Restaurateur, Multitasker, New York City, USA

When certain people have an aura, there is no other way around it, you’re drawn to them. This is the case with Ms. Christina Andres Cerutti. She blesses you with that smile and a kind demeanor, inspiring you to open up and share a piece of yourself in return. Whatever the discussion topic, even the most controversial, Christina takes a charitable angle of tolerance. She is a balanced human, with a demeanor of a woman who has persevered through life’s many trials, having learned from each experience.

I’ve known Christina for over a decade, our paths crossing every three or four years. Lately I have been thrilled to see her beaming with pride as a proud owner of a Northern Italian restaurant in the Manhattan’s West Village neighbourhood. Ms. Andres-Cerutti brings her charisma and her beautiful heart to the business of running a restaurant in New York City. She is a WOW Woman through and through.

1. Name

Christina Andres-Cerutti.

2. Where is your hometown?

I grew up in Northville Michigan, outside Detroit.

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation? What does your average day look like?

I currently am the proud owner of Osteria Carlina restaurant in the West Village, Manhattan. I am, sometimes, the face but mostly I take care of all back of house duties that it takes to run a restaurant. It is mainly about controlling all the moving parts, personnel, HR, rules and regulations, operations, vendors, partnerships and more.

4. What did you study in school?

I studied a few subjects in college but ended with Historical studies/education, focusing on Renaissance and Enlightenment. I am strangely obsessed with history because, for me it usually tells you the “why” behind the world we know (you don’t know where you are going if you don’t know where you have been).

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)?

During school I worked in family restaurants and studied teaching. After moving overseas for a few years, I came back home and needed a new adventure. I decided to move to New York City without much of a plan and not much money at all. I happened upon retail management, which I jumped right in never doing it before. I found my niche. I found out that I was good at managing. I moved up quickly, was exposed to many wonderful and strong people that taught me so much. I stayed in retail fashion management for about 10 years here in NYC.

I really loved the development side of management. Retail sees a lot of young people in transition periods of their lives and I was able to help them follow their passions, whether that was a career in management or elsewhere. I also loved the fashion and creative aspect of it as well.

I worked for J Crew for the majority of the time and truly enjoyed it. Transition moment came when I moved to a different company where I lost passion for what I was doing. I was finished with a corporate world. I didn’t feel like I was giving what I could and was not getting what I needed. I decided to work for myself, challenge myself again, to see what I was really capable of. 

Around the same time I met my husband, Moreno Cerutti, who is in the restaurant business. He is one of the partners of San Carlo Osteria Piemonte in SoHo. Not only did I find my person, my love, I found someone who craved the same challenges and pursued the same dream as me! It has been a beautiful whirlwind ever since.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

At 20 I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I didn’t want to only experience my home town and get married young, or have a predictable life. I did know that I wanted a life that was never dull, to be with someone that was a partner in all. I wanted to continue to grow with whatever I ended up doing, to be able to be proud of myself and to be a strong woman that was self-sustaining. I wanted to make my family proud. I think I have succeeded so far but I still have a way to go!!!

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

Good lord yes! Some examples are getting my heart broken, life plans that didn’t pan out, when I doubted myself to the point of depression. And the biggest was loss. I lost my father, whom I was very close with and within two years I lost my closest Aunt (his sister) and several other close family members. 

I didn’t know myself anymore, didn’t know who I was. I was completely broken. Part of me completely disappeared. That was when I questioned everything- and I mean everything. I was trying to find myself and it was not an easy journey. I realized that I was the only one that could change my perception, myself and this downward path I felt I was on.

Around the same time I started to clean up my life and change the way I was looking at it. I released myself from things that didn’t fill me me with love or positivity: toxic relationships, people, my job. It may sound a bit harsh but it was a necessary step for me and I had to take it. It was not an overnight process; it was hard, painful and is still ongoing. 

At the same time I met my husband, who is so full of life and passion and it started to feel like a natural occurrence, finding the positivity and love in my life, not just loss. I found myself again and found my strength. I am stronger than ever.

9. Knowing what we know now in a current political climate, can women be "all that we can be" in today's world?

I feel like yes, now more than ever. With so many labels for everyone and everything, how we feel, what we choose in life as women, we are getting a bigger spotlight. The pressure to be “all” is now more than ever. It is a huge obligation that I gladly take on unapologetically. 

My family is not a typical family and I say that with pride. I come from a divorced family, American mother, Greek father. My mother is a strong and resilient person who had to reinvent herself many times to survive. She was a career woman, a single mother, a business owner -she DID do it all.

