We recently connected with Annastasia Ventour and have shared our conversation below.

Annastasia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

My path as a ‘spiritual’ and ‘mindfulness’ author, focusing on consciousness and self-love, has been the cornerstone of Flower Bug Vintage. From a young age, I was drawn to the art of storytelling and the power of words. I found solace and inspiration in crafting narratives and exploring the depths of self-awareness and personal growth. This passion for storytelling naturally extended into the realm of vintage fashion, where each piece tells its own unique story, rich with history and nostalgia.

The mission of Flower Bug Vintage is a reflection of my belief in the transformative power of embracing one’s true self and the beauty of the past. I see vintage fashion as more than just clothing; it’s a narrative of times gone by, a symbol of enduring elegance and the stories that shaped us. Similarly, the books and journals we create are not just products; they are invitations to embark on a journey of self-discovery, to connect with one’s inner world, and to celebrate the individuality that makes each of us unique.

Annastasia, 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?

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story with your readers. My journey, both personal and professional, has been a tapestry of diverse experiences, each contributing to the person I am today and the essence of my brand, Flower Bug Vintage.

I was born and spent my early years in Grenada in the Caribbean, a period that instilled in me a deep appreciation for vibrant cultures and storytelling. I was adopted in Grenada and later sent to live with my biological mother in New York. This transition marked a significant turn in my life, as I became a teen orphan and subsequently experienced homelessness. Living in group homes and facing the realities of being a homeless teen were difficult chapters, but they were instrumental in shaping my resilience and perspective on life.

My academic path initially focused on psychology and premed at LIU Brooklyn, with aspirations for medical school. However, on the day of the MCATs, I made a life-altering decision to leave an abusive marriage and redirect my life’s course, leading me to Los Angeles. This city is where I truly found myself, and it holds a special place in my heart. Los Angeles was not just a new location; it was the birthplace of a new chapter where I discovered my passion for writing and storytelling.

In Los Angeles, my career took an exciting turn when I landed a job as a Casting Assistant for High School Musical. This experience ignited my passion for the entertainment industry and reinforced my love for writing. Today, I am an independent Producer and author, writing children’s books, adult books, and developing screenplays. My work often focuses on themes of self-love and healing, particularly within the African Diaspora.

What sets me apart is my unique blend of experiences and my deep affection for vintage fashion. This affection is not just a style preference but a narrative thread that runs through my work, symbolizing the timeless stories and lessons that fashion and history can teach us.

At Flower Bug Vintage, we offer a range of products and services, from inspiring books and affirmation journals to vintage kids and teen clothing. Our mission is to empower self-expression and personal growth through these offerings. My books, available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, are reflections of my journey and the insights I’ve gained along the way.

I am most proud of how my personal experiences have translated into a brand that resonates with others. My children, who have been my greatest teachers, inspire much of my work. They have taught me more about life than any book ever could.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Flower Bug Vintage is more than a brand; it’s a story of resilience, growth, and the beauty of embracing one’s journey. You can learn more about me and my work at www.flowerbugvintage.com and follow our journey on TikTok at flowerbugvintage.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Throughout my journey as an entrepreneur and creative, several books and videos have profoundly influenced my management philosophy and entrepreneurial thinking. Among these, ‘Awakening Your Life’s Purpose’ and ‘A New Earth’ by Eckhart Tolle have been instrumental. Tolle’s insights into mindfulness and consciousness resonated deeply with my own experiences and the core values of Flower Bug Vintage. His teachings helped me understand the importance of being present and authentic in both my personal life and business approach.

Robert Greene’s ‘The 48 Laws of Power’ and ‘Mastery’ have also been pivotal. These books provided me with a unique perspective on strategy, power dynamics, and the path to mastery in one’s field. As someone who transitioned from a challenging past into entrepreneurship, Greene’s principles aided in navigating the complex world of business with resilience and strategic thinking.

‘The Writer’s Journey’ by Christopher Vogler has been another key resource, especially as an author and storyteller. Vogler’s exploration of the hero’s journey in storytelling has not only enhanced my writing but also influenced how I view my entrepreneurial journey – as a narrative filled with challenges, growth, and transformation.

Additionally, ‘The Body Keeps the Score’ by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D., has been crucial in understanding the impact of past traumas on physical and mental health. This understanding has been vital in my work, especially in writing and creating content that aims to heal and empower.

For inspiration and mental clarity, I regularly engage with the teachings of spiritual gurus Mooji and Sadhguru. Their guidance in meditation and spiritual wisdom has been a source of strength and inspiration, helping me stay centered and focused amidst the demands of running a business and creative endeavors.

These books and teachings have shaped my approach to management and entrepreneurship by emphasizing resilience, strategic thinking, self-awareness, and the power of storytelling. They have been a guiding light in my journey, helping me navigate through challenges and stay true to my vision for Flower Bug Vintage.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely, there is a deeply rooted mission that drives my creative journey and the essence of Flower Bug Vintage. This mission is twofold: to empower individuals through the art of storytelling and to celebrate the timeless beauty and lessons of vintage fashion.

My personal experiences have significantly shaped this mission. Growing up in Grenada and later facing challenges as a teen orphan in New York, I learned the power of resilience and the importance of embracing one’s story. These experiences, coupled with my travels and diverse cultural exposures, have instilled in me a profound appreciation for the narratives that shape our lives. This appreciation is the heartbeat of my work, whether it’s in writing children’s books, adult literature, or developing screenplays focused on themes of self-love and healing.

Moreover, my journey through various phases of life, including my academic pursuits in psychology and premed, my transition to Los Angeles, and my role as a mother, have all contributed to my understanding of the human experience. These elements are intricately woven into the fabric of Flower Bug Vintage. Our mission is not just to sell products but to offer gateways to self-discovery and personal growth. Each book, vintage clothing piece, or journal we offer is curated to inspire and empower our audience.

The goal driving my creative journey is to create a space where stories – both written and worn – come alive, fostering a community that values mindfulness, self-expression, and the richness of the past. In essence, Flower Bug Vintage is more than a brand; it’s a narrative of resilience, growth, and the beauty of embracing one’s journey. It’s about inspiring others to find their own narrative, to embrace their history, and to write their own stories of growth and self-acceptance

Contact Info:

• Website: www.flowerbugvintage.com
• Instagram: annastasiaven
• Facebook: Flower Bug Vintage
• Linkedin: Annastasia Ventour
• Youtube: Podcast: “The Vintage Narrative Podcast: Tales of Self-Love & Identity”
• Other: TIKTOK: flowerbugvintage

Image Credits
Dimas Hern, BFA.com