Life rarely goes according to our design. The pandemic reminded us of this fact and the need to remain resilient when the unexpected happens. In actuality, the alternate paths paved by life’s detours can sometimes lead to more beautiful places than the original design itself.
Annie Austen knows a little something about design. A lifestyle influencer who showcases style for women in all shapes and sizes, you can feel Annie’s effervescence as soon as you walk into her self-named jewelry store in Zona Rosa. Mabel, the sweet dog she literally rescued when found walking along a highway the week before, greets customers alongside her owner wearing a soft pink harness with eyes that twinkle with profound gratefulness and newfound love. Dogs are considered great judges of character, so you can trust that Mabel knows she’s somewhere special when she invites you in, tail wagging.
Formerly a fixture of the corporate world, Annie and her brother Matt — a pipeline worker — started designing and constructing mask chains when their mom kept losing her mask during quarantine. What started out as a fun little project to fit a temporary need turned into a full-time endeavor designing tarnish-resistant, nickel-free and hypoallergenic jewelry that captures the same bubbly energy that Annie brings into a room.
“It’s been a flail forward experience,” she says, joking that she flails through life when others might gracefully fall in their pointed direction. “We stumble into the things we stumble into.”
The Annie Austen jewelry collections are mystical with a touch of whimsy, both meaningful and timeless in their design. Take the Celestial and Fate collections, for example, which incorporate constellations and tarot cards into wearable works of art that are subtle, yet eye-catching. If you’re in need of a little protection, there are even a number of pieces focused on the evil eye to ward off negative energy. Or if you’re looking for something with a bit more teeth, the Fauna collection is for animal lovers, complete with moth pins, serpent rings and an adorable pin of a squirrel embracing a flower. And, with a very reasonable price point, the jewelry is a perfect gift idea that leaves enough in the budget for a little sparkly something for yourself
So much more than a jewelry store, the shop also features carefully selected vintage glassware, handbags and a piece of artwork or two, one of which sits in a gilded gold frame with a note from another time scrawled in grandmotherly cursive on its back. Annie finds each and every piece something to celebrate.
“Every day is special enough to add a little something to your wardrobe,” Annie says. “I’m a fairly eclectic person at the end of the day. I love pretty and meaningful things.”
Passionate about women of all sizes owning and celebrating their worth, Annie embraces the title of “influencer” if it means she is an effective reminder to women that we are all enough.
“It’s so important to break down mental blocks,” she says. “Everyone is either outwardly or secretly going through something with our bodies.” A believer that our bodies are the least interesting things about us, Annie walks the walk when it comes to self-love, giving a wink in thanks to the universe when it reminds her she’s on the right path.
As for Mabel, she’ll be the star of her own success story when Annie Austen launches a pet-jewelry line in her honor — the best true underdog story we’ve ever heard. Until then, swing by the Annie Austen store at Zona Rosa and lose yourself in the positive vibes for a while. Who knows, maybe you’ll be pulled in the direction of an evil-eye-inspired piece. As Annie reminds us, “We all want a little bit of protection.”
Annie Austen
7116 NW 86th Terrace, Kansas City
Instagram: @shopannieausten and @annie_austen
“Every day is special enough to add a little something to your wardrobe,” Annie says. “I’m a fairly eclectic person at the end of the day. I love pretty and meaningful things.”