Meet Annah Chakola Ramsey

 

This girl's got a swagger and attitude that's laid back and badass cool.  You admire her style and your boyfriend admires her gigantic, gorgeous eyes.  And get this, she's incredibly talented.  Jewelry you'll die for and a new luxury line of handbags designed and made on her last trip home to India.  How would I describe the feel of the line?  Rich ass bohemian gypsy.  Carefree, chic, elegant, inspired.  The fabrics and leather are so beautiful, you won't fling it on the ground at your next patio lunch date.  I got a peek at her new jewelry pieces, seemingly inspired by animals and nature, a running theme in her delicate necklaces and earrings.  Lucky enough to have been asked to the photoshoot for her new line, I took a few behind the scenes photos and asked Annah a few questions.                          ♥ Jaguar Paw                                     *the first 2 photos were taken by the uber talented Peter Roger Dolese.                     

Do you have a nickname?

I have a few! I grew up being called Annahmol.  "Mol" means daughter in my mother tongue.  Everyone back home has been calling me that since I was little and it stuck to this day. It's almost weird when I hear my family and friends in India calling me Annah.  In America, people think it translates to Animal!   Ha!  My mum called me "Kiki " for a long time and my dad called me"Bambi" after the cartoon bambi.  Once I got to the US, I realized that name is most common among strippers...  hmmm!!

Who are you?

I would like to think Im a 21st century bohemian...whatever that means.  I do what makes me happy in this moment. Sometimes its not always a good thing but thats me!

What inspires you?

Traveling and seeing traditional arts around the world inspire me to no end!

 What countries have you recently traveled to and which was your favorite? 

I traveled to India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Thailand. India is my fav because my family lives there and the energy of that country inspires me! I thoroughly enjoyed Thailand too. Im a bit of a foodie and thai food does crazy things to my palette so I can quite confidently say I ate my way through Thailand. Thai street food is quite possibly the best in the world...  hands down! All the other countries were beautiful in their own way too!

Did you always know you would design someday?
Ive always been designing- I think I started with greeting cards when I was a wee one.  I used to have my own logo at the back of each card that said "designs by AC milan" after my fav Italian soccer club!  I think my logo was a dove.  Dont ask me why!  Fashion design was what I wanted to do for the longest time and I had plans to go to school in Milan after high school but my father passed away and my path took me to America.  I initially started off doing what was "safe" and would help pay the bills" but I realized I was starting to feel numb inside and thats when I knew I needed to make a change and get back to the drawing board so to speak!

                                                   What is your best advice? (about anything!)

There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.
Nelson Mandela ...one of my favs!

Do you have a badass hangover cure you'd like to share? 

Pad kee mao, it's a Thai dish and funny enough its called "drunken noodles" in english.  It is heaven on a plate and gives me instant relief.  Oh, and some fresh juice!  Orange, carrot, whatever ..as long as its made right then.  I'll have it!

What can we expect from you next?

I initially started doing just jewelry as a hobby but I realize I love accessorizing and I dont want to limit myself. I have a new handbag collection out that I am very excited about. I traveled around Asia and found antique hand embroidered tribal fabric and built a collection based around that. Mixed with buttery soft leather to boot! I also got my hands on some amazing naturally dyed organic cotton fabric and I designed a wardrobe essential that should be ready in mid august. I would love to get into clothing more one day...where it all started!  I like the idea of coming full circle! 

                                                *Annah.   

Check out more of Annah at www.bohogypsy.com