We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anu Reed. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anu below.

Alright, Anu thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

When I was younger, I used to believe that I wanted my legacy to be this brand or this inspirational celebrity who reaches out to the masses but now, especially after I became a mom, i see things differently. To be more specific, I see things in value differently. I wanna be a human that enhances someone’s life through my art, discipline and actions even if it’s just one person. I want my daughter to grow up and be proud to say I’m ANUQN’s daughter because of my mom, I became a good person. I want to be remembered as a human who cared, and gave to her community. And that will be my legacy.

Anu, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hey everyone! I’m Anu Reed, also known as ANUQN, a Mongolian who took a leap of faith to the United States at 16 with barely a grasp of English. Today, I juggle multiple roles—mom, wife, photo model, influencer, photographer, graphic designer, social media manager, clothing designer, and a Marketing Specialist at Bayer Crop Science. My free moments are a delicate balance between pursuing my passions and meeting family responsibilities.

Wondering how this all began? Let me paint you a vivid picture:

From an early age, my fascination with Vanity was born by watching my mother’s daily routine—her 3-step skincare and makeup rituals. Playing with Barbie dolls and sketching them became an early form of expression. Despite the lack of artistic influences in my household (thanks to my business-savvy mom and military dad), I found inspiration in MTV, K-Pop, Hollywood movies, and even fiction, magazines, and biographies.

The spark for photography ignited from my grandfather, capturing moments with his disposable camera from Russia, framing the beautiful Mongolian landscapes during our train travels. My first camera, a Samsung digital one at 13, had me clicking everything, even during the cringy era of selfies. Academics momentarily paused this passion, but upon reaching the States, I reignited it. During my studies at the University of Nebraska, specializing in International Studies with a Business and Management focus, art remained a consistent refuge. My favorite part of taking portraits is that I can expose someone’s hidden beauty that they don’t see in themselves and feel confident after our sessions.

My professional photography journey unfolded through collaborations with Verizon Media, independent artists, and magazine features. The joy I find in taking pictures is endless. My favorite quote is “I take pictures, so I can remember.” I don’t think I ever get tired of taking pictures.

At 17, during a Mongolian summer break, I seized the opportunity to model for a renowned photographer, a pivotal moment. Modeling taught me about angles and seeing my beauty from a different perspective. Even now, at 28, modeling remains part of my busy life.

My love for graphic design and social media blossomed during my college years. If you haven’t guessed I was a big Tumblr girlie who curated her page every day. Building my Instagram page was a passion for me. I would literally spend hours curating my mood board. I started learning new graphic designing apps photoshop, illustrator and procreate. I didn’t realize it then but somehow being on social media helped me to understand how Digital Marketing world works and how effective single content can bring millions of engagements for free. Since I was actively on Instagram right after college I was discovered by Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges team from New York to work on his start up company called “KidNation” to work as a social media manager and a graphic designer. The digital art I created was showcased on Ellen’s show, Delta Airlines, Ludacris’ social media platforms, and we organically grew a community of over 120K followers in just two years, all without utilizing paid media.

Becoming a mother redirected me towards the stability of the corporate world. Working at Bayer Crop Science has been an unexpected journey of learning, particularly about marketing and agriculture. The authenticity and warmth of my colleagues are a rare find, and I hold immense respect for my manager turned mentor, Marcel Mesquita. I remain committed to advancing in the corporate world, aspiring to further develop as a career-oriented woman.

My dream? To etch my name alongside renowned fashion designers like Yoon Ahn (Ambush), Virgil Abloh, and Vera Wang. Everything I’ve learned and experienced is steering me in that direction. At least, that’s what I believe. Google my name in 10 years, lol. Fashion is my biggest passion, and each day I wake up excited to decide what I’m going to wear and what energy I’m bringing to the world—whether it’s for work, grocery shopping, or clubbing.

As a fashion designer, I aspire to bring authentic Mongolian wear to American street fashion. Recognizing the environmental impact of fast fashion, I envision a designer who recycles old fabrics and clothes into something new. I want ANUQN to be a timeless staple in people’s closets, something you can wear even after 20 years. Observing fashion runways fuels a continuous flow of ideas, contemplating what I can enhance or transform.

