Alexandra Ande is a passionate entrepreneur with the experience and drive to support any and all creative professionals.
Alexandra comes to Blender Workspace with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and over 15 years of hospitality experience.
Post university, she started Simply Sweetened, translating her passion for culinary arts and nutrition into a baking business specializing in vegan, gluten free, and sugar free treats. Founding Simply Sweetened allowed Alexandra to offer those with alternative diets a way to satisfy their sweet tooth. It was a natural progression, after the first year, to expand the business to offer catering. She absorbed the abundance of knowledge that came from interacting with vendors, clients, and colleagues. Alexandra began producing her own events and soon found herself working with the largest real estate franchise in the United States.
Never one to turn down an exciting opportunity, Alexandra accepted a director position working with the leadership team at the newly founded Keller Williams location in NYC. There, she led corporate events and helped grow the company to 500+ agents. Eager to broaden her expertise, Alexandra set her sights on Starwood Hotels & Resorts. While there, she gained experience in all facets of the business working with W Hotels executive team. Not only through the $13 billion merger with Marriott, but a global pandemic as well.
Alexandra now utilizes her experience and knowledge to support other creative professionals and the Blender Workspace staff. Those who have met her can attest to not only her generosity of spirit, but also her willingness to go above and beyond no matter the assignment. Alexandra Ande took time out of her busy schedule to share some tips and tricks for hospitality success.
What does hospitality mean to you?
Hospitality is the thing that grants us entertainment, relaxation, opulence, and joy. It offers experiences that soften the mundane tasks in our lives.
What part of your career inspires you the most?
Our members are my inspiration. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by well respected professionals that are passionate about what they do. There is NEVER a dull moment here, and I love the challenge of balancing multiple projects. The Blender Workspace team also offers me a great deal of inspiration. Many are brilliant creatives that put their all into their craft. That passion is extended to the attentiveness offered to our space, members, and guests.
What is your favorite moment of your career so far?
It is difficult to pinpoint a specific moment in time. I have been lucky to work with some incredibly brilliant and driven people throughout my career. I will say some of my proudest moments came from owning my own business. I will never forget all the firsts, especially that first big sale.
What is your go-to mantra?
Not so much a mantra as an outlook. I view every person in my life as a teacher. At the end of the day we are all just mirrors for each other showing where there is opportunity for growth. Arriving as unapologetically authentic helps me stay present in the lessons and grow with ease.
What was your favorite quarantine hobby?
Writing! I wrote a children’s book that I am quite proud of. I am currently in search of a literary agent that aligns with my vision.
Favorite genre of music and what it does for you?
I love it all! What I choose greatly depends on my current mindset. How I feel energetically will dictate what’s playing, as music is a magnificent tool to shift vibrational energy.
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