Passing the Thread
Having grown up in Halmstad, a small town in southwest Sweden, appreciation of wild nature was ever-present in Anne’s upbringing. From an early age, she felt the desire to be a creator, and would often write and make songs. More than anything, she wanted to make a difference in the world, especially as she began to see the destruction of the climate crisis. Coming into adulthood, she was able to envision her path to cultivating a better tomorrow by pursuing her artistic, entrepreneurial, and environmental passions.
She studied business and marketing, and moved to New York City to pursue modeling. Her goal wasn’t necessarily related to the modeling aspect, but the scope of influence she could potentially cast as an eco-warrior model. Frustrated with the realities that silenced her with the job of being a signed model, she began to feel disconnected. The detachment encouraged her to seek out other models with similar sustainable ethics.
Ever at the forefront of being a change-maker, Anne championed the idea of an ethical modeling agency in which models could use their pop-culture status to advocate activism; the agency would replace the historically silent muse with an innovator with a powerful voice. In 2017, Anne accomplished this vision when she co-founded Role Models Management (@rolemodelsmgmt) with Val Emanuel (@malibumama_). The agency focuses on providing an “environment where models feel safe and comfortable to learn and grow” while empowering them to go out and change the world. Consequently, the agency attracts brands that share the mission and “pairs them with like-minded models who will authentically (and proudly) represent their brand.”
As her identity as a Climate Optimist further actualized, Anne spoke out about reconstructing the narrative on climate change. Instead of being paralyzed by frustration and anxiety towards climate change, the discussion was shifted to our daily potential to create a sustainable future. Thinking more along the lines of, “What kind of world do we want to live in?” inspires a hopeful and actionable intention. Interweaving the motivations of climate change and quality of life creates hope in building an abundant life. The emphasis is on the joys of being alive today, coming together with other mission-driven individuals, and collectively tending to how the world can be better.
