Check out our interview with TikTok fashion influencer Anna Redman.
Whether you’re shopping for your significant other, parents, siblings, or even yourself—Anna has all the tips and tricks for the most unique and thoughtful gifts for every special someone in your life. Other than the shopping season, Anna spreads positive and relatable fashion, glowing makeup, interior design, and healthy relationship insight to her dedicated fanbase.
Follow Anna on IG @anna_redman & TikTok @annaredman
Hi Anna, please tell us a little about you?
I grew up in a small town in Minnesota, moved to Chicago for school, and never left! I currently live downtown Chicago with my boyfriend Chris. While I love posting my life, style, and funny quips online, I still love going to my day job in advertising! When I’m not working I’m perpetually online (posting every thought that pops into my brain), checking out Chicago restaurants, or binge watching true crime documentaries. It’s a busy life, but I love it.
Describe yourself in 3 words
creative, charismatic, funny
Who is your role model?
Taylor Swift. Girlboss. Queen. Talented. Showstopping. Must I go on?
How did you get started into the business?
Being on reality TV really does help “jumpstart” online careers, but I mostly grew after the show was out.
I just started posting my life more candidly on TikTok and people seemed to really resonate with it and enjoy my sense of humor!
I think it was a couple of coffee poop jokes, period cramp rants, and hairstyling videos that really blew me up though. lol
How has this changed your life?
It has given me a lot of confidence that I had lost from being on reality TV. People don’t shed light on a lot of the downsides of going on TV, but a big one is the hate you receive. Coming off the season I thought no one would ever want to see my face let alone hear what I have to say. But, slowly posting on TikTok let me show my personality not through the lens of producers and reality TV, but through my real life.
Seeing people react positively has given me the confidence to become the woman I am today and to continue sharing my life with others.
Also, the money and financial freedom it provides doesn’t hurt.
Tell us about your work as a fashion influencer and content creator?
I’ve always loved fashion. Like a lot of young girls, growing up I thought I was going to go to New York and study design! But as an adult, reality set in of how hard that career is.
When I gained a platform, I thought to myself, “how can I turn this into not only something I actually love doing but is also helpful to people?”
That’s how I landed on the fashion side of the internet. I love helping people style looks that they could already have in their closets, pushing people to take risks, and also helping other short girls out there (I’m 5’1) find clothes that fit without having to get them altered!
I’m currently running a series that lets me pay homage to my idol (Swift) and fashion by putting together a look that corresponds to each one of her new songs on the Midnights album! It’s a fun and trendy way to mix up some styles.
Where or when did you found the love for this?
I’ve always had a love for fashion but seeing my videos help others or inspire others made me fall in love with fashion influencing.
What kind of topics do you like to share about?
On Instagram, I mostly stick to clothes, lifestyle, and food. But on TikTok, I love sharing everything! I love making quick jokes to trending sounds or just brain-dumping on the app and seeing that people think the same way I do! It’s a cool way to connect.
I often joke about how different I interact with the apps and how my followers see two completely different sides of me depending on what app they are seeing me from.
How often do you upload new content?
Multiple times a day. I try to make 2-5 TikToks a day, 5-15 IG stories a day, and 3-7 posts (static or reels) per week.
Now let’s talk about being a Social Media Influencer. Can you share a few tips for influencers or content creators during/after this covid/pandemic times?
I do see social media changing a lot. It’s acting less like a ‘mood board’ and more like a source of information. I would say to ask yourself what problem are you solving? How can people find your content useful?
And sometimes just to “entertain people” is an okay answer too.
Other than that, take it seriously. Post every day. Multiple times a day. Stay consistent. The algorithm loves consistency.
Now tell us about the huge TikTok success and what are you doing to keep it going and growing even more?
I’ve currently switched from just trying to viral with every post to really nurturing my audience. Creating videos that they will like and appreciate vs. trying to please the masses.
