How She Got There: Anya Sarre: Fashion Stylist and Designer

Name: Anya Sarre
Age: 33
Job Title/Description: Fashion Stylist, Designer, Style Expert, and Entrepreneur
College/Major: Undergraduate Degree—USC: Communications major, business marketing minor. Graduate Degree—Parsons School of Design:fashion design and trend spotting major
Website: www.AnyaSarre.com
Twitter Handles: @StylistAnya and @AnyaSarre
 
Her Campus: What does your job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?
Anya Sarre: I love my job because there is never a typical day. One day I could be on a plane with 14 suitcases on my way to the royal wedding, the next day I could be swatching fabrics at the fabric store, and the next day I could be picking out the crystal color for the new cuff I am designing for “Must Haves” by Anya, my new jewelry line for ShoeDazzle. Each day is so exciting because I never know where it will take me. It is a true gift to love what you do everyday and that is something that I never take for granted.
 
HC: What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?
AS: I was the assistant to the costume designer for a low budget movie, filmed halfway between LA and Las Vegas. I got the job because I had become friends with the casting director, and she knew that this was what I wanted to do and thought of me for the movie. It’s never too early or too late to start networking.
 
HC: What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?
AS: It’s important to dream big and believe in yourself. There is no desire or dream that is too big or unachievable. Make friends with everyone because the assistants and PAs will be the ones who hire you in the future.
 
HC: Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?
AS: Linda Bell Blue, the executive producer of Entertainment Tonight and The Insider. Meeting Linda has led me to where I am now. She taught me to surround myself with people who are experts at what they do and that you are nothing without your team. She taught me to be a powerhouse and a mogul. I have been very lucky to learn from one of the most powerful women in Hollywood. The key to success is to pick something that you love to do. Chances are if you are passionate about what you do, you will be good at it.
 
HC: What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?
AS: I actually collect inspirational quotes. Some of my favorites are:

• “I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure which is: try to please everybody.” – Herbert Bayard Swope
• An anecdote: “My boss once told me that I was amazing because I had the ability to walk in the room and get my head blown off and come back five minutes later with a new head.”
• You can be delicate, soft, and sweet but you have to have to develop thick skin—Thicker than the most expensive crocodile leather bag!

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HC: What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
AS: As a stylist, I’m so lucky that I can borrow clothes, shoes, and jewelry from different designers. It’s a privilege, and items that are borrowed must be returned the same way. Early in my career, I didn’t understand that tags and receipts are like gold. I misplaced a tag, and tried to return the couture gown without it. I ultimately had to pay for the dress myself. Today, I’m a stickler about borrowed items and meticulous when it comes to returns—ask anyone who works for me! Make a mistake, learn from the lesson, and never make the same mistake twice!
 
HC: What is the best part of your job?
AS: Being able to help people look and feel good. When you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you look good! If I can make someone feel better about themselves, give them confidence, and get them compliments—that’s what I live for.
 
HC: What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
AS: Someone who has common sense, can think quick on their feet, is going to go above and beyond without being asked, has a positive attitude, understands that it isn’t always glamorous, and isn’t afraid of getting their hands dirty and working hard. That’s all!
 
HC: What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspiration?
AS: Don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid to network, ask people for business cards, and ask how they got started. Don’t be afraid to tell someone that you want to work for them and want the job. Don’t turn down any opportunity. You never know who you are going to meet just because you showed up. Everything leads to something else. Show up earlier, stay later, and smile more than the person next to you.

• how she got there