Annie Bloj

Annie Bloj, a Parsons School of Design graduate, has spent her career as a fashion designer working for top companies like Gap and J. Crew, and designing for celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Venus Williams. Passionate about community support, Annie now brings her creative vision and dedication to fostering dignity and empathy at R&R Head Labs.

As the Creative Director, Annie is responsible for designing, developing, and curating the retail merchandise and offerings at R&R Head Labs. Her keen eye for detail and strong sense of brand identity ensure that every product reflects the shop's mission and values.

Initially apprehensive about working with formerly incarcerated individuals, Annie quickly discovered that her biases were based on misinformation. Her experience at R&R Head Labs has profoundly impacted her, motivating her to offer a safe space that prioritizes dignity and empathy.

Annie is passionate about supporting her community tangibly and elevating the experiences of those around her. She aims to create opportunities for team members to pursue beyond cutting hair, fostering stability and disrupting generational trauma. Her belief in the value of formerly incarcerated individuals drives her to show that they can contribute positively to their community.

With a strong background in fashion and a knack for visualizing designs in 3D, Annie brings valuable skills to R&R Head Labs. Her ability to articulate brand identity and communicate effectively has been instrumental in the barbershop's success. She views her work as an opportunity to shed old ways of thinking, approach challenges with a new perspective, and push through roadblocks alongside a dedicated team.

Collaborating with artist Noah Barker on the shop's mural highlighted Annie's journey of continuous learning and appreciation for creativity. She has witnessed the transformative power of employment, seeing her team come alive and support each other through shared experiences. Annie's leadership is marked by her reliability, self-starting attitude, and sense of humor, fostering a positive and engaged team dynamic.

Annie plans to engage the local community by sharing R&R Head Labs' story, sparking interest and excitement. She is enthusiastic about community partnerships, such as the rotating gallery wall installation and the artist-in-residence program, which bring life and creativity to the shop.

Looking to the future, Annie hopes to streamline operations and establish a retail presence that puts R&R Head Labs on the map. She envisions R&R Head Labs becoming renowned for its excellence, attracting barbers regardless of their past experiences. Success for Annie means building trust as a brand, entering the national conversation about incarceration with proof of concept, and ensuring that the barbers have robust client lists and earn what they deserve.