Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anna Cruz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Anna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?
Yes and no. This business does involve travel, and while the main purpose is work, I get to bring my family along. I try to take real vacations and visit nice places, but I often end up discovering unique or exclusive items my clients might want. As much as I’d like to fully switch off, I can’t help myself! Maybe one day, with an assistant, I’ll be able to travel in peace without mixing work and family time. But honestly, shopping for luxury items isn’t a bad job—especially with perks like coffee, champagne, and cookies in the stores.
My advice to fellow entrepreneurs is to pick a business you’re passionate about. When you love what you do, the time, effort, and sacrifices feel worthwhile instead of wasted. Passion makes all the difference.
Anna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hello there! If you don’t know me yet, I’m a luxury personal shopper. I got into this business during COVID, when friends and acquaintances couldn’t travel or get their hands on the items they wanted. At that time, many people with disposable income turned to “revenge shopping” since travel wasn’t an option. Being a fan of fashion, styling, and luxury sourcing, I saw an opportunity to help them. I’d already built relationships with luxury sales associates from my own shopping, so I often get early access to the latest items—something my clients value.
What I Offer: I specialize in sourcing luxury fashion and accessories, offering personalized recommendations tailored to each client’s taste. I aim to keep clients ahead of trends, introducing them to unique pieces not only from well-known European brands but also from emerging designers in New York City, known for its cutting-edge style.
What Sets Me Apart: I don’t believe in forcing sales or upselling. Instead, I focus on building trust by only recommending trends I genuinely admire and would wear myself. I’m also passionate about pushing new brands that reflect my clients’ unique styles, helping them build wardrobes that feel authentic rather than just trendy.
What I’m Proud Of: It’s incredibly rewarding when clients—most of whom are overseas—trust my recommendations and genuinely enjoy the pieces I select for them. I love knowing that my advice resonates with people from diverse backgrounds.
What I Want My Clients to Know: My goal is to empower clients to embrace their individuality. I encourage them to take a few fashion risks, in ways that feel true to their character. Dressing up is so much more fulfilling when it aligns with who you are, building confidence and self-expression without worrying about others’ opinions.
How’d you meet your business partner?
My cofounder is actually one of my childhood friends. We grew up together, and even though we now live halfway around the world from each other, we share a deep connection and a similar perspective on fashion and business. Despite our busy lives, we realized that we could be the perfect team—she has a strong list of potential clients in her network, and I have direct access to the luxury items they’re after. Combining our strengths and resources just made sense, and we’ve been able to build a successful business together. It’s a rewarding partnership that feels natural and effortless.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Absolutely. One of the biggest tests of resilience in my journey has been seeing people I once surrounded myself with try to replicate my entire blueprint. When they see the small wins, the successes, and the potential growth I’m proud of, some feel inspired to copy everything, down to the details. While this could be considered a compliment, it can also be challenging. It forces you to continually evolve, to get out of your comfort zone, and to innovate beyond what you originally envisioned.
In a way, it’s pushed me to become more resilient and resourceful. Rather than seeing it as a setback, I use it as motivation to stay a step ahead and keep my work uniquely my own. Ultimately, it’s made me a stronger and more creative entrepreneur.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theninerita.com
- Instagram: theninerita_
- Facebook: The Nińerita
Image Credits
For photos taken in Paris, credit goes to my beloved spouse and sometimes even my kids! More recent photos have been taken by my intern, who’s studying fashion business and marketing. Their support helps capture the spirit of my brand beautifully, and I’m grateful for their eye for detail.