Ambassador Spotlight Series

with Anja

Anja is one of the Ambassadors in our program, the Worn Well Collective. We are so thrilled and honored to be working with her and so many other talented creators in the slow and ethical fashion niche. Shop Anja's looks and enjoy her story!

Name: Anja Schroeder

Intro: Hi! I’m Anja, like Anya, and I’m a 27-year-old mom making it in deep east Texas. I have a 3 (almost 4) year old little boy and I’m literally married to my best friend. We have a dog named Buster and a cat named Noodles. I’m working on my bachelor’s in criminal justice right now, and that takes up a lot of my time. But I still manage to enjoy fashion and getting dressed every day.

City: Lufkin, TX

IG Handle: anjagoeslightly

How would you describe your personal style?

Colorful and eclectic. I thrive on color and I’m drawn to so many different styles that it’s hard to nail down one specific aesthetic.

What are your current hobbies, projects, or things you’re learning?

I’m currently learning to sew. My mom has lent me one of her sewing machines and I’ve been hemming and mending and reworking some of my clothes here and there and it’s been so much fun. It’s really empowering to be able to do these things on my own.

How would you describe your personal style?

Colorful and eclectic. I thrive on color and I’m drawn to so many different styles that it’s hard to nail down one specific aesthetic.

What are your current hobbies, projects, or things you’re learning?

What got you started in the slow, sustainable, and ethical fashion niche?

After I had my son, my body changed dramatically. I basically needed an entirely new wardrobe. And since my husband and I were on a fixed income, thrifting was the only reasonable way I could achieve that. I began following a few fashion influencers on Instagram and started to learn about sustainability and ethical labor practices and I was captivated. I had dabbled with meat-free diets before, but I never truly realized how much my shopping choices impacted the environment and the people in it.

What is your favorite Tradlands piece and why?

I love the shelter cardigan so much. It’s such a staple. The guide coverall is also at the top of that list. It’s so easy to throw on and look put together! And the chalet dress has really become one of my favorites. It’s light and breezy and still classy. Plus, pockets.

What is your favorite Tradlands piece and why?

What are your fashion/style/lifestyle influences or inspirations?

I am constantly inspired by my friends on the internet. They all have some of the most unique styles. Aside from that, I’m usually scrolling Pinterest to get inspiration for a specific piece. I also love vintage style and fashion. I envy people who can commit to a vintage-specific style because I’m all over the board.

What advice would you give to someone looking to join or learn more about the slow/ethical/responsible fashion niche as motivation or reassurance?

Slow fashion is slow, so it’s okay if you are too. There’s no rush to replace everything you have with something that’s sustainably or ethically made. Use what you have first, and if you really need something, try to thrift it! There are lots of online platforms that you can look for something specific on and that makes secondhand shopping really easy.

What other projects or things are you looking forward to this year?

I’m mostly looking forward to continuing my degree. I have no idea how much longer I’m set to be in school for, but I know it’ll be at least another year. And that’s okay! I’m just glad I finally found something I care about enough to get a degree in.