Meet Anna-wynn Deyo | Fashion Merchandising Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna-wynn Deyo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna-Wynn, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I originally thought I was going to be a teacher. From a young age, I had this deep desire to help others learn and grow. In high school, I even took classes geared toward teaching, preparing myself to go to college to pursue a degree in education. But as time went on, I began to feel a shift in my heart and a tug toward something completely different. God works in mysterious ways, and now when I look back, I see now that His plan was always greater than what I had imagined for myself. His calling for me to pursue fashion was clearer and more profound than anything I could have planned. It was a reminder that God’s plans often surprise us and lead us in directions we never expected, but His ways are always better than our own. Growing up, my mom was always my biggest role model. She had this undeniable style and grace, and I used to call her my “fashionista.” Watching her put together outfits with such ease, I couldn’t help but develop the same love for fashion. Throughout my life, I was often shy, but fashion became my outlet to express myself. It gave me the freedom to communicate who I was. I always found myself lying in bed at night, curating outfits in my head, piecing together new looks and dreaming of ways to bring them to life. That passion for creating, for making new ideas come to life, is something that has stayed with me. Fashion, for me, is more than just clothing, it is about creating art, pushing boundaries, and embracing the beauty of individuality. I think fashion is such a beautiful way to be uniquely you and shine your light. The reality of pursuing fashion became a dream I wanted to pursue with all my heart. The more I thought about it, the more I realized how strongly I felt that God was guiding me toward this path. I have the Creator of all creators guiding me, and His influence inspires me every day to come up with new ideas and bring them to life in ways that reflect His love and creativity.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a fashion merchandising student, I am super passionate about fashion, but what excites me most is the ability to make my mark in an ever-evolving industry. I’ve always been a girly girl at heart, but I also have a love for unique and fun fashion. I love keeping up with trends and being inspired by the way fashion can tell a story. What sets me apart is my drive to be a light in the fashion world. While the industry can be very competitive and at times intimidating, I strive to create a positive impact by helping others and being an encouraging spirit. I want to be someone who encourages creativity, collaboration, and kindness, knowing that we all have a voice and vision to share. Fashion has always been my way to express myself, and it is how I can truly be myself. The world of fashion has shaped me, and now, I’m eager to be a part of it and contribute in my own way. The fashion industry is constantly changing, and that’s one of the things I love most about it. It is always evolving, and there is always something new to learn. Whether it’s a new trend, a creative idea, or a different perspective, I’m always excited to see what is next and how I can also contribute. Getting to where I am today has not always been easy. I have had moments of doubt, tough competition, and a variety of obstacles, but through those challenges, I’ve learned some valuable lessons. I have learned to stay focused on my goals, to trust the process, and to never stop learning. The most important lesson I’ve learned is that challenges are opportunities to grow. Being in a competitive environment has taught me to thrive under pressure but has also shown me how important it is to collaborate and learn from others. There is always something new to be inspired by, and I have learned that it is all about growing together and celebrating all the amazing ideas everyone brings to the table. Through it all, I have felt God’s hand guiding me. My faith has been a constant source of strength and direction, reminding me that this exciting journey is part of a greater purpose. I trust that He is leading me where I need to go and equipping me to do the work He has set before me. I continuously lean on Him and my support system, trusting and knowing that God has a plan for me, far greater than I can imagine. What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I am passionate, eager, and dedicated to using my love for fashion to make a positive difference. I hope to be a source of inspiration and kindness in the industry. My ultimate goal is to help others, be a light in the fashion world, and contribute to this beautiful and ever-changing industry. With God’s guidance, I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting the area, I’d start off by taking them to Proper Bagel, because it is phenomenal, and I’m a total coffee girl. Their iced coffee is amazing, and it is the perfect way to kick off the day. After that, we would go around Green Hills Mall. It has such great shops, and we could spend some time browsing and catching up. Then, we could head over to Radnor Lake for a peaceful walk and talk surrounded by the best scenery. I would then take them to go grab lunch at Greenery Co. to get the most delicious salads. For another coffee fix, we could swing by Crema for some of the best coffee. We could then go and walk around 12 South before dinner, and go to all the cute shops. Later, we would grab dinner at Saint Anejo, which has the most delicious tacos and queso. To end the night on a sweet note, we would have to go grab a scoop of Jeni’s Ice Cream, because it is the best way to cap off a perfect day!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom has always been a huge inspiration to me when it comes to fashion. She has the most stylish clothes and she puts together the cutest outfits. She has shown me how fashion can be both creative and fun. Growing up, I would watch her effortlessly put together looks that radiated confidence, and it ignited a passion in me to explore fashion as my own form of self-expression.

Also, I recently got engaged to my high school sweetheart, and my fiancé has been incredibly supportive and encouraging of my dreams. He constantly pushes me to pursue my passion and reminds me to believe in myself, especially when I need it most. His support has been the best, and we are building a life where I can follow my heart and dreams and he can follow his.

Website: https://anna-wynnd.com

Instagram: @annawynnfashion

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-wynn-deyo-b5609824b/

Image Credits
First Photos: Sydney Breland Photography