Vera Yanti Kretschmar, empowered in the design Industry

Discover Vera Yanti Kretschmar, a dynamic entrepreneur and investor who elegantly blends business innovation with creative design. With a fervent passion for exploring new horizons and
a remarkable ability to turn ideas into concrete successes, Vera offers insightful perspectives on the ever-evolving landscapes of inspiration and business management. Her commitment to
pioneering projects and her courage in facing challenges highlight her determination and boldness in starting small but dreaming big.

Join Vera as she navigates the intersection of creativity and business, crafting a rich narrative infused with curiosity and courage.

Certainly! Here’s the questionnaire formatted for your website:

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1. Where does the inspiration come from?

I believe the most important aspect is the location of the house. For instance, for a property in Bali, I enjoy working with local designs, elements, and stones, and of course, with local contractors. I also incorporate local art and products found in the area that match the vibe. Bali is very humid, so I need durable and summery materials suitable for year-round sunny weather. Most of my villas in Bali feature Balinese style with a touch of British colonial, lots of white and black, wood, and local decorations.

In Singapore, the style is more chic city, whereas in Lake Como, my first 100-year-old villa has been restored to its original state with minimal modern elements, hand-painted walls, stucco, and marble, creating a luxurious Italian vibe.

I always seek out local artists, crafts, and antiques from the area. In Italy, I enjoy finding antiques and art from the era, creating spaces that reflect the beauty of a hundred years ago. I draw inspiration from design books and other villas, ensuring each room has a unique vibe. For example, one room is dedicated to birds, with wood paneling, ceiling paintings, and Murano chandeliers, all aligned with the property’s location and era.

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2. What advice would you give to entrepreneurs?

The best advice I’ve received is simply to start. You don’t need all the capital upfront to fund a business. Even if you run out of money or the business doesn’t succeed, you gain valuable experience in managing it. There are many similarities in running different types of businesses: human resources, staffing, strategy, finance, accounting, marketing, and sales.

My advice is to get started. You can sell something online without needing all the capital. Entry barriers are low now with the internet and digitalization. It’s also crucial to consider what you bring to the business. You should genuinely like the products or the business.

For instance, I’ve started beauty clinics and real estate ventures because I love those fields. I also invest in technology, AI, and cryptocurrencies because they interest me. It’s authentic to invest in something you enjoy. I wouldn’t start a business I wouldn’t want to be involved in.

My new startup, Peaches, is a sexy shapewear brand. The idea emerged before COVID, and now we’re ready to launch it with a talented team. We aim to create shapewear that is both functional and aesthetic.

When advising young entrepreneurs, I tell them to find something they like and see if there’s a market need. Don’t overthink it and don’t believe you need all the money upfront. Talk to successful people who have already done what you’re trying to do for inspiration.

I continue to learn and improve every day. Happiness comes from doing what I enjoy. Investing solely for money isn’t the right path. I love the real estate sector and brands, and I enjoy working on these projects. When I do something I love, the work feels less burdensome.

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3. What would I title a book about myself?

I don’t have a clear answer to that. My story is long; people see what I have and do, but there are 20 years of work behind it. Things don’t happen overnight. If you want to build something, it will take time.

I’ve tried many things until I found something I enjoy and where I feel productive. I’ve worked in corporations for many years and have lived in many countries. I’m not ashamed to say I’ve been a waitress, a hostess at Formula 1 events, and worked in retail. I like to stay active and try new things.

We no longer live in a world where you study one thing and that’s what you’ll be forever. I always try to evolve, improve myself, learn more, and pick up new languages. I’m interested in new projects, though sometimes I overextend myself and should focus more. This has led me to develop an interest in building a real estate development company, among other things.

I was never happy as an employee because I felt I wasn’t good at my job. I always looked for something where I felt competent and enjoyed. If you don’t enjoy it, change and try something else.

I don’t know what the title of my book should be. I’ve always been curious about life and an adventurer, trying new countries, jobs, and meeting people. I’ve always been interested in how people make their money.

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4. What is the future of your business?

I am interested in expanding my real estate portfolio, especially in Italy, around Lake Como and Milan. I am also excited about the opening of our restaurant, Jade by Todd English, in Canggu, Bali.

I love Lake Como and am eager to make more investments there. My focus will be on Italy, where I plan to launch a fund to invest in Italian brands, technology, and properties in tourist destinations. Additionally, I intend to expand a portfolio of luxury rental properties.

I am also involved in some technology and blockchain companies that I closely follow. In summary, the future of my business will be centered around Italy, with new and exciting opportunities ahead.

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CREDITS:

Personality: Vera Yanti Kretshmar 

Photographer: Elena Campese 

Art director: Agostina Zwiener 

Styling: Ozge Efek 

Production: Marcela Meignan 

Make up and hair: Antonia 

Press : Nico Freijo Summer Creativo 

 Location: Erreci Studio