Meet Anna Zepplin | Founder and Designer

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

Hi Anna, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I think for many, myself included, this is always a work in progress. But as a mom I’ve really had to create some boundaries around work as it’s easy to want to work all the time, especially when you really love what you do. One thing that has really helped me was automating most of my social media posts so that I don’t have to hop on my phone first thing in the morning to plan or schedule anything. I try my best to not pick up my phone until after the kids are off to school. This has helped alleviate some stress in the mornings and ensures my focus is on the chaotic morning routine of getting two small kids off to school.

I stop working around 430 to 8 pm to focus on play, dinner, and nighttime routines and I’ll hop on my computer if I have to, to finish up any time sensitive tasks after the house settles down and kids are off to sleep. I’m fortunate to have a partner that splits household responsibilities and we have really effective communication when it comes to our needs and any feelings of overwhelm that start creeping in.

Some days are better than others, no one is perfect. But as the Brand scales I have to make sure my work/life boundaries are prioritized even more. I listen carefully to my body and mental health when things start to feel hectic and take my foot off the gas when needed. Pushing through is not an option for me, as I usually end up burnt out or sick…this has been one of the hardest truths to face. But again, we’re striving for excellence not perfection.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I never considered myself an artist or a creative. I was an environmental consultant for the last 13 years, and only in February of 2023 did I decide to take the leap and really devote myself to this Brand. I’ve been making jewelry since I was 15 and loved crafting, sewing, building, and creating…but calling myself a creative felt like a farce. It wasn’t until I stepped more fully into the Brand that I realized that I am a creative. I still get uneasy when people call me an artist, as I’ve never really had any formal training and that title feels reserved for people who identify as a painter or sculptor. I’m not sure why I had such a myopic definition of a creative or artist but I now understand we’re all born with a creative spirit and the potential to become artists but it can be buried deep within people and never become fully expressed.

Without any formal training designing jewelry has been a series of trial and error. Really, it’s just a matter of practice and with each collection I’m starting to see my style emerge. I love the whole creative process, from designing the pieces, to directing the photoshoots, to creating the visual storytelling of the brand. I’m still new so the Brand identity and voice are still evolving and I just love playing in this creative space.

I told my husband if all goes to shit I don’t know what I’m going to do, because I never want to go back to corporate. After getting a taste of the creative freedom of owning a brand, I don’t think I’ll ever want to do anything else.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m such a homebody I rarely get out but if I was 20 something again this is what we’d do…La Jolla tide pools, downtown PB because it is such a crazy scene. Of course the beach, north county has some of my favorite spots. I’d then hop over the boarder to Mexico and visit the Wine Country, it’s so beautiful and the food is SO good. To eat, I’d take them to the French Corner in Carlsbad for their almond croissants, Dija Mar for Lunch, and Valle for dinner. We’d finish off with drinks at the Rooftop Bar in Oceanside and then hop over to Coco Cabana. We’d of course have to hit the Gaslamp, district at some point but honestly I haven’t been down there in years, so we’d have to walk around until we saw something that caught our eye.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this to my husband, who has shown me unconditional love and support and continues to amaze me as a father and provider for our growing family. Thanks for believing in me, even when I question myself.

Website: www.zepplinthelabel.com

Instagram: zepplinthelabel

Facebook: zepplinthelabel

Image Credits
Photography, La Loba Photography Make Up, I_She Beauty Model: Hannah Bernard