Meet Ana Carttori

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ana Carttori. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Ana, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.

I grew up in Brazil in a middle-class family, where the norm was to pursue a degree and settle into a stable job. However, from a young age, I felt a strong desire to explore the world beyond what was expected.

At 18, I took a significant leap of faith by signing my first international modeling contract. That experience taught me that the possibility of failure is far outweighed by the opportunity to live my dreams. This understanding motivated me to embrace risk, leading me to live in 26 countries and immerse myself in diverse cultures.

After my modeling career, I decided to pursue another passion of mine—opening a dog boarding facility in a quieter town in Florida. Each step along the way required substantial courage, but the reward was always greater than the comfort of staying in one place.

When I visit Brazil, I see friends stuck in the routine I sought to escape. My adventures and experiences have shaped who I am today and reinforced my belief that venturing into the unknown is far more fulfilling than living a predictable life.

In short, taking risks has not only enriched my life but has also equipped me with invaluable lessons that continue to inspire me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

From a young age, my passion for animals was ignited by my father’s dedication to rescuing stray dogs in Brazil. At one point, we had 70 dogs on our farm, as he firmly believed that every animal deserves a loving home and a good life until the end. This experience deeply influenced my commitment to animal welfare.

Inspired by my beloved dog, Jazz, I founded Jazz’s Wonderland—my dream dog daycare and boarding facility. The purpose of my business is to provide a secure and joyful environment for dogs, especially for first responders who work long shifts and often struggle to find safe care for their pets. At Jazz’s Wonderland, we offer a little piece of heaven for dogs of all ages and breeds, ensuring they have a fantastic time while their owners are away.

I am thrilled to share that Jazz’s family is expanding, as we are in the process of opening a second facility! This dream is slowly becoming a reality, built one client at a time through passion and dedication to our furry friends’ happiness.

As we grow, I’m excited to introduce new services, including dog grooming, dog photography, birthday parties, and a bakery for our canine clientele! I am always thinking about the next steps that can enhance our offerings and better serve our community. This journey allows me to continuously ask: What do dog owners want? How can we support them more effectively?

The most rewarding aspect of my work is that it truly feels like a labor of love. Every day spent creating new opportunities for dogs and their owners is fulfilling, and I’m eager to see where this passion will take us next.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, three key qualities stand out as most impactful: resilience, a passion for continuous learning, and adaptability.

Resilience: Embracing a mindset that values trial and error is crucial. While it may sound cliché, I’ve faced numerous setbacks along the way—far too many to count! Yet, I’ve learned that what once felt like failure was actually a valuable lesson. As long as you gain knowledge from each experience, it makes the journey worthwhile.

Continuous Learning: I have a deep love for acquiring new skills at a professional level. Whether it was my 13 years in modeling, earning an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts, working as a chef, obtaining a degree in Functional Nutrition, or diving into investment strategies and becoming a CrossFit coach, I’ve consistently sought to invest in myself. This commitment to self-education means that my knowledge is an invaluable asset that can never be taken away.

Adaptability: Many of the skills I’ve learned—though seemingly unrelated—have played a vital role in building my business, Jazz’s Wonderland. There are countless times I’ve applied a lesson from one area to benefit another. Embracing diverse experiences allows you to evolve and innovate in unexpected ways.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace these qualities. Don’t shy away from experimentation and don’t fear failure; each step, right or wrong, adds to your growth. Never stop learning, as your skills will open doors you never expected. Lastly, be adaptable—be open to how your varied experiences can intertwine to create something unique. It’s never too late to try something new, and each endeavor can significantly contribute to your overall path.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instill in me a strong desire to thrive despite our limited financial resources. Growing up, I had a great upbringing, but we didn’t have much money. This experience fueled my determination to achieve success—not as an option but as a necessity. My “Plan B” was simply to ensure that “Plan A” worked.

While they couldn’t provide financial support for my hobbies or education, my parents taught me the importance of resourcefulness. I learned to seek out ways to earn money independently, which shaped my work ethic and resilience.

I’m also incredibly grateful to my mom for her unwavering support of my dreams, no matter how unconventional they seemed. Her encouragement to explore the world and pursue my passions—rather than discouraging me out of fear—has been instrumental in my personal growth. Without her belief in me, I might not have taken the risks that led to the life I live today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jazzswonderland.com/
• Instagram: anacarttori / jazzswonderland
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jazzswonderlandgainesville/

Image Credits

Cacau Mangabeira