Bag Lady Interview: Annabelle - Creative, Designer and Surfer

WHY HOZEN?

HOZEN has been my go-to choice for purchasing new bags ever since I stumbled upon them. They were the first vegan bag company I came across, and from the very beginning, I was impressed. The quality is exceptional—these bags are crafted so well that I don't need to constantly replace them. The colors and designs are incredibly unique and playful, keeping things interesting every time I shop with them. There’s never a dull moment with HOZEN; their pieces are both timeless and exciting!

I'd describe my style as relaxed yet chic—a California girl vibe with neutral tones. I like to elevate my loungewear with vintage designer blazers, dainty heels, and chunky boots. My bag is usually the highlight of my outfit or adds that extra touch to an otherwise simple ensemble. HOZEN's vibrant colors and bold shapes make me feel effortlessly cool, even when I'm dressed casually.

FUN FACT.

In my younger years, I was involved in competitive vaulting, which involves performing gymnastics routines on a moving horse. Talk about a wild combination! I also launched my own business, Belle The Label, during my freshman year of college. Let's just say I had a fear of being unemployed post-graduation. Fast forward to today, and I now run three interconnected businesses. Starting early has given me the confidence to create a fulfilling career and lifestyle for myself. It’s been quite the journey!

IDEAL DAY?

My ideal day starts with waking up to sunny skies and balmy weather while on a camping trip somewhere scenic like Baja or Big Sur. Picture this: spending the day surrounded by friends, catching perfect waves, exploring untouched nature, and soaking in the tranquility of remote landscapes. As the evening rolls in, we gather for a hearty family-style meal, topped off with board games or perhaps a live concert. Recently, my friends and I organized a spontaneous outdoor concert deep in Big Sur using generators and equipment. Watching everyone perform under the starlit sky in the heart of the forest was pure magic.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR DOWN TIME?

To be honest, downtime isn’t exactly in my vocabulary these days. Between running my sustainable manufacturing agency, Transparency Studio, and juggling multiple other ventures, I’m always on the move. Since my agency operates globally, especially with clients in Australia, I often find myself working late nights or early mornings to accommodate their schedules. Despite the long hours, I genuinely enjoy what I do. When I do manage to unwind, you’ll likely find me experimenting with unusual recipes with friends, hiking trails, surfing waves, scrolling through inspiring blogs, flipping through art books, diving into nutritional research, or indulging in self-care routines. Sometimes, I even take solace in finishing small tasks before bed—it helps me mentally prepare for the next day. Meditation is something I’ve been trying to incorporate more into my routine, though consistency still eludes me. But when I do manage it, it feels incredibly rejuvenating.

 

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Nature plays a huge role in inspiring me. Everyday textures and colors—from the food I eat to the plants and animals I encounter—are constant sources of creativity. I’m particularly drawn to Instagram as a platform for discovering new ideas. Furniture, art, photography, literature, and even culinary trends inspire me. Organizing my saved content into neat folders has become somewhat of a passion project for me. It’s satisfying knowing I can quickly pull up anything I need whenever inspiration strikes.

FAVORITE PLACE IN THE WORLD?

This is such a tough question! If I had to pick, I’d say Bali. It feels like a second home to me—the warmth of the culture, the incredible food, and the diversity of climates make it incredibly appealing. Santa Cruz, where I currently live, holds a special place in my heart too. Northern California as a whole is breathtakingly beautiful. Mexico and Morocco are also high on my list—they each offer something uniquely enchanting. Picking just one feels impossible!