Can you share some fashion tips for Thanksgiving or the Holidays?
Layers! Layers! Layers!
Not only are they super practical, but the more layers an outfit has the more put-together you look. Also, by layering, you can “up-style” a lot of staple items you have in your wardrobe. Take a plain black dress, add sparkly tights, a chunky sweater, and a belt to cinch it in, and you have a new and chic look!
What do you think is the secret to have a successful TikTok account?
Posting a lot and not caring what anyone thinks of you!
When you started your account, did you expect such a success?
I always had an interest in growing my own socials since I would work on large brands. But I never EXPECTED success. I think if Anna from two years ago could see where I am right now, she would be so shocked and proud.
What mindsets helped making you so successful?
The IDGAF mindset haha — you realllllllllyyyyyyy can’t let others people’s opinions of yourself get you down. Just start posting! It’s not cringe I swear!
As a popular influencer you are followed by so many people. How do you feel about that pressure of doing always the right thing, and encourage people to follow their dreams?
The more eyes that are on you, the more pressure there will be. I think as long as you can stay true to yourself you’ll be okay.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
Life goes on! Pick yourself up and move on!
Now tell us about your experience in popular TV show “The Bachelor?”
It wasn’t my favorite life experience. But that aftermath has brought me some great lifelong friends, love, and such a strong support system.
I think experience-wise, I was expecting more of an even playing field, fewer lies, and less production, but that’s not how that works at all.
How did you got selected to participate or how was the casting?
I was nominated! I then received a call, set up some interviews, and then boom! I was on! It was a really fast and bizarre experience especially since it was all virtual.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
A dressed-up mess.
Any advice to entrepreneurs out there?
Work hard, stay consistent, and manifest! If you believe it will happen it will! Oh! And don’t be afraid to ask people for help/advice!
What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?
I’ve made some tough business moves this past. month. I still haven’t seen if they’ve paid off yet, but I’m crossing my fingers.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Seeing how people react to my content.
From recreating looks, to copying trends, to just seeing people comment that they relate or find what I’m saying funny! I love it all! I think I was made to just interact with people all day haha
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Don’t give weight to anything that won’t matter in a year. Your headspace is worth more.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Elevated basics with a twist.
What’s next for Anna Redman in the last months of 2022 and for 2023?
I will be putting out more fashion content than ever! I’ll also be uploading a ton of holiday shopping lists, so if you need help in that area, definitely check out my TikTok page!
What is your own definition of happiness?
Feeling at peace.
How is a normal day in your life?
I wake up and immediately have coffee. I will then check emails. Gym. Lunch smoothie. Get ready. I start my day job at 11 AM. I’ll take breaks here or there to film content. When I’m done at 7pm I’ll edit everything and post. Then I’ll usually make dinner with my boyfriend, watch a movie, and head to bed to do it all over again!
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
I love feeling productive. So probably the “opposite” of a lazy Sunday. Wake up. Coffee. Workout class. Get ready. Take content I can post throughout the week. Grab a late lunch with friends and then dinner with my boyfriend. Head home and watch a movie in bed.
But usually, I film a lot of my ad content on the weekends so it never is that nice haha
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
TAYLOR SWIFT. I seriously love her. And hope she sees this
Best advice ever given?
Have two jobs. I tell everyone my age to have multiple streams of income. I seriously don’t think I’ve ever just had one job. I still haven’t quit my day job (even though I could) because I would rather build what I can for the future than have an “easy life” at the moment.
Do you support any charity?
I am a. huge supporter of planned parenthood. I give monthly to them. I also post a lot of information on my platform about social justice issues. Other programs that are close to my heart that I love supporting are Big Brother Big Sisters and the Salt and Light Coalition.
What do you think of Social Media?
There are a lot of downsides to social media, but overall it’s such a cool place to find connection, and inspiration, spread good information, and feel seen/a part of something.
Where we can follow you?
IG: @anna_redman
TikTok: @annaredman
