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

Hi Ashlee, how do you define success?
Success is a concept that can be described and labeled as many different things, whether for better or worse. Some only measure it to their monetary value or amount of influence they have over others, but for me, success lies within identifying the originality that separates you from the rest and running with it in your never-ending feat for growth and knowledge. When I started ANEA HILL, I entered a niche section of the fashion industry as an entrepreneur, where I connected my unique designs with the differentiate by zoning in and marking my own twist on luxury staple pieces – accessories. And, my success flowed from my determination to make my pieces stand out wherever worn and take on a life of their own; sometimes even larger than the outfit itself! My pursuit stands to expand on the notion of high quality patterns, colors, fabrics, and fun designs on accessories to the next level all while keeping the chic finish. Past sold out editions such as my Nottingham green sunglasses, made in Japan with a tortoise acetate, exemplify the thoughtfulness that goes into every product we create; seeking to explore the myriad of outlets that adds that X factor in everyday luxury. Although I could’ve defaulted to easier practices or abdication all around, I pushed through with my vision for my consumer base that I knew and understood my vision.
As a whole, finding true success – whether that’s in business, relationships, etc. – is finding peace and a safe place to nestle within. It’s within the muscle memory of remembering how hard you worked and had to overcome to get where you are, knowing it was all was worth it and for something greater. No one highly prominent in business woke up one day and said “that was easy”, because you won’t actually appreciate where you are unless you experience all the hardships it took to get there. There was purpose to the late nights, tears, and feelings of failure – because, within those times, you developed traits and experiences that allow you to cherish and appreciate the view, while still keeping the horizon in perspective when ready to chase that next achievement high. My wish for ANEA HILL is to illustrate the creative thought, design, and hard work that goes into every luxury product we produce – and offer a quality and tasteful brand for fellow female bosses as almost an aligned reward for their perseverance!! x

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I began ANEA HILL with a love for family and luxury. My passion for accessories and styling inspired my brand from the desire to create fresh, staple pieces that elevate any outfit. I found the inspiration to start after I began sketching accessory designs (as a hobby?) for sunglasses, hats, and chic comfort clothing; seeking to create a brand that values luxury products in a way that dives deeper into unique & self-made designs with distinctive cultures, organic textures, and innovative trends. Whether going out on the town or walking through the streets, I wish for the women who wear my pieces to look and feel like the female boss they are!

Being an entrepreneur and businesswoman isn’t an easy venture but it’s absolutely possible. When I started out, there were many nights with feelings of defeat and wanting to quit but when you achieve the milestones, the payoff overcomes all those discouraging thoughts. With a focused vision, confidence in your message, and a spirit of continuous persistence, you will find your niche and the open doors that will follow!

Through my journey, I’ve found that your differentiation in the crowd will make your visions stand out – even in the low times, you can stand strong with the confidence that your brand offers an element distinctive from others. I held to my purpose going in to combine a classic standard of curated luxury with a family essence that grounds us at the end of the day.

For ANEA HILL, our speciality lies in our devotion to the highest quality and specifically curated designs to produce eccentric styles and colors – some examples being our new First Class sunglasses made with black Havana acetate and sellout pair, Nottingham, colored green from tortoise acetate. Most recently, our brand was selected to be a prominent sponsor in Malibu’s popular event – Meet in Malibu! We will have models participating in their fashion show wearing our pieces and a booth as a main vendor!

Overall, with the support of my family, my amazing assistant, and my icon inspirations, I’m really proud of the place we’ve gotten in the business and the the milestones we’ve achieved in the short time we’ve started! I hope to encourage women to follow their passions and the “pushed aside” ideas that we don’t have the time to pursue. When you identify your niche and the qualities that make you different, that’s where should zone in and pursue – because that’s what make you special! The time is now, go for it!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite way to show my friends and family around Houston is through fine dining and shopping! My inner city girl loves to dress up, go out on the town, and treat them to (IMO) the finest parts of the city!

For trips, during the day I would definitely take them shopping in ROD as I love reviewing the latest trends! I’d want to give them a chance to look at the unique pieces within Houston boutiques and provide some relief shopping at our favorites – Intermix, LoveShackFancy, Dior, Sephora, and Zara! We’d go to a hotspot favorite for lunch, Gratify, to let them feel the hustle and bustle energy of the city. I specifically love their fantastic wine and caviar list and locally sourced food! Central Market is also a good recommendation and spot I’d take for grocery shopping.

To end the trip, I’d especially want to treat them to some quality Houston dining that entertains a cozy ambiance. Anvil for drinks to begin the evening with a later reservation at Mastro’s in the Woodland. Shoutout to the General Manager there, Jet, for his similar commitment to excellence and a quality dining experience!

Similar to how I built and drive ANEA HILL, I wish to always create and provide the highest quality for my family, friends, and clientele – whether it’s a pair of in vogue sunglasses or a sublime dining experience!

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?
From the start of ANEA HILL, I have always admired and began my business in a “Bethenny Frankel” type spirit. Her work ethic and relentless pursuit in her brand and product always stood out to me and I knew that’s how I wanted to run my own ventures. She has an energy of wanting to excel in everything she does, and that was an element that inspired me to embed within my fashion brand, ANEA HILL. In our pursuit for excellence, I wanted to take my love for luxury fashion in order to elevate designs with the fresh, rich, classic standard that our clientele possess.

Most importantly, it all lies in family and support at the core. ANEA HILL stands for each member of our family (Aaron, Navy, Everleigh, and Ashlee), as they are my rock and ones that keep me pushing each day. I want to also shoutout and show appreciation for my assistant, Marissa, who has also helped me so much in building from ground up and providing support throughout our rise. Two brains are bigger than one!

Website: https://ashleefrazier.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleefrazier/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ashleefrazier?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleenfrazier

Other: ANEA HILL – https://www.aneahill.com/pages/about-anea-hill

Image Credits
Ashlee Frazier / Anea Hill

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