Check out the interview on: http://voyagela.com/interview/conversations-ann-luly/

Conversations with Ann Booth Luly

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Booth Luly.

Ann, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
They say necessity is the mother of invention. I discovered this at six years old while I was growing up in San Diego with three sisters and one brother, I was in love with being unique in my school clothes, so I taught myself how to sew and make patterns. This lead to my siblings stealing my clothes and my parents wanting clothes made for them as well. I remember a few times getting suspended for wearing my not to dress code creations but that did not stop me.

I moved to LA in my early 20’s and learned how to drive diesel rigs and 33′ motorhomes to become a 399 Teamster for celebrities in the Entertainment Industry. After learning all areas of making movies, I produced a few feature films and TV shows. In 1994, I decided to re-explore my first love and opened my clothing boutique Hoity Toity in Studio City.

I carefully choose my fabrics and everything down to the buttons to complete a feeling of flowing design as well as pure comfort. I accommodate sizes between XXS to XXL and use most fabrics to suit ones’ taste. Over the last 26 years, I have brought to fruition many custom designs for all walks of life with many from the entertainment industry.

I sew and create handbags, hats, masks and Bodice lamps which I call my functional art in addition to my clothing line. My vintage-inspired designs come from eras gone by when fashion contoured a female’s body with panache and allurement. My favorite part of loving what I do is when I have new patrons come in and drop their drawers and while trying on my designs, watching their beautiful faces smile with such love for themselves when they see their reflection in the mirror, bringing out the inner beauty of my clients is such a fulfilling accomplishment.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I really don’t think that being self-employed is ever a smooth road there are always obstacles to overcome. I do believe when you are in love with yourself and what you are creating, you can occur what is needed to carry on, I always say if everyone would do what they love our world would be a place of peace and love. The biggest struggle would be keeping a positive attitude at all times.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a creative person, I find my heart and brain need many hats to wear to keep my energy flow going in a place of constant happiness. My graphic artist has been nudging me to brand myself so learning how to be fun and flirty in my designs as a model was a big challenge at first which I have overcome and rather enjoy it now. I have also been writing a romantic comedy about saving the Earth for a few years, which keeps my mind going in a completely different direction, giving me inspiration for my other creations such as creating new clothing designs, making patterns for the bags I sew, creating my functional art bodice lamps, but I have to say the most rewarding accomplishment is when I see the happiness on my friends / patrons faces when they see they’re reflection in the mirror, I pride my self on bringing the person from with in out, I am so fortunate to say I have made life long friends and it has filled my heart with joy and happiness. My designs give Love and Hugs to the bodies that indulge.

It makes me very happy to say, when brand fresh people walk into Hoity Toity and say I feel like I went down the Rabbit hole Or I feel like I am in Paris Or I feel Like I am being hugged.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I would say during this time of isolation, I felt very creative having alone quality time away from my everyday life and the people that filled my world when my boutique had so much traffic. I was able to take a time out and have more time to reflect. It has been a sad time for many and I felt so horrible for the devastation it caused and is still causing.

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