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Catching up with Vera Kretschmar to talk work-life balance, the importance of women supporting women and how she's strategically shifting the needle in business
Vera Kretschmar, a German-born entrepreneur, is currently renovating Villa Lucia - a historic villa on the shores of Lake Como, Italy. It’s the latest in her impressive portfolio of holiday properties, which includes Villa Anaya Manis - the largest private villa in Seminyak, Bali.
But anyone who knows Vera shouldn’t be surprised. She’s always got her sights set on the next opportunity, and more often than not, it’s something rooted in her ability to see beauty in the most unexpected places. Whether that’s a dilapidated property, women-led start-ups where she’s acted as an angel investor, or a gap in the market for beauty and wellness treatments in Bali, which led her to open one of the island's most reputable clinics, Anaya Aesthetics.
For Kretschmar, life is all about taking calculated risks to build a beautiful life for her and those in her orbit. We caught up with the savvy businesswoman to talk work-life balance, the best and worst advice she's received and how women supporting women makes the world go 'round.
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Where would you say your entrepreneurial spirit comes from?
I’ve always believed that entrepreneurship is about seeing possibilities where others see limitations. My entrepreneurial spirit comes from a mix of curiosity, resilience, and an innate desire to create something meaningful. From a young age, I was drawn to business—whether it was identifying market gaps or understanding how value is created. Growing up, I admired visionaries who built empires with purpose, and I knew I wanted to carve my own path, not follow one that was already paved.
You’re deeply invested in nurturing every business or venture you get involved in. Why is that personal touch so important to you?
Because businesses are built on relationships, not just numbers. I don’t see my ventures as mere brands; they’re extensions of my values. Whether it’s Anaya Aesthetics, Anaya Property Investments or Anaya Hospitality, every business reflects my commitment to excellence, authenticity and innovation. The personal touch isn’t just about involvement—it’s about understanding the soul of the business and ensuring that it delivers real impact to the people it serves.
Women face unique challenges in business, and I believe that by lifting each other up, we create stronger industries, economies and communities.
Anaya Aesthetics is gorgeous, and the service there is world-class. When and why did you decide to go into aesthetics?
I started Anaya Aesthetics because I realised there was a gap in the market in Indonesia for a high-class, world-standard beauty clinic. I wanted to create something that could truly compete with top clinics in London and New York—not just in luxury and service but in offering the most cutting-edge aesthetic technology available. My goal was to bring international-level expertise, innovation and results to clients who expect the best.
How do you believe self-care has the ability to empower people?
Self-care is not a luxury—it’s a form of self-respect. When you invest in yourself—whether through skincare, wellness, or mental clarity—you show up stronger, more confident, and ready to take on the world. True empowerment starts with how you feel about yourself, and that’s what self-care cultivates.
What do you do to maintain a work-life balance?
To be honest, there can be times without any balance. When you’re building something big, there are moments when work completely takes over, and that’s part of the reality of being an entrepreneur. But I’ve learned that it’s about finding harmony rather than strict balance.
I make time for things that keep me centred—daily workouts, quality time with my fiancé and my dog, and moments of stillness to reflect. I also believe in delegation—you can’t do everything alone, and having the right team allows me to focus on high-impact decisions. At the end of the day, I love what I do, so even when work is intense, it doesn’t feel like a burden. The key is knowing when to pause, recharge and come back stronger.
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What keeps you inspired and grounded?
I’m inspired by innovation—the idea that we can always do things better, more beautifully, and more impactfully. Traveling, meeting visionary entrepreneurs, and experiencing different cultures also fuel my creativity. My loved ones keep me grounded. No matter how fast-paced business gets, I always return to genuine connections, gratitude, and the understanding that success isn’t just about wealth—it’s about impact.
You’re always looking to support women in business. Why is this important to you?
I always want to support women in business because I’ve found that, especially women who have the talent, vision, and drive, often lack access to the right networks, funding, or opportunities. Women face unique challenges in business, and I believe that by lifting each other up, we create stronger industries, economies and communities. Success shouldn’t be about competing—it should be about collaborating and creating more seats at the table.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“You don’t need permission to go after what you want.” We often wait for the “right time” or for external validation, but the truth is, you have to create your own opportunities.
What’s the worst advice you’ve ever been given?
To not take risks. Playing it safe never leads to real growth. Every major success I’ve had came from stepping outside my comfort zone, trusting my instincts, and taking calculated risks. If you wait for certainty, you’ll stay exactly where you are. The key is to make informed decisions, but never let fear hold you back.
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
I want my legacy to be about empowerment and possibility. I want to show that women can build empires, live beautifully, and redefine success on their own terms. I want to leave behind brands that are not just profitable but purpose-driven—businesses that make a difference in people’s lives.
Coco Marett is a writer and editor who grew up between Hong Kong and Melbourne. She currently heads the travel section for Tatler Asia, and manages the Tatler Travel account on Instagram. She is known for her features on unique, under-the-radar properties and destinations. She's also known for her in-depth interviews that paint a refreshingly candid portrait of influential figures across various industries —from artists to political figures, CEOs to celebrity chefs. Follow her on Instagram @cocomarett
