Anastasia Cairns – a.nty story
Life Instyle chats with Anastasia, Founder & Creative Director of a.nty story to discuss the brand, how the idea first came about and her brands plan for the future.
Can you give us an insight into your retail brand's history and the journey that led to its creation?
a.nty story began as a series of intimate art pieces — portraits of women who carried stories within their eyes. I painted these women as symbols of resilience, identity, and beauty that transcends time and culture. Over the years, these illustrations evolved into prints, and those prints became wearable art.
The journey wasn’t planned; it was organic. I had always been drawn to the intersection between art and fashion, and when people began asking to wear my illustrations, something clicked. I realised I could merge storytelling with clothing to create something meaningful — a brand that doesn’t just sell garments, but captures emotion, heritage, and empowerment.
As a single mother of two boys, every collection I create reflects not only my artistic expression but my personal evolution — the courage to rebuild, to dream, and to keep creating amidst life’s chaos. a.nty story represents that journey — one where fashion becomes a canvas of life, love, and womanhood.
What drew you to exhibit at Life Instyle this year, and how does the show reflect your brand’s ethos or aesthetic?
Life Instyle has always felt like a home for brands that believe in more than just commercial success — it’s about artistry, purpose, and authenticity. For me, exhibiting here is not just a business decision; it’s a creative milestone.
a.nty story’s ethos is rooted in storytelling and soulful design, and Life Instyle beautifully mirrors that — it celebrates thoughtful creation and independent designers who bring heart to their work. The visual aesthetic of the show — clean, artistic, yet full of diversity — reflects how I see my brand: sophisticated but raw, elegant but grounded in culture and humanity.
It’s a space where I can connect with buyers and collaborators who understand that fashion is not just about trends — it’s about telling stories that move people.
What gap in the market—or personal passion—sparked the creation of your brand?
The gap I saw was emotional. There are countless beautiful fashion labels, but few that make people feel something deeply. I wanted to bring back that sense of intimacy between the creator, the wearer, and the piece itself.
My personal passion has always been storytelling — giving voice to women’s experiences, both spoken and unspoken. a.nty story bridges art, fashion, and identity to create pieces that empower women to express who they are. It’s not just about looking beautiful; it’s about feeling seen and able to see our own beauty.
What do you believe sets your brand apart in today’s competitive retail space?
What sets a.nty story apart is the fusion of artistry, authenticity, and emotional connection. Each collection starts with a story — often inspired by women across cultures who represent strength and grace. Every print is hand-illustrated, layered with meaning, and produced ethically in limited quantities.
We don’t follow seasonal trends; we follow narratives. Our pieces are designed to be timeless — wearable works of art that can move seamlessly from gallery walls to everyday life. The brand is not just fashion — it’s a movement towards slow, intentional creation.
Could you share your personal favourite product from your brand's collection and tell us why it holds a special significance for you?
My personal favourite piece is the Lady Badu Silk Dress Shirt from The Icons collection. She represents strength, grace, and unapologetic presence — the essence of what a.nty story stands for.
Lady Badu was one of the first women I illustrated for the brand, inspired by the boldness of African artistry and the quiet power of women who command a room without raising their voice. Her print, with its deep earthy tones and gold-lined details, mirrors both resilience and softness — the perfect duality of womanhood.
The silk dress shirt itself embodies timeless femininity. It’s fluid yet structured, luxurious yet wearable — a piece that can be styled effortlessly for day or night. Every time I see someone wearing it, I feel proud, because it captures the intersection between art and confidence.
Creating Lady Badu also marked a pivotal moment in my design journey — it was when I realised that each illustration wasn’t just a design, but a story waiting to be worn. For me, she’s not just a shirt — she’s a symbol of evolution, identity, and empowerment.
What were some of the biggest hurdles in starting your brand, and how did you overcome them?
Starting a brand from scratch, especially as a solo founder and mother, has been one of the most demanding yet rewarding experiences of my life. The biggest hurdles were financial constraints, learning to navigate ethical manufacturing, and managing the mental and emotional load of doing everything — from design and production to accounting, marketing, and logistics — on my own.
There were times when I questioned whether I could keep going. But then I’d think of my two boys — how much I want to show them that it’s possible to build something meaningful from the ground up. a.nty story isn’t just a brand; it’s also a living example for them — a way to show that with faith, perseverance, and heart, you can create your own path even when the odds feel stacked against you.
Every collection I release is a reminder to them, and to myself, that resilience is not about never falling — it’s about rising again, with grace and purpose. Building a.nty story has been as much about financial independence and creative fulfilment as it has been about growth, courage, and leaving a legacy of strength for my children.
What feedback or comments do your customers frequently give about your products and brand, and what aspects do they appreciate the most?
The feedback I treasure most is when customers say our pieces make them feel beautiful and seen. They often tell me that wearing a.nty story feels like wearing confidence — that the prints make them stand taller or smile differently.
They appreciate the storytelling, the artistry, and the ethical approach — that each piece has purpose and soul. Many also love that no two prints are ever exactly the same, giving their garments a sense of individuality that mirrors their own.
