I was told a story today, and the person said that people are like teabags. Some come wrapped better and even smell better, but sometimes the ones that you would never pick up off the shelf are the ones that are the best when put in hot water. You see, when a tea bag is placed in hot water, the genuine essence filters out. The longer the teabag sits in hot water, the stronger the taste will become, and the tea bag can no longer blend in and look like the rest.

All of that to say, just like you, we’re all presumably in some degree of "hot water." Whether it’s with your business, health, finances, employment, and more. I believe some people have  “hotter" water than others. Still, nevertheless, the true essence of who we are as people is starting to emerge. I wanted to say “emerge like never before," but I can't do that because that wouldn't be true. We are a nation built on trials and tribulations, and some people made our classroom history books because of the positive "essence" that they left behind. Then there are others...who made the history books for the opposite.

After hearing the Governor speak on Wednesday, and hearing the data around COVID-19, the things needed to "lower the curve," him requesting that all schools stay closed until May 4th (last day for my children is May 31st), it hit me, we are making history. We’re about to land in the updated version of our children's social studies books. One thing to remember though is that even after everything that happened, big or small, economic or other….WE ARE STILL HERE AND STILL STANDING.

I was raised by my great grandmother (Queen Anna for those who may not know) who was born in 1921 and had the opportunity to experience The Great Depression, Brown versus Board of Education, sit-ins, boycotts, Freedom Ride, voter registration rally, countless civil rights leaders assassinated, the stock market crash, September 11 and everything in between. I have to say even in my "hot water" no matter how hot it gets my destination to greatness on any level will not change. My course, strategy, and methods will be different than I initially thought, but the end result will still be the same. I refuse to believe that because I need to close my business doors that I need to fire all my staff, cancel orders, and close up shop. What it does mean is that I need to operate as lean as possible and become creative and innovative in ways to give my clients what they need.

As the leader of two businesses, and co-leader with my husband of my family, I operate with a tremendous weight on my shoulders. My weight might be different, but it's still substantial. Your weight is your weight, and it's still heavy, but it doesn't mean you can't handle the load. Do I extend my hand washing routine to a second round of the ABC song to make sure I’m doing my part to keep everyone around me safe? AB-solutely. But it also means I’m leading by example and acknowledging the fact that something is going on around us but not letting the world's fleeting need to stock up on toilet paper, scare me into thinking the world is coming to an end, and neither can you. We need to make sure that when it is all said and done, and the history books are printed that what you’re being recorded doing is something to benefit those connected to you and making a positive difference in which it’s felt in humanity.

As a business owner, managing a brick and mortar (that has had to close) created to empower and encourage women to find their fashionable selves through education style and fashion, an e-commerce site, as well as a full-service experiential boutique that offers a luxury fashion concierge that virtually styles clients and makes fashion accessible and fun again, AND I have four little humans that need (and deserve) me to morph into a homeschool teacher is unrealistic. I learned a long time ago that nothing great is accomplished alone and didn't come at a high cost. My team affords me the ability to be who I need to be for my brand, our clients, and the mission to empower women. Still, even more, they allow me to be where I’m needed the most, and that’s instilling everything I have into my four humans with any time that I have. Will I be making changes to be fiscally responsible and operating much "leaner?" Yes, but the mission of empowering women through fashion will not stop. Queen Anna House of Fashion and One Posh Closet brick the mortar locations will be closed MOMENTARILY. Still, we’ll be offering virtual facetime styling sessions and offering all products and services virtually and online.

When I think of my "WHY" as it relates to the creation of Queen Anna as well as Posh, I have to say that failure will never be an option. Failure to me is throwing in the towel, quitting, or walking away. To put it in perspective, my Queen lived 95 long years and experienced textbook-like history. Her life history and experiences remind me that I can stand steadfast and immovable and look COVID-19 straight in the eye and say, "I WAS CREATED FOR THIS." "YOU AREN'T THE FIRST, AND YOU WON'T BE THE LAST, TO TRY TO TAKE ME OUT AND THAT'S OK BECAUSE VICTORY IS IN MY BLOOD." "I WILL NEVER STOP AND I WILL NEVER QUIT!" I say that with such conviction because I know the part that I’m playing in the more enormous scope of things is not about me but about the people that my team and businesses serve.

