Annie Huang
Head of Shop, The RealReal Newport Beach
What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of my job is being able to empower my team every day to unleash their full potential and take ownership and pride in the success of our business together.
What is the most challenging part of your job? Building community is especially important to us, especially in a remote world given the unpredictability and challenges of the past year. I think we do an excellent job of providing just that. We design our retail locations in a way that feels like an extension of the local community and of the brand. We’re also cultivating that community by localizing store merchandise (for example, in Newport Beach, we are selling Andrew Bush vintage prints of SoCal road trips) and interior design (for Newport, it’s all about the ‘60s and ‘70s California modern aesthetic), as well as offering expert services. We’re here to provide value to our shoppers and consignors – be it through in-store experts sharing data on what items are smart investments, offering tips on how to care for your luxury pieces now so you can preserve the resale value of your items in the future, or providing free valuations. We’re excited to have shoppers and consignors in our Newport Beach location to experience that sense of community, engage with our experts, learn a thing or two and perhaps walk away with some extra cash or a one-of-a-kind addition to their wardrobe. It’s important for us to create that bright spot in the community, especially during these unpredictable times.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most rewarding part of my job is being able to develop and impact my team and our business beyond just being a retail store. I am able to participate in something bigger than myself and help introduce and inspire others to learn about circular economy and sustainability.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you? I think it is especially for women to stand together and celebrate each others' successes because I am who I am as a leader today due to the incredible female mentors that I have been able to learn from in all my years of management.
Which women are you inspired by in your local community, and globe? The retail industry is so inspiring, especially seeing so many women acquire CEOs roles in the past few years alone. Our very own The RealReal CEO Julie Wainwright has always positively impacted our teams through her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. I am also inspired by former first lady Michelle Obama. She truly empowers women to realize their capabilities through understanding one's self worth and openness to grow.
Which men do you find inspiring that are doing their part for women's equality?
Chadwick Boseman had given Siena Miller part of his salary when they worked on 21 Bridges together. He did it not because he felt bad but because he respected Siena, admired her work and saw her as his equal while knowing that they had a pay disparity. What he did was unheard of but it definitely made an impact and brought to light the pay gap between genders despite equal experience and contributions.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers? Always be yourself. Don't change who you are to conform. The right company will come when they accept exactly who you are and what you value.
