EP4: Anna Mason, Creative Director and Founder of Anna Mason London

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, Jo interviews Anna Mason, a fashion designer and entrepreneur from London. Anna shares her inspiring journey, starting from her early aspirations to her education at the Royal College in London, and working with fashion giants like Karl Lagerfeld, Max Mara, and Valentino. Anna talks about the challenges and triumphs of launching her own label in 2012, juggling family life, and overcoming failures in her early career. She emphasises the importance of quality materials, the creative process, and the resilience needed to run a fashion business. Anna also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of starting a business in midlife, her inspirations, and her aspirations for scaling her brand. The episode concludes with Anna reflecting on the emotional challenges and proud moments of her entrepreneurial journey.

00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:15 Anna Mason's Early Career and Inspirations

01:28 Launching the Anna Mason Label

01:45 Defining the Anna Mason Brand

04:44 Balancing Family and Business

07:02 Overcoming Early Business Challenges

09:40 Creative Process and Inspirations

16:53 Navigating the Fashion Industry

27:45 Sustainability and Timeless Fashion

30:44 The Journey of Building a Fashion Business

31:00 Overcoming Challenges and Scaling the Business

33:31 The Complexities of Garment Production

36:11 Advice for Aspiring Fashion Entrepreneurs

43:32 Reflecting on Success and Resilience

49:52 The Importance of Health and Fitness

51:20 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations

53:42 Gratitude and Final Thoughts

Anna’s 3,2,1:

3 things you’ve invested in that have been worth every penny:

1.           My pattern cutting table – it felt like huge investment at the time, but has been worth every penny.

2.          The right people, they are worth their weight in gold and if I could pay them more, I would.

3.          My commitment to health and fitness.  I go to lots of exercise classes and have recently invested in a massage every six weeks or so – it’s rejuvenation for my soul!

2 things you wish you’d done differently:

1.           I wish I had been able to invest more money at the front end of my business, it just never occurred to me that it would help so much. 

2.          Someone to run the business alongside me, I could really do with that logical analytical brain to back my creativity. 

1 person you’d like to thank:

1.           Jonathan Glynn-Smith, he’s an amazing photographer, friend and collaborator www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

Support the show

Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: [email protected]

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith
Contact: [email protected]
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com