I want to encourage anyone who thinks their hot water is too much to handle, you have to remember the same thing: You were created for this, it's not the first struggle. It won't be the last, YOU GOT THIS! Will it be easy, NOPE, but as history suggests, there’s an end, and when it’s all over, what will the history books say about you?

Now, after all that Shop Queen Anna's 25% off Social Shopping Sale, join us for our social distance shopping experience this weekend, our webinars and masterclasses….🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 JK... Kinda

No, but in all seriousness, make sure you are supporting small businesses because we need you just as much as you need the services that we provide. Do your part to keep our economy secure during this challenging time. Remember, you have a page in history, and you get the chance to create your narrative. Be remembered for doing something great, and let your teabag leave a positive lasting impression on the world and community in which you live.

Long office days, busy home life and limited hours for off-duty obligations can leave little to no time for yourself. 

We're all busy. We know that. But we believe in order to be your best self for those around you, you need to take care of yourself first. Ways to approach health and wellness come in a variety of forms and we're excited to offer up different opportunities for our clients and their friends. 

Our Operations Manager, Char Dobbs invites you to learn more about our health and wellness initiative. Take a peek here. 

Start your journey to self-care with our first pop-up workout series of the season, Self-Care Sundays with Pure Barre.

Our friends at Pure Barre - North Loop invite you to experience the very best of Pure Barre Classic through a barre sampler series at Queen Anna House of Fashion. Come "embrace the shake" with a low impact, high-intensity 50-min workout will help lengthen and tone your entire body using small isometric movements.

Purchase all four classes for $50 and receive a pair of Pure Barre sticky socks. Individual classes are available for $15 each.

Dates:
Sunday, February 24 at 9AM
Sunday, March 10 at 9AM
Sunday, April 14 at 9AM
Sunday, May 19 at 9AM

Class begins at 9AM and parking is available connected to the boutique - marked "Retail Parking."

Please bring your own mat and a water bottle. Join us afterward for post-workout snacks and refreshments. Sign up for individual classes or all four here. 

It's January, and we're all doing our annual journey to the gym thanks to our New Year's resolutions. Heading to workout used to mean old sweats and t-shirts from years gone by, but not anymore! We've got things to do and places to be before and after the gym, i.e., post-workout brunch. 

To help keep you looking like the sporty chic queen that you are we've round up a few of our top picks to take you from your sweat session and beyond without missing a fashionable beat. Time to pack your gym bag.

Post-Workout Outfit #1

If you've just crushed a killer spin class or hot yoga opt for breathable fabrics as you let your body cool down. Commando's Jacquard Stripe Voile Oversized Shirt is made of soft cotton and will help keep you from overheating. Pair with high-waisted leggings like these liquid leggings from Carbon38 (so many colors!) and low-heeled booties. Complete your look with a Soia & Kyo jacket, because it's still January after all. 

Commando Jacquard Stripe White Cotton Voile Oversized Shirt, Queen Anna 

Carbon38 High Waisted "Takara" Legging, Carbon38

United Nude Silver Mix "Zink Patch" Lo Boot, Queen Anna

SOIA & KYO Black Camelia Hooded Down Coat, Queen Anna - similar styles here and here

Post-Workout Outfit #2

The touch of cashmere. Who doesn't love it? Give your body some extra TLC after your barre or dance class and wrap yourself up in this cozy athleisure ensemble. 

Maison de Papillion "Yara" Cable Cashmere Sweater, Queen Anna

Maison de Papillion Noir "Jocelyn" Cashmere Jogger, Queen Anna or cashmere leggings here

All Sports Backpack, Sweaty Betty

Quay x Desi Perkins "High Key" Sunglasses, Nordstrom

Post-Workout Outfit #3

You were able to squeeze in just enough time for a little weightlifting and a quick bit of cardio, and now you're off and running for the rest of your day. Toss a pair of wrinkle-free trousers, a sweater, and slip-on sneakers into your bag. Gym hair, don't care? Top off your look with a slouchy beanie.

Undercover Camo Pullover, Athleta

On The Fly Pant Woven, Lululemon

Alo Yoga Norte Sherpa Coat, Carbon38

United Nudes Black + Red "Bo" Easy-Shoe, Queen Anna

SOIA & KYO "Amalie-T" Pompom Hat, Queen Anna

Share your post-workout style with us - tag @queenannaliving or use #queenannamn.