While I had a successful fashion show right after college graduation, I soon realized that becoming a famous fashion designer requires a hefty amount of money or connections in the industry. Despite a sold-out show, I found myself with the same amount of money and energy I had put in. I still sew and sketch in my down time.

Currently, I provide services in influencing, creative portraiture, modeling, and graphic design. Stay tuned for the upcoming launch of my ANUQN online store, featuring one-on-one upcycled pieces and accessories.

The journey continues, and I’m ready for whatever comes next. Of course, if you want to glimpse to my world, search @anuqn on IG.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Embrace authenticity; it may sound cliché, but genuinely being yourself while cultivating an audience based on your interests and passions is key. Your unique personality attracts more genuine followers than any scripted persona ever could. Whether your focus is on lifestyle, fashion, makeup, or any other industry, a community of 1000 dedicated individuals who resonate with your journey is more influential than a million automated bots.

In the era of technology and artificial intelligence, revealing the human side of your brand is essential. Share your story, connect with others, and showcase the genuine aspects of your personality. Take inspiration from figures like Bretman Rock on social media, who initially gained attention through humor and makeup but evolved into a multifaceted influencer, including roles as a lifestyle influencer, author, and model.

Reflecting on my own journey, I started as an Instagram model and photographer, gradually expanding into a lifestyle, fashion, and makeup influencer who also shares my photography and digital creations on a smaller scale.

My advice: Don’t wait for perfection. Begin your journey, learn as you go, and improve along the way. Starting somewhere is the first step to mastering your craft and building an authentic connection with your audience.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

“I’d say my entire journey in the United States as an immigrant illustrates my resilience. For 12 years, I have been away from my home country, Mongolia. I visited four times during the summer, and one summer, my family visited me during these 12 years. But it’s not enough time to show how much I love, cherish, and appreciate my family. I miss everything about home—my family, my mom’s home-cooked meals, my hometown, my high school friends, and even my mom’s shop that I grew up working for.

As an immigrant mom, wife, creator, and employee, life can be challenging. Right after college graduation, I couldn’t apply for internships or jobs due to my immigration status. It took me three years to get my paperwork done. Fortunately, I had big support from my husband, his family, my American family, and friends. I made a home in the states, and there is no quitting. I faced so many challenges in life, but I was raised by a warrior mom. So, there is no giving up. However, learning the American style of living, mastering the language, blending in with the people, and building my life here have taught me more than I ever imagined.

It was a very lonely and scary journey, but I built my community here, and I have friends who became my family. I will continue to shine my light anywhere I go because I’m always home when I’m with the people that I love, including myself.

It’s a very common trait in Asian culture to put on a tough face and live life as if nothing hurts. However, I’m learning to be vulnerable and show my emotions, kindness, and creativity in every aspect of my life despite every hardship that I faced. And I think that’s resilience, and I will teach that resilience to my daughter.

To my dear mother who is reading this article in Mongolia, Please just wait a little more mom, I will show you all your hard work was worth every drop of sweat. I love you and I appreciate so much for raising such a strong woman because of you I’m who I am.

I appreciate you all for taking your precious time to read this. Hope you learned one thing or two.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://anuqn.onuniverse.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anuqn/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anu-reed-243836128/
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anurei?lang=en

Image Credits
1. Anu Reed Portrait shot by Adedayo Kosoko (theArtHype) 2. ANUQN mood collection ss19 Model: Gina Lee Shot by: Damion @photographyruinedmylife (left image) 3. Creative Portrait Model: Anastasia Ma Shot by: ANUQN (right image) 4. Flyer created by ANUQN for the Somalia Show (left image) 5. Creative Portrait Model: Nereida Shot by: ANUQN (right image) 6. Anu Reed is standing in front of her portrait display store @GoldenGems (left image) 7. Anu Reed Portrait shot by: Husband Skylar Reed edited by: Anu Reed (right image) 8. ANUQN mood collection ss19 Backstage (left image) 9.ANUQN mood collection ss19 Model: Tara (right image)