Meet Ana Tomic and her brand, ANTO—a fresh vision of handmade luxury that redefines elegance and craftsmanship. Rooted in a love for crochet passed down from her mother and grandmothers, Ana crafts intricate jewelry, swimsuits, and bags inspired by the beauty of nature, beaches, and rustic sophistication. Each piece from ANTO captures the essence of summer and is a testament to her commitment to quality and unique design.
From Serbia to New York, Ana’s journey fuels her bold, one-of-a-kind creations. With a growing customer base that values high-quality, sustainable fashion, Ana envisions ANTO expanding to Miami and beyond, celebrating travel, adventure, and life’s unforgettable moments. ANTO is more than a brand—it’s a lifestyle of elegance and handcrafted artistry, built to inspire and last.
Can you take us back to the beginning of your journey? How did you first get into designing handmade jewelry, swimsuits, and bags?
Ana Tomic: My journey began long before I even realized it. I was always drawn to music, fashion, and the arts, with a relentless passion for creating. Crochet became a part of my life through my grandmothers and mother, who introduced me to this traditional craft. As I delved into crocheting myself, a vision began to form. It felt like destiny—each step bringing me closer to where I am now. Creating fills me with purpose, making every part of the process profoundly fulfilling.
How did you decide on the direction for Anto by Ana Tomic?
The creation of Anto evolved gradually. It began as a hobby, and piece by piece, my ideas started to align. I’ve always been inspired by the seaside, travel, the beach, and the essence of summer. I love combining luxury, minimalism, and a rustic aesthetic. These influences naturally became the foundation of my brand, merging to inspire each creation at Anto.
Did you always know you wanted to work with handmade pieces?
Not initially—it was a discovery. As I explored different possibilities, I realized that creating from scratch brought me the deepest satisfaction. The ideas soon started flowing, and handmade craftsmanship became the heart of my work.
What challenges did you face when starting, and how have they shaped your approach?
One major challenge was mastering the intricate techniques within a short timeframe. Crochet is time-intensive, and any mistakes cost valuable time. Achieving precision in designs while allowing room for creativity requires patience and focus. These challenges taught me discipline and the importance of balancing inspiration with execution.
Inspiration and Creative Process
Your pieces are known for their intricate detail, featuring fine fabrics and gold. Could you tell us more about your creative process?
Creating each piece is a unique journey. With crochet, the possibilities are endless, but the size, pattern, materials, and tools all impact the timeline. Depending on the complexity, a piece might take from a few hours to several days or weeks. I approach each creation with care, allowing it to come together in its own time.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
Inspiration is everywhere. Nature, cultures, and various forms of art are all sources for me. Textures, colors, and intricate details spark ideas that I then weave into my work, each piece telling its own story.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
How do you manage your creative and hands-on business while balancing personal life?
Every day presents new challenges, especially as a growing brand. I’ve learned to find serenity in the midst of chaos, where my creativity thrives. Focusing on one task at a time and maintaining a positive mindset keeps me grounded and motivated to keep moving forward.
Managing Production
Do you handle production alone, or do you collaborate with others?
Currently, I’m managing orders myself, but I’m building a skilled team to support our expansion. The hands-on nature of my work makes this transition essential, as I want to maintain the quality and craftsmanship Anto is known for.
Staying Motivated
What keeps you motivated through long hours and challenges?
My passion for creativity drives me, keeping me focused and inspired to bring my vision to life.
Professional Life and Vision
You’ve mentioned plans to expand Anto to Miami. What about Miami appeals to you?
Anto embodies the spirit of summer—beautiful beaches, exotic destinations, and luxurious vacations. Miami, with its vibrant culture and connection to the ocean, feels like the perfect place to introduce Anto. This is only the beginning; we plan to expand to tropical locations worldwide, creating a lifestyle that resonates with elegance, adventure, and creativity.
Transitioning from Serbia to New York
How did moving from Serbia to New York influence your career and design approach?
Moving to New York changed everything. Before, I was focused on a career in music and dance, with fashion always in the background. New York opened my eyes to business and branding, teaching me the power of networking and creativity in a competitive world. This city has shown me that with determination, every dream is achievable. I’m grateful for the leap of faith that led me here—it’s shaped my journey in profound ways.
Vision for Growth
Who is the Anto customer, and how do you see your brand growing?
Our ideal customers value high-quality, sustainable fashion and enjoy exotic destinations and memorable experiences. We design primarily for women, but I’m excited to announce that we’re working on expanding into men’s fashion. I believe everyone deserves access to luxurious, handcrafted pieces that reflect an elegant, adventurous lifestyle.
Dream Collaborations
Are there any brands or designers you dream of collaborating with?
While we have dream collaborations in mind, we’re focused on partnering with like-minded brands that prioritize sustainability and quality. We aim for collaborations that reflect our values, creating beautiful, impactful collections together.
Future Goals for Anto
As you continue to grow, what are some of the goals you’ve set for yourself and your brand?
Our vision at Anto is to grow globally while connecting across diverse cultures. As we expand, I envision a team that embodies the lifestyle our brand represents—one that blends work, creativity, and leisure seamlessly.
Defining a Unique Brand
What makes Anto stand out in today’s crowded fashion market?
Each Anto piece is unique and thoughtfully crafted. Even if designs share a resemblance, each has distinct characteristics. Our craftsmanship is one-of-a-kind, offering pieces that resonate with the wearer on a personal level. I want Anto creations to be more than just items—they are experiences, each telling a story and bringing a touch of luxury into everyday life.
Embracing a Unique Lifestyle
How does a “unique lifestyle” reflect in your work? Do you see yourself setting new standards in handmade luxury?
To me, a unique lifestyle is about living with purpose, free from stress, and embracing beauty in everyday moments. I strive to create memorable experiences in everything I do. Anto reflects this philosophy—it was born from a desire to share something meaningful. By blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, I hope to set new standards in handmade luxury, creating products that offer more than just fashion, but also meaningful experiences for those who wear them.
