Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Curiel.
Hi Ana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I didn’t set out with a conventional roadmap, Casa AnKan really grew out of instinct, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for objects that carry meaning. My background has always been rooted in business and strategy, but I found myself consistently drawn to the intersection of art, design, and storytelling.
The idea for Casa AnKan came from recognizing a gap: there are so many incredibly talented designers and artists around the world creating collectible pieces, yet not all of them have access to platforms that allow their work to travel and be seen in the right context. We wanted to build something that felt both curated and intentional, less transactional, more about connection.
We started by collaborating closely with designers whose work we genuinely believed in, focusing on limited editions and unique pieces. From there, it’s been a very organic evolution, participating in fairs, creating exhibitions, building relationships with collectors, and slowly shaping a point of view.
Today, Casa AnKan is still very much growing, but that’s part of what excites me. We’re building something that isn’t just about selling design, but about creating a dialogue, between cultures, disciplines, and people who value pieces with soul.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth wouldn’t be the word, interesting, definitely.
Building Casa AnKan has meant navigating a lot of unknowns. One of the biggest challenges has been balancing the creative vision with the operational reality. We work with designers across different countries, so logistics, shipping, timelines, costs, can quickly become complex, and those details matter just as much as the pieces themselves.
There’s also the challenge of building credibility as a young gallery. When you’re starting out, you’re constantly proving your eye, your network, and your ability to place pieces in the right collections. It takes time to earn that trust, both from designers and from clients.
And then there’s the financial side, collectible design is still a niche, and scaling something that is intentionally curated and limited isn’t always linear. You have to be very thoughtful about growth, partnerships, and where you invest your energy.
That said, those challenges have really shaped how we operate. They’ve pushed us to be more resourceful, more intentional, and more selective. It’s not the easiest path, but it’s one that feels aligned with what we’re trying to build.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Casa AnKan is a collectible design gallery. We work with designers and artists from around the world to present limited edition and one-of-a-kind pieces, objects that sit at the intersection of art and design, where function becomes secondary to narrative and intention.
What we really specialize in is connecting the right pieces with the right context. Whether it’s a private collector, an interior project, or a public space, we focus on how a piece lives within an environment, how it holds presence, how it tells a story. Our approach is very hands-on and collaborative, both with the designers we represent and the clients we work with.
What sets us apart is that we’re not just sourcing objects, we’re building relationships and shaping a point of view. We work closely with our designers, often supporting custom developments or helping adapt pieces to new contexts, while still preserving the integrity of their work. There’s a strong emphasis on international voices and on pieces that feel distinctive, sculptural, and timeless rather than trend-driven.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is that Casa AnKan already feels intentional. Even at an early stage, there’s a clear identity, refined but not rigid, global but personal. We’ve been able to create a certain atmosphere around the pieces we present, whether digitally or physically, that resonates with people who are looking for something more than just decoration.
Ultimately, I’d want readers to understand that Casa AnKan is about discovery. It’s about finding pieces that you don’t see everywhere, connecting with the story behind them, and bringing something into a space that truly shifts how it feels.
What’s next?
One of the main things we’re working toward is establishing a physical space. Up until now, Casa AnKan has lived through pop-ups, fairs, and temporary installations, which has been an incredible way to stay dynamic, but we’re ready to create a more permanent environment, something immersive, where people can really experience the pieces the way they’re meant to be seen and felt.
At the same time, we’re continuing to expand our network of designers, with a focus on discovering and supporting voices that aren’t always visible in the traditional design landscape.
We’re also looking to deepen the way we collaborate, more custom pieces, more site-specific work, and more dialogue between designers and clients. That’s where things get really interesting, when a piece isn’t just placed, but created with intention for a particular space or story.
The goal is to grow Casa AnKan into a space that people trust not just for what we show, but for how we see.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.casaankan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casaankan/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/casaankan
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5pRyY79fVIESXuLFgWSnwg
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@casaankan
Image Credits
Emily Goswick – Portrait
