ROX + ROYALTY
Name: Annie Weirauch
Location: Los Angeles, California
Business Name: Rox + Royalty
Industry: Custom & Couture Fashion
www.roxandroyalty.com
GIVE US YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH FOR YOUR BUSINESS.
Los Angeles based fashion label, Rox + Royalty, unites
music + style by mixing edge with elegance. It’s rock + roll
meets old Hollywood glam. West Coast meets East Coast.
Classic themes with a modern twist. Inspired by artists. Created for fans.
ance. The support for my work has given me the confidence
to believe that someday it will happen. From invitations to
show in New York, Paris, Hollywood, Miami, and fashion
shows around the world, to casting producers requesting
my auditions for reality shows including Project Runway,
I was assured my work was worth pursuing. My costume
couture work won nationally recognized HighBall Halloween and was approved by Ariana Grande for the AMA’s, although timing didn’t allow for completion.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
I was a street team rep for several of my favorite musicians.
Their music moved me. I wanted to spread the word to
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST ROLE MODEL/INFLUENCER?
everyone I knew and then some. I passed out demo CD’s
Hands down, Gwen Stefani. Her music and style turned her
at other concerts, called and emailed hundreds of radio stainto an icon and fashion business mogul. I may have been
tions to request their new single, posted flyers around cama fan of Gavin Rossdale’s since high school, but Gwen stole
pus, lined up at tour buses for an autograph, made my own
my heart after college. The news of their divorce was my
fan t-shirts to wear to a show. When I ended up at an after
own Tragic Kingdom, a thread I hoped would never unravel.
party where I was hanging out with my favorite artist, Howie
Day, I suddenly felt like a crazy fan, too embarrassed to ask
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF
for an autograph. The energy of being a fan soon shifted
JUST STARTING OUT?
to designing my own brand of graphic tees, inspired by my
Let other people help guide you. Rely on their expertise,
favorite music, for which I would trade for guest list tickets.
even if you think you can do everything
T-Shirts evolved into jewelry and later
on your own. I want to do everything
a full collection and costume couture
“Don’t be afraid of change.
but I spread myself too thin. Over the
pieces.
past year I have been searching for the
Don’t be afraid of changing
right collaboration. Teamwork can build
WHAT DRIVES YOU TO KEEP GOING,
too much. An entrepreneur a more successful business model.
ESPECIALLY WHEN THINGS GET
You need a partner who shares similar
HARD?
is always looking for the
goals but can provide an entirely differSometimes I’m driving 150 miles per
next best thing.”
ent set of skills. That’s also the key to
hour but eventually I run out of gas. I’ve
a successful marriage, as my husband
encountered many roadblocks, most
and I have been together for 17 years.
often financial or time constraints. I
usually take a few months off to recover, reevaluate, and reWHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE TIPS FOR ASPIRING FEcoup my creative being. Then I’m on to the next adventure.
MALE ENTREPRENEURS?
Learn. Learn. Learn. Don’t ever believe you are better than
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BEST SUCCESS STORY IN YOUR
anyone else. Don’t let jealousy keep you from learning.
CAREER?
Learn about what makes you jealous, then add that to your
Professionally I’ve had a very successful 12 year design
set of skills. Don’t be afraid of change. Don’t be afraid of
career in the corporate retail and manufacturing world. It’s
changing too much. An entrepreneur is always looking for
earned me a great living but often left me with the desi