AnnaSoSwede is here to tell us to allow ourselves to feel and allow ourselves to have boundaries. If you’re uncomfortable in a situation, express that and be protective over yourself. Health is wealth so make sure you take of yourself before you take care of others’ needs from you. As Global Pay It Forward Day approaches, it’s vital to take AnnaSoSwede’s advice into consideration.
AnnaSoSwede was born and raised in the countryside of Sweden. As the middle child, she quickly learned that she had to work for what she wanted and so she did: She’s done everything from working at a slaughterhouse to a pig farm, a barista and then eventually got into hospitality. She has moved to 6 countries and speaks 4 languages, which comes in handy while working in the hotel industry with clients from all over the world. She is the Director of Sales and Events at Hotel on Rivington while she also models and creates for Playboy.
April 28th is Global Pay It Forward Day! What does paying it forward mean to you?
Paying it forward means that I always make sure to recognize others for what they’ve done for me and for me to bring people along in every possible way that I can with my own resource. If you have the opportunity to help others, do so each time!
In what ways have you paid your talents, expertise, resources, and skills forward throughout your personal life and career?
I always say that I should be a headhunter or a recruiter because the amount of jobs I’ve been able to give people is almost crazy! Extending your own network to others is an incredible gift that always should be shared — I remember connecting a local Harlem designer with a shop owner and the other day I saw Usher performing with that very coat and design on and it made me so happy! If you can give others an opportunity to grow, it will always come back to you in growth in some aspect.
Who has paid it forward to you and how did you express that gratitude?
The list is endless! I’m so grateful for so many people in my life: family, friends, co-workers, old employers, Instagram friends, and gym pals — I try to always tell people and thank people in whatever way I can. If I can invite them with me on my journey, then I try to do so as well. Mentoring younger people and especially girls is something that I always have been doing and I try to make girls feel as empowered as so many of my mentors have for me, is huge.
What recent opportunities have you just landed that you are excited to share with us today?
I can’t fully say but I’m just going to name-drop Harpers Bazaar, haha.
Is there anything outside of your industry that you’re extremely passionate about? If so, what is it?
Food, even though it’s a part of my industry in a way. But yes — cooking and feeding people I love is one of my favorite things in life. Whoever dates me always gets a little chubb chubb because of it, haha.
From your perspective, what do you think the world needs more of?
Always kindness. Kindness, empathy, and fearless love. I try to live by the golden rule of treating others as you want to be treated and I think it’s so important to have that mentality in every aspect of life — when communicating with partners, friends, family, and co-workers. Just be kind.
What else would you like to share with our readers?
Pay it forward every time you can, extend a hand and it will come back to you in so many blessed ways, I promise!
What is the best way to keep up to date and follow all of your amazing endeavors?
On Instagram for sure — it’s like a whole reality show at times.
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