Today we’d like to introduce you to Adriana Brito
Hi Adriana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Of course! My story with ELLA by Anto started with a dream driven by my passion for fashion and the need to create something that truly reflected my personal vision. A couple of years ago, I took my first steps into the entrepreneurial world by selling a Colombian jewelry brand in Houston, TX. I was excited and proud to be building something, but after a few months, I realized I was dedicating my energy to someone else’s brand instead of creating my own. That was a turning point for me. I knew I had to follow my own vision. I spent months dreaming, planning, and learning before finally taking the leap. Two years ago, I made the best decision of my life, started my own brand and moved to Austin, TX, with the dream of turning ELLA into something that felt authentically mine.
Over time, ELLA became a brand that represents much more than just jewelry. It’s about empowering women through pieces that make them feel confident and special. Today, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, but I know this is just the beginning. My goal is to keep innovating, creating, and taking ELLA to new heights, while always keeping that authentic touch that makes it unique.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road hasn’t always been smooth… One of the most defining moments in my journey was when I decided to leave my corporate job in Houston and move to Austin. I had what seemed like a great job at a CPA firm—good pay, a nice office in downtown—but deep down, I knew it wasn’t where I wanted to be. I spent all my time working, driving, and barely taking care of myself. So after two years, I realized something had to change.
To make the jump, I started working for Uber on weekends in Austin while working a 9-5 job in Houston. I quickly realized that I could make the same amount, sometimes more, on a weekend than I did at the firm. So I took the risk and moved to Austin after a couple of months. I rented an apartment, focused on building ELLA, and worked hard to make ends meet—driving Uber every day, selling jewelry at markets on weekend mornings, and even working part-time at an insurance company.
Last year, my goal was to have ELLA support me completely, and thankfully, she did. I haven’t had to drive for Uber since. This experience taught me the importance of trusting in yourself. The hardest part was believing that I could make my dream come true, “just by selling jewelry.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
ELLA by Anto is a brand that’s all about empowering women through versatile, stylish, and high-quality pieces. We specialize in creating jewelry that not only makes a statement but also reflects the strength and beauty of every woman who wears it. Our designs are modern, bold, and designed with a focus on both aesthetics and comfort, making them perfect for any occasion.
What sets ELLA by Anto apart is our commitment to authenticity and inclusivity. I wanted to create a brand that not only stands for cute designs but also speaks to women who want to feel confident and empowered in their everyday lives. Each piece is crafted with love, and my goal is to design jewelry that’s not only beautiful but also connects with our customers’ personal stories and emotions.
What I’m most proud of is how far we’ve come in a short time. From selling at local markets to now reaching a wider audience, seeing how much the brand resonates with women is incredibly rewarding. What I want people to know about ELLA is that it’s more than just a brand—it’s a journey of self-expression, strength, and love. It’s about creating pieces that help women feel confident and proud of who they are.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5 to 10 years, I envision us expanding beyond jewelry into new product categories—things like handbags, clothing, hair accessories, and maybe even shoes! The sky’s the limit, and I’m excited for what’s to come. I also see ELLA having physical stores, maybe one or more, where we can host events to empower women, encourage them to believe in themselves, and remind them that it’s never too late to chase their dreams. And… just between us, maybe one of those new additions will be coming next month!
I’m excited to continue pushing boundaries and growing the brand into something even more impactful and meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ellabyanto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellabyanto?igsh=MWNwN2k1bzM3NXA4Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18cfoeRqib/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
My lovely clients, thank you!
