Mirror Mirror: Ana Lesiak

Mirror Mirror: Ana Lesiak

Boobs, jumpsuits and Carrie from Sex And The City - when we caught up with Ana Lesiak, former Managing Director of Zara, not to mention founder of Saint Bustier...

When I look in the mirror I see... a tenacious, happy warrior who would surely benefit from improving her work/life balance. Running a company like Saint Bustier - which is a new concept in fashion - means the whole buying and testing process takes so much longer than for most retailers and, as I like to be hands on, it can be all-consuming!

If I was stranded on a desert island with one item it would be... well, I'm assuming the island doesn't have wi-fi so it would be pointless bringing my iPad to keep an eye on work, it would be a jumpsuit. I would hate to be naked and not together when the rescue boat arrives.

My biggest triumph was... moving to the USA from Poland on my own, aged 17 with only $200, despite barely speaking the language. I got into college at Berkeley and worked full-time whilst completing my degree to support myself whilst settling in to a new country. I still consider it a great achievement.

I've had my fair share of tough experiences but have managed to retain optimism and a "can do" attitude - I consider this an ongoing triumph!

When I was at school I wanted to be... a vet and a naturalist - I most certainly never dreamt that one day I'd be running a shopping site for women with bigger busts!

If I could be any character from film or literature I'd be... Carrie from Sex And The City for a few months - luxurious fashion shopping sprees, invites to hot dining spots, wonderful moments with a small group of great friends, a brownstone apartment in Manhattan, late mornings with steaming cappuccinos - and all on the salary of newspaper columnist! What a life!

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What did Whitney Port want to be when she was at school? And what would Francis Boulle take to a desert island? See all the latest Mirror Mirror interviews here.

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