Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ana Kostic. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ana, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My work ethic was influenced by different people growing up, but mostly comes from my dad whom I’ve seen building his company from the ground up. Although his area of expertise was different than mine, I’ve seen how the creativity carries you through all the hard work
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I grew up in a small town in Montenegro, always eager to experience something new and embrace more possibilities. At 18, I moved on my own to join a foreign exchange program in high school and play tennis. Although I was excited, I became homesick and craved the sweets my mom used to make. That’s when I slowly taught myself to bake from scratch using her recipe book. Figuring out those brief, detail-light recipes was a challenge, but it sparked a passion that continues to this day. Now, I bake alongside my daughter, developing new recipes and hoping to pass on this tradition to future generations. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing people enjoy our treats at local farmers markets or making them part of special occasions with their loved ones. Embracing this creative side, I’m also working on building my brand and celebrating Balkan culture while continuing to grow as a leader in the tech and retail space. My dream is to launch a recipe book soon and open a few small physical locations to sell our treats. Each day, I take small but meaningful steps toward these goals, and the creative process fills me with hope and excitement for what’s to come!
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?
Looking back on my journey, the three most impactful qualities I’ve embraced are what I call the ‘easy A’s’—Accountability, Authenticity, and Audacity combined with Adaptability.
First, Accountability is key. It’s about setting goals and holding yourself responsible for taking active, consistent steps toward achieving them. Whether in personal growth or professional development, it’s essential to check in with yourself regularly, course-correct when needed, and stay focused on the end goal. Break down your larger ambitions into manageable actions, and then commit to doing the work every day.
Second, Authenticity has been a guiding principle for me. Staying true to yourself, your values, and your unique path is crucial. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison or to feel pressured by what others are doing, but the real growth comes from knowing who you are and trusting that your journey is valid and valuable. My advice here is to embrace your individuality, and focus on your strengths.
Finally, Audacity combined with Adaptability has driven much of my growth. You must be bold enough to take risks and step outside your comfort zone, but equally important is the ability to adapt and pivot when things don’t go as planned. I’d encourage everyone to embrace challenges, be willing to fail, and be flexible enough to change course as needed. It’s this balance that fosters true resilience and success.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m currently at a point where I thrive in the creative process of developing recipes and exploring new avenues for business growth, while fully embracing the entrepreneurial side. However, I truly believe in the power of collaboration, as there are so many different aspects to building a successful venture. I’m looking to connect with talented individuals who have a keen eye for aesthetics, strong social media and marketing skills, or simply a passion for sweet treats and consumer-driven businesses. If you’re excited about making this dream a reality, I’d love to connect! Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or on Instagram @dessertswithana.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dessertswithana.com
- Instagram: @dessertswithana
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089646304611
Image Credits
Joe Hurt
Sara Khan Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
