When sisters Amany and Engy Afify launched ANTY, they weren’t just creating a jewelry brand—they were creating a movement. Rooted in heritage, mythology, and personal empowerment, ANTY redefines adornment as armor, story, and sacred ritual. From ancient Egyptian symbols to bold, sculptural silhouettes, each piece speaks to women who lead with intention. We caught up with co-founder and creative director Amany Afify to dive into the soul of ANTY, its design philosophy, and what’s next for this rising force in the world of modern heirlooms.
ANTY has such a powerful voice — blending symbolism, storytelling, and design into pieces that feel both deeply personal and strikingly modern. What inspired you to launch ANTY, and what does the brand name mean to you?
I’ve always had a deep love for jewelry and details, and I’ve always expressed myself through my own sense of style—whether in accessories or clothing. When I moved to the U.S., I struggled to find jewelry that truly resonated with me, especially pieces that reflected my cultural roots.
When the world paused during Covid, I saw it as a rare opportunity to finally build the dream I had carried for years—and that’s how ANTY was born. “ANTY” means “you” in Arabic. To me, it reflects the essence of the brand: jewelry that is shaped by the person who wears it. Every piece tells a different story depending on how it’s styled, but more importantly, it reflects the spirit of the woman wearing it.
You and your sister, Engy, founded ANTY together. How has working alongside family shaped the creative direction and spirit of the brand?
Working with my sister, Engy, has been a beautiful balance. We share the same roots and values from our upbringing, but we bring very different perspectives to the table. I come from a background in corporate and government work, while Engy has always been immersed in the fashion world. That contrast shapes ANTY in a meaningful way—blending timeless elegance with modern, trend-forward design. Our pieces speak to both worlds: the classic and the contemporary, the refined and the expressive.
Can you share a little about your and Engy’s professional backgrounds before launching ANTY? How do the skills from each of your experiences come together to shape the brand today?
Engy studied pharmacy, but her career path took a creative turn early on. She worked as a fashion model, appeared in TV commercials, and even played professional basketball. That blend of discipline and artistic expression has shaped her approach to design and branding. Engy brings fresh, trend-driven ideas that resonate especially well with our younger clients, adding a bold, fashion-forward energy to ANTY.
ANTY draws inspiration from other cultures, mythology, and sacred symbols. What fascinates you most about weaving ancient meanings into modern jewelry?
Traveling to many countries and experiencing different cultures has deeply shaped my perspective. I’ve always been fascinated by the beauty and meaning behind ancient craftsmanship—how much intention, detail, and time went into creating something lasting. That reverence for the past is a big part of my design process and the soul of ANTY. As someone from Egypt, I’m especially influenced by our rich heritage. We come from one of the world’s oldest civilizations—one that shared light, art, and wisdom with the world. Weaving those sacred symbols and stories into modern jewelry allows me to honor that legacy while reimagining it for today’s woman.
Your designs empower individuality and self-expression. When you create a new piece, what feelings or ideas do you hope to ignite in the person who wears it?
When I create a new piece, I want the person wearing it to feel joy, confidence, and a sense of self-expression. Jewelry has the power to elevate your mood—like wearing something colorful on a day you need a boost. It’s more than just an accessory; it’s a reminder of your strength, your beauty, and your ability to shine and achieve whatever you set your mind to.
You’ve spoken before about jewelry as more than adornment — as a form of personal armor or storytelling. How do you translate those big, emotional concepts into tangible design elements?
When I design, I think about how shapes, textures, and symbols can hold meaning. A protective eye, a serpent, or a geometric pattern inspired by ancient architecture isn’t just decorative — it’s a message, a memory, a shield. I aim to create pieces that feel intimate and empowering, that speak to the wearer’s identity or journey. Whether it’s subtle or bold, every detail is intentional — a reflection of emotion, heritage, and strength made tangible.
How has your personal journey — culturally, creatively, or even spiritually — influenced the collections you create for ANTY?
My personal journey—culturally, creatively, and spiritually—has shaped everything I do at ANTY. I’ve always been drawn to stories, ancient wisdom, and the beauty found in different cultures. That curiosity fuels my creativity and inspires the themes behind each collection. Spiritually, I deeply believe in the energy and healing power of natural stones, and in the way beauty can uplift the soul. When you wear a piece from ANTY, it’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about how it makes you feel. Every design is created with intention, to carry meaning and evoke a specific emotion or connection. Jewelry, to me, should be a personal experience—something that reflects your story and empowers your spirit.
