Anette Qviberg

ANETTE QVIBERG has conquered life in the most amazing ways and is an inspiration to women who want to go out and conquer the world one step at a time. From being a stylist, fashion icon, interior designer, respected businesswoman, single mother and more! Women have been an essential part to Anette’s life, and the strong ethos of her hard work and career, her fascinating life story is something to be shared and is inspirational to those who might be going through something similar.

Having been born, raised and educated in Sweden, Anette knew that there was more to the world than what her hometown had to offer and at the age of 18 moved to New York. Anette was able to fulfil her love for fashion and not be stuck to the normal societal ways of Stockholm and experience more of life and what it has to offer by stepping out of the box and become the free thinker and doer that she is today.

Previously married to Dolph Lundgren, Anette comes from a long line of inspiration and fashion, her mother was the designer to the Queen of Sweden, had her own fashion lines and even made clothing for Anette when she was younger.

When talking to the Euro Weekly News and asked what women she looked up to for inspiration, Anette spoke fondly of her grandmother, “She came to Sweden from Norway to escape the war, they had textile factories back in Norway but had to leave. She was extravagant in the best way; she didn’t fit in a box or category. I can remember her in her Yves Saint Laurent suit and high heels. She was a magnet, she did so much for people and for those in the LQBTQ community, then they looked to her as an icon, she was such a character she introduced me to Cabaret on her 60th birthday!”

After 15 years of back­andforth from the US to Sweden Anette received her Green Card from the lottery and was able to officially settle down.

Having set her new roots in Los Angeles after New York, to start her own business designing jewellery and continue styling, she has since come to Marbella and gone into the world of interior design with Ida Ayu Design.

When asked what advice she would give a woman in business today, Anette said, “Don’t stop, don’t stop with your creativity if you have something that you know can work, it is worth it, luck does play into it too. Be proud of yourself and have your own style, be your own individual self. Your friends should be copying you, not the other way around. Be your own individual self and be proud of what you have done so far.”

Today Anette is an interior designer who styles and dresses homes, apartments, restaurants and more, allowing your vision to become a reality. Anette has her own team and is dedicated to her work, you will be blown away with what she has and can accomplish, “Each project has its own style, whether it be a private home or a restaurant, you must take everything into consideration. It is psychological, you have to know the client’s wants and desires, I know how to make it work and have everything come together.”

When talking about her history in business and the male dominated industries of fashion and how to get your voice to be heard Anette said, “Work a lot and show up. If you have to be the underdog, be it, be smart, let those around you feel comfortable and do the important things asked of you. It is hard but it is worth it when your voice is finally heard. My daughter is an actress and a model, and she wants her independence. There might be misconceptions because of who I am, and her father is, but she is just like everyone else and will have to work harder to get over the miscon­ ceptions. You need to work from the bottom up or you will never be confident and that is key to getting anywhere. You need to be hungry and take advantage of what you have in front of you, it’ll help you in so many ways.”

Along with her successful career, Anette is also a single mother to Ida and Greta Lundgren. When talking about the work life family balance Anette said “It made more sense for me to go into interior design, I had time for the projects, and I wanted to spend time with my girls. We’re all very close but it was hard to be mum and dad. It is tough, your kids are going to do what you do, they look to their parents as an example, I wanted them to know I was working for a reason and by working while they were growing up it has made them tough. I have always showed them love, but I have also shown them respect and that there is no shame in asking for help, whether it be if I need a tea or they do, we look out for each other and have an open relationship and work together.

“If you are looking to have a better connection with your children, be open and honest with them and let them be open and honest with you and with no judgement. Don’t restrict them and care about their needs.”

Anette has lived in Marbella now for over 20 years, but it has always been a home from home, having visited the area from when she was little throughout the holidays with her family, Marbella has always been a part of Anette’s heart.

“When the girls were starting to grow up, I knew I couldn’t do it in New York or LA, I wanted them to grow up around nature. Here is the best place for me, there is a sense of community, so many different nationalities, you create your own community here, it is amazing.”

When asked about the best advice she has ever received, Anette went back to her family and her stepfather and grandmother. They said, “Try to live in the moment and try and make the situation as best you can. The sentence it’s never going to work should never cross your lips. Everyone has a chance, everyone fails and don’t be afraid of failure, it makes you stronger. Don’t be scared to be different, do what you can, be true to your word and yourself, there is no harmony in lying.”

When asked what advice she would give women today, she said, “Always focus on positive reinforcement, be an honest person, look at what is in front of you and value it. Be empathetic, value the small things in your community, give rather than show off. Look to those around you who need help and once they are happy, then look further afield. Put down your phone, be proud of yourself and know you have the drive and determination to succeed, it doesn’t matter who has more money, everyone has their dignity and show respect to everyone.”