How did you first get involved with Life Instyle, and how do events like Life Instyle help you connect with your customers or community?
My journey with Life Instyle began when Danielle from the Life Instyle team approached me after saw my a.nty story stall and Instagram at The Big Design Market. She had connected deeply with the storytelling behind the brand — the art, the meaning, and the way people were responding to the collection. That conversation planted the seed for what would become one of the most exciting opportunities of my creative journey.
Being invited to showcase at Life Instyle felt like a beautiful next step — a space where the artistry, heart, and intention behind a.nty story could be shared with a broader audience who truly appreciate design with depth.
Events like Life Instyle are incredibly special because they create genuine human connection. It’s not just about selling a product — it’s about storytelling in real time. I get to meet people face-to-face, share the inspiration behind each collection, and watch how they emotionally connect with the pieces. These moments remind me why I started — to inspire, to connect, and to make art that people can wear and carry with meaning.
Can you highlight some of the proudest achievements or milestones your brand has achieved since its inception?
There have been so many meaningful milestones, each one marking a step forward in this incredible journey. But being here today — representing a.nty story as a growing fashion brand — feels like one of the greatest achievements of all.
What began as a small dream painted on my dining table has now evolved into a label that has walked runways, been showcased at FOMA (Fabrics of Modern Australia), and been part of empowering women seminars and fashion shows that I once only admired from afar. Those moments — standing backstage, seeing my art come to life on the runway — meant the world to me.
Equally special has been meeting and collaborating with my brand ambassadors — powerful, inspiring women who have believed in the vision and carried the spirit of a.nty story with such authenticity. Their support has opened new opportunities and connections I could never have imagined when I first began.
Each experience — from the creative challenges to the public celebrations — has been a reminder that resilience, community, and storytelling can build something truly lasting. Every milestone is not just a business achievement, but a personal one — proof that with heart and hard work, art really can shape a legacy.
Is there a piece of business advice that has significantly influenced your journey as a retail brand owner?
Yes — one piece of advice that has always stayed with me is:
“Guard your dreams, follow your vision, keep going, and make it happen.”
It reminds me to protect what I believe in, stay true to my purpose, and keep pushing forward no matter how uncertain the path feels. Every small step taken with heart and persistence brings the dream closer to reality.
Are there any brands in your industry or related sectors that you admire or draw inspiration from?
I deeply admire Gorman and Alemais for their artistic vision and use of craftsmanship, and I’ve always been inspired by Iris Apfel — her fearless expression and refusal to conform remind me to keep colour and personality alive in everything I create.
I also find inspiration in artists and writers more than fashion itself — people like Frida Kahlo, Oliver Jeffers, and Yayoi Kusama — who build worlds through storytelling and authenticity.
How do you stay in tune with what your customers want and need as trends evolve?
For me, connection is everything. I stay close to my customers through conversations — both online and in person. I read every message, listen to their feedback, and observe how they style and interpret a.nty story pieces in their own lives.
Trends shift constantly, but emotion doesn’t. I focus on understanding what women are feeling — what inspires them, what they’re fighting for, and what makes them feel powerful. That emotional insight guides my designs more than any forecast report could.
What core values steer your brand’s decisions and relationships?
The core values are storytelling, integrity, inclusivity, and empowerment. Every decision — from which artisans we collaborate with to how we package and present — must align with those principles.
I believe transparency builds trust, and empathy builds loyalty. My goal is for every customer to feel like part of the story — not just a buyer, but a collaborator in the art of self-expression.
What’s next for your brand—and what dreams are you chasing over the next few years?
The next chapter for a.nty story is about growth with purpose — expanding the brand globally and continuing to share the stories of powerful women from all cultures and walks of life. I want to raise more voices through my art and collections, highlighting women whose strength and beauty deserve to be seen and celebrated.
My dream is to build a platform that not only creates fashion but also creates change — supporting women in need, empowering communities, and reminding every woman that she is worthy, capable, and beautiful in her own way.
Over the next few years, I see a.nty story evolving into a global movement of storytelling and sisterhood — a space where art, fashion, and empowerment meet. I want every piece I design to be a reminder that confidence, courage, and compassion are what truly make a woman shine.
Rapid Fire Questions
Personal motto or mantra?
“Raise your voice — be resilient, yet humble.”
It’s a daily reminder to speak with purpose, stand tall through challenges, and stay grounded in gratitude no matter how far the journey takes me.
If you could have dinner with anybody, who would it be and why?
Florence Welch from Florence and the Machine — her music carries such emotion, power, and poetry. I admire the way she turns vulnerability into strength and art into freedom. Sharing a dinner and creative conversation with her would be pure magic.
A hobby or interest people might be surprised about?
Drawing and painting. It’s where everything began for me — my quiet escape and the heart of every a.nty story creation.
Go-to song for a pick-me-up?
“Shake It Out” by Florence and the Machine. It reminds me to release the past, rise above the noise, and keep moving forward with strength and grace.
Advice for those starting their own journey?
Follow your heart, chase your dreams, and keep going, there’s no other way than forward. Every step, no matter how small, moves you closer to becoming who you’re meant to be.
