Anna Ledford styles the confident and authentic woman
Published:Friday | October 20, 2023 | 12:05 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
Anna Ledford was always a force to be reckoned with. But she found post partum challenging after she welcomed her two babies into the world and was even hit with body shaming comments following her back-to-back pregnancies.
Battling depression, Ledford managed to transform her own story by finding chic solutions not only for herself but also for mothers in similar situations and other queens looking to reclaim their rightful title as the CAW: confident and authentic woman.
She tells Living that CAW is her third baby, “I started out making the classic wrap belt called Madame Obi. From that style, we created Glamflare, as well as Snatch and Keep. The belts are designed to help provide the necessary cinching of the waist, which makes the body more flattering while adding variety and statement to the wardrobe.”
Ledford’s commitment to innovation extended to her designs, which were intentionally crafted to be customisable, catering to the diverse style needs and preferences of all women.
She is no stranger to artistic self-expression, and her innate passion only developed over time. Ledford was never one to conform to current fashion trends. Instead, she rocks her runway in vintage and eccentric style. “I like clean lines that make statements, so my style may come off as edgy with an air of elegance,” she said.
Her fashion flight took off with the exclusive line of leather belts and made a surprise landing in the rewarding role of a stylist.
“I officially called myself a stylist this year when I observed, in hindsight, that I enjoy having a say in how others look. Family and friends started entrusting me with the responsibility of being their personal style guide,” she told Living.
Following her initial success, she expanded her offerings to include make-up, styling, and photography services, all of which she provided to the empowering community she belonged to, “With Wired to Win, I was training many mentors who needed to show up in the world looking like a winner.”
PARTNERSHIP
Ledford has since had the opportunity to work with Anjell, host of The Listing that airs on Television Jamaica; Bobette Rigg, chief executive officer of BRBC; Kesima Harris, the founder of KSMC and regional manager of the Wisynco Group; author Megan Hylton; and author and founder of Yaweh Publishing, Shaniel McGnaw Francis.
Style, according to Ledford, is an expression of one’s soul, reflecting their life experiences, courage and inhibitions, as well as their hopes and sources of inspiration. She’s happy to help her clients explore and express this creative outlet.
“What I love most about fashion is how it is able to start a conversation before you actually speak. Fashion transcends every sphere in society and it’s able to communicate one’s place in society. It’s also a tool for empowerment,” she said, adding, “I hope to use fashion to empower everyone that I will be blessed to engage [with], so that when they show up, they can truly be seen.”
Leading by example, the stylist shares some of the pieces that are currently trending in her closet, such as leggings with oversize button-ups, all things denim, bodycon dresses, and an upcoming kimonos collection.
For aspiring designers, Ledford advises understanding your “why” and to create without limitations. “Be humble enough to be guided and mentored as well,” she added.