“The TV contracts will say Anna is not to change her hair, it has to stay pink”

What inspired you to become a pastry chef?

I’ve always been around food. We’re Greek. My family emigrated to Australia. And food is the love language. I was never good at school. I was great at showing off. And I was always great with cooking, only because I’ve been around food. As a pastry chef, you have the emotional ending for someone’s meal. I love making people feel special and get excited about food. So, we always go above and beyond for whatever we create.

What was your earliest money lesson?

Learning to save at a young age is vital – it sets you up for the future. Having a piggy bank is always important, so you can put money away and allow it to grow. I used to have those money tins that looked like $100 or $50 bills. Mum and Dad would encourage us to put money in there. I would compete with my brother to see who could save the fastest. So, it was teaching us about money, about saving, about investing, about all that kind of stuff. It’s all about good habits. My brother is an accountant now!

What was the first thing you recall saving up for?

A ColecoVision [game console]. My brother and I saved up to buy computer games. We would bring it out on school holidays. But when school holidays were over, we would have to pack it up and put it away.

What was a big financial turning point for you?

When Covid hit, I met an investor and went into partnership with him. I learnt that it’s so important to be across money, to make sure that the ATO is paid, make sure your staff’s super is done, make sure that there’s enough cashflow to pay your suppliers or people that have provided a service. Our mindset was very different. He was looking after the money, but we were going more and more into debt. I learnt that I had to be on top of it. I did a program called Seedlab [a program sponsored by Woolworths]. I met like-minded people, and it taught me about cashflow, intellectual property, and investors. I wish I had learnt that sooner! It taught me a lot about believing in myself and investing in myself. No longer would I have an investor in my business. I am in control.

Has celebrity status dramatically altered your lifestyle?

I try and save a lot better. At the start, when I was getting money, I used to just throw it everywhere. Now, I give myself a percentage I can go spend, I’ll give another percentage to save and put another percentage that goes into tax. So, I’ll split it up. I used to go ahead and get a designer this and that. And I’ve stopped all that. If I really want something, I’ll go buy it. I do love flying in luxury if I’m going overseas. And I’ve got myself a nice car.

What’s the best investment you’ve ever made?

Doing my pink hair has opened up so many different opportunities. And we’re targeting different people. For example, we did a 12-month ambassadorship with Barbie. We do television and the contracts will say, “Anna is not to change her hair, it has to stay pink”. So that is an investment that was well deserved. But current investment is more about learning and self-development. That’s where I’m spending my time now.

Your ultimate indulgence?

I love hotels. I love that customer service. I like to feel that I’m away from home, but I also want to feel loved and we look at hotels that allow us to take our puppy dog with us. There’s a lot of dog-friendly places. For example, I’m working at the Langham Hotel, and they have a doggie high tea, and pampering and everything.

What’s the best money advice you’ve received?

The best advice has been to start creating great habits. Investing a percentage of your salary for a rainy day or a tricky situation. Don’t overspend. Don’t overcapitalise. Be across your finances, your spending, your cashflow. And number one, don’t spend what you don’t have. I don’t max out credit cards – I use credit cards for points. So I can get those business class flights! If you’re using a credit card constantly, because you’ve got no cashflow, there’s an issue. Banks aren’t gonna give you money for nothing. Pay it off. I always have.

How would you spend your last $50?

It would have to be on food. I’m never tight with my money when it comes to food.

What’s the next challenge you have set yourself?

I am investing a lot of time into myself: getting a personal trainer, getting a life coach, because I believe that if I have a healthy mindset and body, then everything else will flow through.

Finish this sentence. Money is good for …

Spending.