Meet Ananda De Mello | Art Producer & Real Estate Advisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ananda De Mello and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ananda, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My approach to work life balance has evolved a lot over time. Early in my career, right out of college, I immersed myself in the art world. At that stage, my work and social life were one and the same, and my identity was deeply tied to the projects I created with friends and colleagues.

When I became a mom, everything shifted. I moved back to Brazil for a short time, and when I returned to Miami with my newborn, I was in a very different stage of life. I was discovering myself as a mother, and the art producer me felt worlds away.

Now that my son is two, I have returned to exciting creative projects while also beginning my career as a Real Estate Advisor. My priorities have shifted, but instead of seeing my roles as separate, I have learned to integrate them. Today, balance is less about dividing my time and more about letting family, art, and work come together naturally.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business journey has been shaped by creativity and connection. Just as Art Basel Miami Beach came to town, I started my journey in the art world, curating exhibitions, organizing events, and helping artists bring their visions to life. Watching Miami grow into an international art destination as my career unfolded was energizing and inspiring.

After years working for galleries and institutions, I founded Art Habit, a boutique agency that lets me continue this work freelance, supporting artists, galleries, and creative businesses with production, logistics, and project strategy. Through Art Habit, I’ve learned the value of structure, strategy, and hands-on support, whether producing an exhibition or guiding someone through a major life decision, like buying a home.

What sets my work apart is the balance of creativity and practicality. I approach every project with attention to detail and a genuine desire to understand the people I work with. My goal is to provide thoughtful, tailored solutions that leave clients feeling confident and supported.

The journey hasn’t always been easy. Starting a business, raising a family, and stepping into real estate came with challenges, but staying curious, leaning on my network, and approaching each step with patience helped me grow.

I’m proudest of the relationships I’ve built while bringing projects to life. Seeing an artist’s vision realized or a client fall in love with a home is deeply fulfilling. My story is one of adaptability, collaboration, and problem solving, whether is for a project or my own path.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
To enjoy Miami, you have to be open and flexible—let things find you while you find parking. The perfect itinerary is a mix of adventure, culture, music, and great food, organized by neighborhood.

North Beach: Beach day and a BBQ at North Beach Oceanside Park, followed by a concert at the Bandshell.

Key Biscayne: Breakfast at Flour & Weirdoughs, another beach day, and catch the sunset best views with happy hour at The Cleat.

Downtown + Midtown: Start at Museum Park and PAMM, then pop into a few galleries on the way to Michael’s Genuine in the Design District for lunch. Stroll the shops, cool off with a tipsy ice cream from Aubi & Ramsa, and finish the day at the ICA.

Coconut Grove + Little Havana: Window shopping at CocoWalk, lunch at The Hangar, Calle 8 for drinks and dancing.

Homestead: Hike the Long Pine Key Trail, recharge at Robert is Here, and take an airboat tour for a real Florida experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
One of my colleagues, who I’m lucky to now call one of my dearest friends, is the artist Nathalie Alfonso. Together, we’ve seen a lot of the (art) world and collected countless memories and stories along the way.

Website: https://www.makearthabit.com

Instagram: @ananda.demello

Other: https://www.compass.com/agents/ananda-deMello/

Image Credits
Personal Photo:
Ananda De Mello, IGNITE 2025, Broward County Cultural Division, MAD Arts. Photo by RodrigoGaya.com

A Geometrical Landscape, Javier Riera, IGNITE 2025, Broward County Cultural Division, MAD Arts. Photo by RodrigoGaya.com

PULSE, This is Loop, IGNITE 2025, Broward County Cultural Division, MAD Arts. Photo by RodrigoGaya.com

LineScape-Onset, Nathalie Alfonso, 2025 Florida Prize in Contemporary Art, Orlando Museum of Art. Photo by RodrigoGaya.com

EFG VIP Lounge, Pinta 2024, Luciana Bueno Interior Design. Photo by RodrigoGaya.com

The Source, Agustina Woodgate, Collins Park, Art Basel Miami Beach. Photo courtesy of Studio Woodgate.

The ARC, Agustina Woodgate, El Espaco 23. Photo courtesy of Studio Woodgate.