The craftsmanship of ANTY pieces is incredibly detailed, yet bold. Can you walk us through your design process — from initial inspiration to final creation?
Our design process always begins with a story or emotion we want to express. We draw inspiration from cultural references, symbolic elements, and forms found in nature or history—but always with a modern point of view. Right now, we’re working on a new collection rooted in fresh inspiration, though we can’t reveal the details just yet.
From the initial sketches to selecting the perfect stones and refining every curve and texture, craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we do. We collaborate closely with skilled artisans to ensure that each piece feels bold, meaningful, and incredibly detailed—something that not only looks beautiful, but carries a deeper connection.
Many of ANTY’s collections feel like they carry a sense of ritual or transformation. Are there specific symbols or motifs that hold the most personal meaning to you?
Yes, absolutely. Many of the symbols I use—like serpents, protective eyes, or ancient motifs—are deeply personal. I’ve gone through many challenges in my life, and each one has taught me resilience, inner strength, and the importance of self-belief. For me, jewelry can serve as a quiet reminder of those moments—a way to carry strength, transformation, and growth with you. Every time I’ve faced adversity, I’ve come out of it stronger and more inspired to create something meaningful. Life will always have challenges, but we each hold the power to overcome and evolve—and I want ANTY’s pieces to reflect that journey.
Your Pharaoh’s Grace and Luminara Collections are gorgeous. Can you talk about the inspiration and aesthetic vision behind each of these?
Pharaoh’s Grace is inspired by the powerful symbols of ancient Egypt—each one carrying a story of strength, protection, and mysticism. From the serpent, which represents transformation and rebirth, to the wings of Queen Isis symbolizing truth and balance, the collection reimagines these sacred motifs through a modern lens. The aesthetic combines timeless elegance with bold details, paying tribute to our cultural heritage while making it wearable for today’s woman.
Luminara, on the other hand, is a celebration of light. Crafted entirely with diamonds and white gold, the collection is meant to reflect purity, clarity, and radiance. It’s about those luminous moments in life—whether quiet or celebratory—that deserve to be captured and worn. Luminara’s clean lines and shimmering surfaces are designed to make the wearer feel effortlessly luminous, inside and out.
As a founder and creative director, what has been your proudest moment with ANTY so far?
My proudest moment with ANTY so far has been when our “Lotus Golden Petal Bangle” won the 2025 INSTORE Design Awards. I always believed in the beauty and uniqueness of the design, but winning an award was an incredible validation of that vision. It confirmed that the creative direction we’ve been working towards resonates with the industry and our customers, and it’s a testament to the craftsmanship and passion we put into every piece.
If you could have your jewelry worn by anyone — a muse, a public figure, or even a fictional character — who would it be, and why?
If I could have my jewelry worn by anyone, it would be Angelina Jolie. Not only is she an iconic figure in the fashion world, but her humanitarian work has had an incredible impact. She embodies strength, compassion, and grace, and I believe ANTY’s pieces would resonate with her, reflecting both her personal style and the deeper values she stands for.
What advice would you give to someone looking to find their own voice — whether through jewelry, fashion, art, or creative entrepreneurship?
Finding your own voice is one of the most beautiful and empowering things you can do. It’s what keeps you motivated, helps you grow, and allows you to become a better version of yourself. Don’t be afraid to be different. Different is what makes you beautiful. While it’s not always easy to reach that point, it’s worth the hard work. Keep pushing yourself, stay true to your passions, and embrace what makes you unique.
Looking ahead, are there any exciting new collections, collaborations, or projects you’re excited to share?
We’re currently working on a new collection that will feature 925 sterling silver—a first for ANTY. I’m thrilled about this because it will allow us to make our jewelry and designs more accessible to a wider audience, and I can’t wait to see more people enjoying the pieces. While I can’t share the inspiration or designs just yet, I encourage everyone to follow us on Instagram @anty.co and subscribe to our newsletter at anty.co for the latest updates.
If you could describe the soul of ANTY in just three words, what would they be?
Sophisticated, authentic, modern.
To explore the collections and stay up to date on new launches, visit anty.co and follow @anty.co on Instagram. With every piece, ANTY invites wearers to embrace their strength, their story, and their light.
