In a world obsessed with early retirement, 101-year-old Ann Angeletti stands as a powerful counterpoint. The New Jersey jeweler, who still runs her store six days a week, has a straightforward reason for never stepping away. “If I retire, I would die, so I cannot stay home,” she states. For Ann, her business is not just a job; it is her lifeline. This profound connection to her work offers a compelling lesson in passion and perseverance for entrepreneurs of any age.
Ann’s story is a testament to American resilience. Her first foray into the world of commerce began not in a classroom, but in her family’s grocery store in Brooklyn, which she helped run as a child. She witnessed innovation and hustle firsthand, from a time before refrigerators were standard to her father selling ice door-to-door. This early education in adaptability and customer service laid the groundwork for a lifetime of entrepreneurial ventures, proving that a strong work ethic is the ultimate foundation for success.
Her career path has been as dynamic as the changing century she has lived through. She answered the call of duty by working at the Navy Yard while her husband was away at war, and later honed her interpersonal skills as a waitress. Her big break into the jewelry business came in 1964 with a simple phone call to inquire about a store for rent. With a monthly rent of $85, she seized the opportunity, demonstrating the kind of bold initiative that defines a true business owner.
Now, decades later, Ann runs Curiosity Jewelry alongside her daughter and granddaughter. Her business philosophy extends far beyond the transaction. She cultivates a welcoming environment where customers are valued as people first, whether they buy something or not. This focus on genuine community connection has built a loyal clientele and cemented her reputation, showing that a business built on care and inspiration can endure for generations.
Ann’s advice for a long and successful life is a masterclass in sustainability. She stresses the non-negotiable habits of self-care: maintaining a routine, eating well, and exercising. But the core of her wisdom is about loving what you do. She advises that if you don’t like what you’re doing, you must have the courage to change. For over a century, Ann Angeletti has chosen a life of engaged, purposeful work, and in doing so, she has not just built a business—she has built a life she never wants to retire from.
