Meet Ana Cortes | Fashion Designer and Olivina Lua Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ana Cortes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting Olivina Lua stemmed from years of struggling with finding rings and bracelets that fit me. Traditional jewelry designs often offer only fixed sizes, which can be frustrating, especially for thin or petite pieces where fit is so important. I realized that this wasn’t just my struggle, but one shared by many people who have a hard time finding jewelry that fits comfortably and securely.

With Olivina Lua, I wanted to create a solution: jewelry that is adjustable and flexible to accommodate all sizes, ensuring everyone can wear these pieces with confidence and ease. This commitment to a perfect fit goes hand in hand with my goal of offering the highest quality and style, all at an accessible price. Olivina Lua is about empowering people to feel beautiful and comfortable, knowing their jewelry was made to fit them.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets Olivina Lua apart is our commitment to offering adjustable jewelry that fits everyone without any struggle. I know how frustrating it can be to find jewelry that fits properly, especially when it comes to rings and bracelets, which is why making them adjustable was such a key part of the vision for my brand. We want to make sure that every person who wears Olivina Lua feels empowered and beautiful, no matter their size. Another thing that sets us apart is our dedication to providing the highest quality jewelry at an affordable price—so that people don’t have to choose between quality and budget.

Getting to where I am today has been far from easy. There have been many challenges, from figuring out the right suppliers to managing the business side of things. But every obstacle has been a learning opportunity. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of perseverance and surrounding myself with the right support system. My family has always been there for me, which has made all the difference. The journey has taught me that every setback is a chance to grow, and no matter how difficult things may seem, persistence pays off in the end.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the way I’ve built Olivina Lua from the ground up, taking it from an idea to a reality. I’m also proud that my brand is a reflection of what I believe in—empowering women, offering high-quality products, and honoring meaningful personal connections, like the tribute to my dog, Luna.

What I want the world to know about Olivina Lua is that it’s not just about selling jewelry; it’s about creating a sense of confidence and connection for everyone who wears our pieces. My journey has been full of hard work, but it has also been a deeply personal one. I want people to see the heart and soul that goes into every piece we create.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take her to places like las olas where there is a variety of restaurants so she can choose from, plus visiting Flow at Las Olas where the women statue is. I feel that statue is beautiful and empowering. I would also take her to Wynwood since it’s more of like an artist vibe and she can see all the murals and creativity Florida people have.

For brunch I would take her to La Boulangerie since it’s a spot I love and the food is delicious. I would probably look through IG for restaurants recommendations and I will find new spots as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my beloved dog, Luna, who actually inspired the name of my brand. Many people don’t know, but ‘Lua’ is the Portuguese word for ‘Luna,’ which was the name of my dog who passed away two years ago. Luna was an incredibly important part of my life, and naming my brand after her is a way of keeping her spirit with me always. She was my companion through many chapters of my life, and her memory continues to inspire me every day.

I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to my family—my husband, my mom, my sister and my dad—who have supported me through every step of my journey. Their love and encouragement have been invaluable, not just for Olivina Lua, but in every entrepreneurial endeavor I’ve pursued. Without their unwavering support, I wouldn’t be where I am today

Website: https://www.olivinalua.com

Instagram: @olivinalua

Other: Tiktok: @olivinalua

Image Credits
All pictures are from Olivina Lua