Slowing Down with Saint Paloma: Andrea Schultz
When I first met Anj, she was working at a streetwear boutique — effortlessly cool, always ahead of the curve, and wearing brands I hadn’t even heard of yet. She had a warmth about her that stood out: kind, community-minded, and driven, with a personal style that made you look twice. Fast forward a few years, and she’s become a force in Oklahoma City. From her years on the board of the Asian District Cultural Association — where she helped breathe new life into the area through vibrant, inclusive events — to launching HQ Coffee, the city’s first high-quality matcha and espresso bar, Anj has proven she’s not just a visionary, but a builder.
She’s the kind of woman whose close friends’ stories show her working into the early hours — always with a to-do list in one hand and a perfect coffee in the other. A true powerhouse with impeccable style, she brings both grit and grace to everything she touches. If you’re in OKC, consider this your sign: stop by HQ and order the matcha tonic. Trust me — it’s as unforgettable as she is.
How would you describe your personal style in three words OR what theme do you feel represents your style?
Ooh, my friends have described my style as “lazy luxe”– not overcomplicated, but never boring. It’s all about playing with textiles and small details. So in three words, I would say: Effortless. Confident. Experimental.
Has your personal style evolved over the years? If so, how?
100%, and I feel like it is still continuously evolving. I am always experimenting with different ways to style the pieces that already exist in my wardrobe, and over time I’ve found the silhouette(s) that feel like “me”– my current template includes sort of baggy trouser, something cropped and structured up top, paired with a kitten heel or sneakers.
What are your go-to wardrobe staples that always make you feel your best?
Any of my pieces from Our Legacy. This brand does no wrong in my opinion. I wear my black flare trousers multiple times a week, and receive compliments anytime I wear my white raw cut cropped button down. Everything is so flattering on me, but each piece has a unique silhouette made from really nice materials. A winning combo. Accessorized with an iced Americano from HQ of course.
If you could raid anyone’s closet—past or present—who would it be and why?
The Olsen Twins. They’ve been my style icons for every stage of my life– I don’t think there was ever a point in time that I didn’t want to be them. Now more than ever before I would gladly wear The Row from head to toe everyday for the rest of my life.
What’s one fashion rule you love to break?
Ooh I hate all “fashion rules”… that term itself feels like an oxymoron. So I love to break all of them? Haha. But if I had to choose one, it’s “don’t wear white after Labor Day.” Like what even is that? When are you supposed to start wearing white again? Ugh. An all white winter look is so clean, I can’t help but break that “rule.”
Are there any emerging designers or brands that you’re excited about right now?
Literary Sport is crushing it right now. From their visuals and social media presence, to the way they are redefining “running wear” is incredible. They fill a void I didn’t realize existed.
What first sparked your interest in fashion? Was there a defining moment that set you on this path?
I wish there was a defining moment I could pinpoint to, but honesty it’s been a part of my life as long as I can remember. I began hand-sewing clothes for my dolls when I was like 7 or 8, and then for myself, and never stopped. So now I’ve been sewing, creating patterns, altering clothes, crocheting, etc. for over 20 years. It wasn’t until I was in college that I decided that I should probably pursue a career in fashion because my love for the craft of designing apparel and working with textiles was so strong.
How did your early experiences shape the way you approach fashion and creativity today?
I grew up homeschooled, so I’ve always had a bit of an unconventional lifestyle. I think that shaped my view of there not being one “right” way to live, and that there is more to life than going to college and getting a job. I have always viewed those things as avenues that help each person live out a life that aligns with their individual purpose, not the roadmap that is sold to us where we believe we have to choose a certain degree or career path to pursue for the rest of your life. I guess it goes back to that phrase, “don’t get so busy working for a living that you forget to make a life” or something like that. This perspective influences every aspect of my creative practice, which overflows into my personal style because it is a direct reflection of who I am and how I am feeling each day.
What are you currently excited about? hobbies, projects?
Oh man, so much! I have a few big projects I can’t wait to talk more about soon. Mainly projects related to my coffee shop, HQ Coffee, that has a lot of exciting momentum building in the next 6 months. I also recently joined the team at Et Al. in Tulsa, and it’s been so fun helping be a part of opening their first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Natsukashii, in the Gradient building downtown later this summer.
What are you listening to or reading?
The newest album from Sasami, “Blood On the Silver Screen,” has been on repeat for me– it’s so good. I’m always listening to the How Long Gone podcast, or reading newsletters from a laundry list of my favorite writers on Substack.
