a large company. I get to use my more logical side here and tap into my creative side in my side work and hobbies.
In 2019, I got asked to model at London Fashion Week during my study abroad semester in college. Modeling was never something I sought out to pursue, but the more people asked me for gigs, the more I grew to enjoy it. Growing up, I felt there weren’t many Asian women in media, so the fact I get to be representation in magazines for others is special to me. I have felt myself grow into myself and in modeling as the years have gone by. When I first started, I felt I was stiff and unsure, but from studying the movement of animals and embracing my long limbs, I have become much more dynamic. I hope to work with new photographers in the area soon!
At the beginning of this year, I have started photography and supported brand growth for the Twin Cities running brand, Shady Lane Clothing. I met the founder and creative director, Izaak Nosbisch, through social media. I saw he was local , was drawn to the content he was creating and decided to reach out. Since then, I have assisted in creating content for new clothing drops, storytelling and attending events like Twin Cities Marathon to capture runners who wore Shady Lane for the race. Izaak’s passion for running and fashion inspire me to not only live an active lifestyle, but to be creative and enjoy the journey.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three qualities that have been most impactful on my journey are personal drive, putting ego to the side and giving everything a shot.
In 2020, I did a remote internship with Liza Vassell, founder and owner of the PR firm Brooklyn PR out of Los Angeles. She adopted not having an ego which propelled her personal career. She taught me coming in to situations open minded, not knowing is okay and picking others brains is the best way to grow. Since adopting this myself, I found people are eager to share their passions with me and want to foster my growth.
Growing up, I used to have anxiety thinking “what if they say no?” when being presented with opportunities. Now, I ask myself, “what’s the worst they can say? no?” which is fine by me and gives me an answer. Its an opportunity to grow or reframe my growth path.
The advice I have for folks just starting their own journey is to be open minded, give yourself some grace and ask experts in the field you’re looking to go into for advice. Staying curious is a healthy way to grow. If there’s not a seat for you at the table, bring your own chair.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes! I am always looking for new folks to partner or collaborate with.
I am looking for people who have personal stories they would like to share, photographers and brand owners. I love hearing about other’s journeys and how they would like to express themselves and if I can be a part of that.
People can connect with me on my Instagram @annemarieroggow to inquire. I stay pretty tapped in on there to find new people or save work that I like and appreciate.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annemarieroggow/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemarieroggow/
Image Credits
Blue Background images: Nicole Leiner
Shady lane photos: Annemarie Roggow
Purple back ground and grey background: Reid Jarvi
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
