My Story: From Century 21 to the Costa del Sol

  • Post category:About Ana

At 20 years old, living in Upstate New York, I became a Real Estate Agent with Century 21. It was the perfect fit for a young mother and college student with a passion for houses and everything that makes a home. Back then, Martha Stewart was the icon of homemaking — I adored her and lovingly called myself “Marta Stewart.” That passion sparked something deeper in me: the joy of turning houses into beautiful, welcoming homes where people could gather, live, and celebrate life.

Soon, I began buying rundown properties to fix up, rent out, or flip — my first real steps into the world of real estate investment. That’s when I truly fell in love with the industry.

At 30, I moved to the Netherlands, where my love for renovating apartments and homes only grew. Everyone who knows me knows that creating beautiful living spaces and hosting friends are my greatest joys. I still admire Martha Stewart and everything she represents about the art of living and entertaining well.

As someone with Latino roots, a warm sense of hospitality and strong family values have always shaped who I am. I’m proud to speak fluent Spanish and Dutch, in addition to English — which has helped me connect deeply with people from many different backgrounds and cultures.

But my passions didn’t stop there — I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. One of the proudest chapters of my career was becoming the Franchise Owner of Build-A-Bear Workshop in the Benelux. It was a dream job. I learned invaluable lessons about business, location strategy, and customer experience — and I got to be part of a global retail family that brings joy to children and families. That experience taught me not just about business, but about dreams.

Driven by that same entrepreneurial spark, I eventually sold my franchise to launch a product of my own. Inspired by my franchising days, I created Cool Bear — the first lemonade concentrate in Europe sweetened with natural Stevia. 100% natural, with no added sugar or additives, it was a simple yet powerful idea created especially for children. Today, Cool Bear continues to thrive under new ownership, bringing healthy refreshment to kids across parks and supermarkets.

I thought I might retire after that. But after many holidays in Spain, I knew I wasn’t done yet. The call back to real estate — my first love — was too strong to ignore. The Costa del Sol inspired me, not just with its beauty, but with its vibrant lifestyle and sense of possibility. I saw an opportunity to combine my business expertise with my deep understanding of how people live, dream, and grow in a space.

Now, I’ve come full circle. With decades of experience — as an entrepreneur, a renovator, a homemaker, and a real estate professional — I bring a unique perspective to the property world. Whether it’s an apartment, a family home, or a luxury retreat, I understand what makes a house feel like home.

I don’t just show homes. I listen. I learn about my clients — their dreams, their needs, their lifestyle — and I help them find the perfect place to call home. Because living well isn’t just about where you live. It’s about how you live — and that is truly the art of creating a home.