What does it really mean to love your life and are you actually living it, or just moving through it? In this conversation, Ann King Lagos reflects on the moments that reshape us, the discipline and presence required to live with intention, and how connection, loss, and self-trust ultimately guide us back to ourselves.
From Planning the Future to Fully Living the Now
What is the life that you love and are you living it?
I would say through this journey, and through the community that has been part of my path, I am living with more intention now. The loss of my parents and my in-laws, and realizing that we are now the older generation—all of those experiences impact you.
When you are in your 20s, you are planning your life, thinking about what you will do, what you will have, and who you will become. At this point in my life, that phase is behind me. What feels important now is truly living in the present.
Sometimes I will sit at a light while driving and remind myself to take a deep breath and notice what is around me. The air, the sounds, the feeling of being in that moment. I am naturally a go-getter and tend to move through life quickly, but I have realized that to have balance and live with intention, I need to pause and create that space.
I believe in discipline and structure because they help me function well and be creative. At the same time, I love spontaneity. Those unplanned moments that just happen are often the most meaningful. That is what being present really is, not always following a plan, but allowing space for life to unfold.
The Unexpected Voices That Tell You to Keep Going
How has community played a role in your life and your journey to building all of this?
I would not be here without community. I remember early on when I started my business, I hosted an event and women I did not even know came up to me and said, “You need to keep going. This is beautiful. This is amazing.”
Now I speak and share my story, and women connect with that because it helps them look inward and find their own strength too. I am a jewelry designer, but my passion goes deeper than that. I care about the connection it creates between people.
If I can help someone remember who they are, that matters to me. We all have an inner sense of wisdom, intention, intuition, strength, and intelligence. But we are often looking outward or reacting to what the world brings us.
During the time when my marriage ended, I had to turn inward, which is not easy. That is where everything I have learned became important. That is where my tools came into play and helped guide me.
Structure, Discipline, and the Space to Let Life Happen
What are the habits that you have developed over time that allow you to do this work and have such an impact on so many people?
For me, it is about being aligned with my intention. That alignment has created balance, beauty, and meaning in my life, and that is something I practice every day. Movement is also very important to me.
The habits that support my life are structure, discipline, consistency, and kindness. These are not just ideas, they are built into how I live. I am not perfect. For example, my closet looks nice today, but it did not last week. Sometimes you have to let things go.
One thing I remind myself is that a messy room will wait for you. You can come back to it when you are ready. I am often busy with other priorities, and that is okay.
Structure helps me stay organized, and discipline allows me to stay consistent. Nothing really grows without consistency. That is one of the keys to success, whatever success means to you. These habits help me stay creative, keep learning, and stay connected with others.
When Alignment Matters More Than Achievement
What is your definition of success today?
Success, to me, is being aligned with my values and my purpose. It is not about acquiring money or things. It is about connection, intention, and living in a meaningful way.
That is the foundation of everything. Without it, there is no real success. I would not be where I am today without those values. That is what I focus on and what I am most grateful for.
Why Uncertainty Is the Price of a Meaningful Life
What is it that holds women back from taking an opportunity that could be in front of them?
Fear is what holds women back. It is often fear of the unknown and the lack of guarantees.
My journey has not been easy. I feel successful in many ways, though not always financially in the way a business might require. There have been real challenges. The cost of materials like gold and silver has increased significantly, and there are external factors like tariffs that impact the business.
Over time, these challenges have shaped my path. I used to rely more on trade shows and retail stores, but those avenues changed. Each shift guided me toward where I am now, while keeping my focus on building something meaningful for women and creating a lifestyle brand rooted in connection.
There is a saying that to live a healthy, happy life, you need to sleep well, eat well, and connect. Research shows that connection is the most important of the three. That has been true in my experience.
The Power and Discomfort of Turning Inward
What is one hard lesson that you have had to learn along the way?
One of the hardest lessons has been learning to look inward. To truly understand myself, care for myself, and show up for myself.
It is not that I did not value those things before, but when I was younger, I was more focused on what was ahead of me. When I shifted my focus inward, it gave me a sense of freedom and allowed me to pursue what I truly love and who I want to become.
The Sooner You Listen Within, the Faster Everything Aligns
If you were to give younger Ann a bit of advice, what would you tell her?
I would tell her to get over herself. In your 20s, you are still separating from everything that shaped you, and you do not always realize how much you are still attached. You want to become your own person, and you are very focused on your own path and what you want.
It is not that you are not kind or caring, but your focus is inward in a different way. The sooner you can connect with your deeper inner voice, the more your life will shift for the better.
Things will come together in a more thoughtful and meaningful way, and you will be able to create a life that truly reflects who you are.
About Ann King Lagos
Ann King Lagos is a visionary jewelry designer and the creative force behind REALM Fine +Fashion Jewelry. With a design philosophy rooted in contrast, Ann masterfully blends strength with sensuality.
“REALM is the culmination of all that I have learned in life, business and design. It embodies how I, as a woman, want to feel. My designs are a tribute to the passions and curves of real women—crafted to empower you to move through life with intention.”
