Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Zarlinga.
Hi Anna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hellbent began as my Design BFA Senior Thesis in college – a brand imagined, designed, and built entirely from the ground up. From packaging to photography to marketing, it was a complete world I couldn’t let go of.
Post-grad, I still deeply believed in it. Hellbent means recklessly determined, a word and an energy I felt was missing from the fashion and retail space. I’ve always believed in the power of styling, in creating room for creativity, and in treating every outfit like it could be photographed, remembered, and felt.
Two big moves across states, hundreds of pop-ups and markets, and a few pivots later, Hellbent found its permanent home. Six years in, we opened our first brick-and-mortar store – the most honest, physical expression of the brand.
The space is curated with intention. Think a capsule wardrobe for the rockstar’s French girlfriend. It’s designed to spark conversation around fashion and what it means to each of us. It’s a place rooted in creativity and community; where shopping feels like being in your own closet with your best friends.
Here, we dress you for your biggest moments, hold space for what’s heavy on your shoulders, and watch strangers become friends by the time they reach checkout. Above all, Hellbent is meant to carry that same reckless determination, not just in what you wear, but in how you move through the world.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being both a small business owner and a creative rarely allows for smooth roads. Hellbent was shaped through endless late nights – editing, preparing for events, producing photoshoots, curating collections, and at times investing the brand’s last dollars into its next chapter. Choosing authenticity and standing behind your vision without apology isn’t easy, but it’s essential.
The privilege of creating every day, of doing the work I love, and of building a space that connects and inspires some of the chicest people both in person and online, is what continues to make it all worth it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Hellbent is a women’s clothing and lifestyle store rooted in intentional curation, personal styling, and community. What sets Hellbent apart is our approach to retail. Every piece in the store is chosen with purpose, much like building a capsule wardrobe. The space itself is designed to feel personal and expressive, where fashion sparks conversation rather than intimidation. Styling is at the core of what we do; we believe getting dressed should feel creative, confidence-building, and a little cinematic.
Hellbent is also deeply community-driven. Our store has become a place where people come not only to shop, but to connect, to get dressed for major life moments, to talk through what’s heavy, and to leave having made new friends. That sense of openness and authenticity is just as important to the brand as the clothing itself.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of building Hellbent with integrity and staying true to its meaning – recklessly determined. From pop-ups and markets to opening our first permanent storefront, every chapter has been built with intention, resilience, and belief in the vision. What I want readers to know is that Hellbent is more than a boutique; it’s a space, a mindset, and a creative outlet that encourages self-expression, confidence, and showing up fully; both in what you wear and how you live.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I am also a big advocate of the app “Trello” – it’s a notes, task, collaboration, and organization app that has changed my type B perspective on tasks.
I think it should be a requirement for every small business owner to read The E-Myth. I also think everyone should be familiar with the Five Love Languages, to better understand those who are shopping with you in person, and how to navigate connecting with customers in the best way for them.
I don’t know anyone in my small business circle that doesn’t love Mel Robbins and her podcast. I will tune into The Skinny Confidential podcast depending on who they interview or what challenges I’m facing at the time. They focus on business and entrepreneurship and it’s always good to get a verbal cold splash of water to the face from a successful couple like them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shophellbent.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayhellbent
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@stayhellbent
