Relax and trust the process.
Agnes Muljadi is a Los Angeles based vegan ballerina, actress, photographer and celebrity blogger. Known as @artsyagnes with over 500,000 Instagram fans, Agnes has been the face of numerous brands including Amazon, NFL, Starbucks, Reebok, Banana Republic, Lionsgate Studio, Google Photos, and many others. Agnes’ interest in advocating for a vegan and socially responsible lifestyle has become the essence of her platform. Notable collaborations include ethical brands such as TOMS, KIND Snacks, 100% Pure, and Lian & Mez. She has received extensive media coverage for her diverse talents and was recently featured in Dance Magazine, Huffington Post and SheKnows, and was recently named one of 75 Prominent Influencers by Thrive Global. In addition to her social media work, Agnes is a classically trained dancer at Julia Bourlina Classical Ballet in Studio City, CA.
Where did the idea for the name @artsyagnes come from?
Ever since I was a child, people have always told me that I’m extremely ‘artsy’. It became an informal nickname so when it came time to brand myself, I went back to my roots and chose artsyagnes.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
My day typically begins around 8am with a short stretch and mediation to prep my mind and body. After I that I quickly grab breakfast before heading into my studio. As soon as I arrive, I jump into my emails, post on social media and attend other business-related communication. During lunch time I typically take either a gyrotonics or yoga class and then I head back to my studio to continue work or attend outside meetings until about 6pm, which is when I head out to pilates and ballet rehearsals in the evening.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I work very much in the moment when it comes to creative ideas. So whenever I feel inspired to create content I just drop everything else and follow my impulses. I don’t like to talk, think or plan out these ideas. I think this approach could be a detriment in certain situations, but when it comes to being creative, I’ve found this is the best process for me. Whenever I have an idea, I just start doing it immediately.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I am very excited and inspired by the plant based and conscious lifestyle trend that is booming in LA.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Meditation. It’s interesting and eyeopening that when I try to empty the mind and stop my constant mental to-do list for even just 10 mins, I become that much more productive throughout the day.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Well I think there are many, many things I’d like to go back and tell my younger self! But first and foremost, relax and trust the process.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
That success is less dependent on action, and more to do with your thoughts and words. Most people, particularly entrepreneurs, are very action-oriented, so much so that they tend to miss the importance of being aligned with what and where you want to be.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I keep a vision board and journal with images or details of what I’d like to achieve professionally and personally. I update them religiously. They keep me motivated. Looking at it now, I can confidently say that almost everything I set out to do in my vision journal & board have become a reality.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Consistency is key to any sustainable success, in my opinion. Consistency in your branding, message, as well as the quality and quantity of content that you put up every day.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Back in 2016, I had one month when I basically didn’t do any social media campaigns at all. I panicked in the beginning (I thought this was the end of my business) but then decided to take the “down time” that was handed to me, to solidify my focus, get clear on why I do what I do and what kind of campaigns I’d like to focus on. The following month turned out to be my most successful month so far.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Being not only on a vegan diet, but a vocal vegan advocate, I think a vegan food truck would be an excellent business idea in Los Angeles. Why isn’t there already an abundance of them in town since food trucks are infamous in LA and there’s such a huge vegan community?! Let’s move, people! I will be your first customer!
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
A membership to the Huntington Botanical Gardens in Pasadena. It forces me to unwind, disconnect from technology (particularly my iPhone), and reconnect with nature. Now on Sundays, I leave my cell phone at home and spend a few hours at the garden.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I’m obsessed with Fohr, I use it daily to analyze my audience and engagement trends.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
“Ask and It Is Given” by Esther Hicks. This book goes beyond the day-to-day practical tips and business practices, and goes deeper into your being and spirituality to create a solid foundation for a successful business and personal life. I’ve seen my own life and business completely transformed by simply doing the exercises laid out in the book.
What is your favorite quote?
“What you think you become. What you feel you attract. What you imagine you create.” – Buddha
Connect:
Artsyagnes on Instagram:
Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.