by antonela fredianelli
Can you share the story of how you began your career in the fashion and beauty industry over a decade ago? What inspired you to start your fashion and beauty blog?
I was studying Economics, and as the time was passing, I didn’t feel like I would belong in corporate world, but I also at that time I couldn’t envision myself in any other industry. What stood out to me and caught my attention was the Italian blogger, Chiara Feragni and with some kind of ease I thought to myself ‘let me try this and see what happens’. But it was far from easy. From that moment, years have passed until my first paid collaboration and there was a time when I doubted myself and my decisions over and over again. What made it more difficult for me was that my family and friends didn’t truly understand this new path of mine. And as the time was passing by with no results, it was harder and harder to understand.
I was persistent enough, but I was also very aware that this might not be the best decision, therefore I decided to set some goals regarding time and results, and if I did not have any collabs or earnings unti l that time passed, I would choose some other life path.
Thank God, after 3 years, I got my first PR package from Adi- das, and shortly after I earned my first 150$ from a collab, and when that happened, I was jumping from joy for 2 days straight, because it meant that this is possible!
Over the course of 11 years, you’ve become one of the most popular influencers in the Balkans. What do you think sets you apart from others in the industry?
To be completely honest, it takes a lot of things to succeed, but the most difficult part is when you get where you wanted, and now you have to figure out how to stay there. Some of the most important things that really make the difference are consistency, mindset, luck, a specific moment, seizing that moment, people you surround yourself with privately and in business, your team, the ability to multitask, but also that X factor, also known as charisma. Charisma is something you carry within, and it cannot be taught or bought. It is the ability to speak to 10 followers or 100 thousand followers as you are speaking to your best friend about the day you had. It makes all the difference, because it helps people connect to you, feel you, identify with you and your everyday struggles and stay there, because maybe you made their day just a little bit better or gave them strength and inspiration to face their daily challenges.
“beauty is confidence, freedom, authenticity, creativity, vulnerability and strength”
What comes to mind when you think about your first time posing in front of a camera?
The first time I stood in front of a professional camera was in Milan. I remember I was standing in a studio surrounded by all these amazing beauty portraits of beautiful women. I felt comfortable, enthusiastic, and like I belonged there. I consider myself very lucky to have had this kind of first experience.
Looking ahead, what is your career aspiration? Do you have any defined goals that you’re working towards?
I always have small goals set for myself which inevitably lead toward milestones, which then lead to some great goals. I love to daydream, but I don’t mind taking small steps, one step at a time.
What motivated you to transition from a successful modeling career to pursue a degree in psychology?
I just always felt I needed something else besides modeling, that would give me some substance. I love how psychology keeps me in check and doesn’t ever let me believe that what we do in the fashion industry is rocket science. Psychology keeps me grounded and humbles me, among other things.
How do you think your background in modeling influences your perspective on psychology, and vice versa?
It is connected, probably more than I will ever be aware of. But if I had to name one thing it would be that modeling made me feel exposed, like there’s not much to hide behind and therefo- re it taught me to be more gentle to other people and, after a long time of contemplating and processing, to be more gentle to myself too.
Starting your brand is a significant
undertaking. What inspired you to create Rose de Mai, and what has been the most rewarding part of this entrepreneurial journey?
I simply felt that this was something I needed to do. I felt a huge enthusiasm and energy rush and I just felt that it was the right thing for me. The most rewarding part is all the creativity I get to employ. I love having different kinds of outlets for my creative endeavors and my brand is one of them. Another one that is right there next to getting a platform for creative processes is getting recognition and love from other people who respond to the values and aesthetics of Rose de Mai.
It’s evident that photography is a passion of yours. How did you discover this passion, and what role does it play in your life today?
I always knew I loved photography, but having my brand unlocked my creative processes inspired me to do more. Photography is something I’m just starting to do, and I have big plans for it in the future.
When you have free time outside of work commitments, how do you usually spend it?
I love to spend it with my two children and my husband. My family is the most important thing I have.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Stubborn, ambitious, creative.
What does beauty mean to Ana?
The older I get, the more beauty I find in authenticity, being true to your own beliefs, and not falling for the trend and what everyone else is doing. So, beauty is confidence, freedom, authenticity, creativity, vulnerability and strength.