In this interview, we meet Ana Lucena, a Spanish shoe designer, founder of the brand Ana Lucena Shoes, and Silver Sponsor of Miss Europe Continental 2025. Hers is a story of courage and personal reinvention. At a pivotal moment in her life, Ana chose to believe in herself and turn a lifelong dream into reality: to create shoes that would walk with women through their most important moments.
That’s how Ana Lucena Shoes was born, a women’s footwear brand inspired by the desire to turn dreams into confident, authentic steps. Each of her designs carries a clear message: that style, strength, and authenticity can and should go hand in hand. What makes this brand truly special isn’t just its elegant design, but the soul behind every pair a tribute to bold femininity and the power of self-expression through fashion.
- Ana, your personal story is inspired by the motto: “You just have to believe in yourself to know that anything is possible.” How did your dream of creating your own shoe brand come about?
My dream emerged during a transformative time in my life. I felt the need to express my essence and bring something unique to the world of fashion. I’ve always been fascinated by how shoes can shape the way we feel, when a woman wears a pair that truly represents her, her whole posture and attitude shift. I wanted to create pieces that would walk beside women in their achievements, challenges, and defining moments. That’s how the brand was born, as an act of faith in myself and what I had to offer.
- Have you always had a passion for fashion, or did it develop over time?
I’ve always had a natural sensitivity for aesthetics, design, and details. But it was through my life experiences that I discovered fashion could become my true language. Footwear, in particular, became my way of telling stories and conveying values.
- As a Silver Sponsor of Miss Europe Continental 2025, you designed the shoes that all the candidates will wear on stage. Beyond design, what legacy do you hope to leave as a woman and a brand creator who celebrates femininity, inclusion, and empowerment?
I want each candidate, when they step into my shoes, to feel unique, valued, and powerful. Beyond the aesthetics, I want my designs to be a form of self-expression and freedom. True beauty comes from feeling confident and proud of who we are, and if my creations can give even a small boost of that confidence, then I’ve already made my mark.
- What type of woman do you have in mind when you design your creations? And how would you define the identity of the Ana Lucena woman?
I design for women who are authentic and versatile, those who don’t follow rules just to fit in, but define their own path. The Ana Lucena woman is elegant, bold, creative, and unapologetically herself. I like to call them the “CAÑERAS” in the best way possible. A woman who values great design, but never at the expense of comfort or quality.
- What’s the next dream you hope to achieve? Are there any upcoming projects you’re excited about?
There are always new dreams. One of them is to take the brand international, to bring our designs to more women across Europe and Latin America. I’m also working on new collaborations with other inspiring female entrepreneurs, which I’m very excited about.
- As an entrepreneur, what message would you like to share with young women who dream of building something of their own, as you did?
Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you begin. Give yourself permission to make mistakes, to learn, and most importantly stop comparing your path to anyone else’s. Every journey is unique. When you do something with love, commitment, and authenticity, the right doors will open. Believe in yourself even when no one else does yet.