My business owner father was a very traditional, strong, wise, hard working, an ethical, moral, often stoic and always funny man. He came from a very male-driven, masculine culture where women had a distinct role. However my family, including my father never put restrictions on me or my sisters. It didn’t matter if I was a boy or girl or what I choose to do with my life. As long as I gave it my all and was a good human, that contributed to the world, that is what my parents cared about. That is still is the goal that I strive for. I don’t need a pulpit, I need to show those that don’t understand that I can do anything. It is exhausting as women still feel the pressure to be feminine, attractive girls, strong, but not too strong, brave but realistic, modest but humble.

So what is “all that we can be”? We can absolutely do it all! Women have for years said and continue saying ‘No, I’m not going to tolerate that”, or “No, I am worth more” and showing the world that, I think we can, we do!!

What is the way forward, as you see it, for "feminist values"? I think the way forward for women to gain ground in an equal playing field is to show up, work hard and prove that we can do all things. We cannot back down to the bullshit we all have to face. Generally speaking, I believe most men don’t know because they either have not been taught or don’t realize what women deal with. We need to show them. Add it to the list of things us women have to do!

More importantly, I think women as a whole need to support each other more. Not just because we are women, but because we know the many facets of life we must face. If we don’t support each other the road will be longer and harder.

10. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

New York City. I love this place. It is one of the few places, depending on your mood and how you feel, you can feel like you own the street you walk. You can melt into the millions walking right next to you. You are just a number. There is power in that, I think. This place can beat the shit out of you but you conquer it, you have no choice but to hold your head high!! Because the world knows you deserve it!

11. What extracurricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

Proud of? Not sure I am proud of it but I do love it: Salsa dancing. Years ago, I learned how to Cuban-style salsa from a wonderful instructor in Detroit. I went alongside a beautiful group of friends. I feel completely alive and euphoric every time I dance. Dancing crosses cultures, ages; it is truly a wonderful arena to be around.

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

When I was little, I wanted to be the female version of Indiana Jones. I want to build upon the life I have now with my husband, including children, more restaurants and the freedom to travel, explore and provide for my family.

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

I carry a fear of loss that is still a very constant weight and challenge for me. I fear not being taken seriously and valued as a woman in this industry. Restaurant industry is very male-dominated and the challenge of being looked at as just “the wife” and not being taken seriously is always something that worries me.

14. Anything you'd do differently, if you had another go at life?

As I get older I look back quite a lot. I have no regrets but I do wish that I would have understood how good I had it at times. I had many personal challenges, which I look at as experiences that have made me stronger and more empathetic. When the good times were good though, I feel that I wasn’t smart enough to realize how magical some things were.

15. What inspires you?

I am inspired by my loved ones. I’ve been blessed with such an eclectic and loving family; each person brings something I can and have learned from. The women in my family: poised and graceful, ball busters that were ahead of their time, those who give love and light to everyone they meet. Having women like that around me inspires me to try to be a bit of all of those things. I’m trying.

16. What are you hopeful about?

It sounds cliché but I am hopeful about the future. Believe me when it seems you have nothing but darkness in your life. Then all of a sudden things start to make more sense and change for the better, there is hope for the next step or phase.

17. What are some ingredients to a good life? Has the global pandemic changed your perspective about the world, about your life, your goals and dreams?

I watched a documentary years ago called “Happy”. It broke down (no matter who you are, where you are from, your social status or economic standing) what makes people happy. It made perfect sense to me and I agree with it! One of the ingredients to a good life is feeling secure which can mean many different things to different people. For me, it is having the security in myself; making sure I can take care of myself is a big one.

Another “ingredient” is doing something altruistic in your life, and I have always been able to find that in work, such as helping people get to the next steps in life within a work environment.

But the biggest one for me is having a sense of community, whether that is family or friends. Having a strong sense of self, feeling loved and a part of a community are key. My family is so diverse in personalities, struggles, and cultures but above all else every member loves fiercely. With that love behind me, I feel protected, never alone, as if nothing can break me. If you have those pieces in place, you will have a good life.

All these simple, but pure pieces of life were reinforced during the pandemic for me. The pandemic was a bit of a wake-up call for doing whatever I could to take care of family. I am inspired to work hard to make sure I am able to enrich our lives any way I can. The future is not guaranteed so I want to be prepared and set it up as well as I can!

18. What are (at least) three qualities you most love about yourself and why? What are your superpowers?

Oh this is a tough one for me. I’m pretty good at looking objectively and analytically at a situation and handling it. I’m a “get it done” kind of woman.

I love hard too. Not always the best choice at times but I have zero regrets. I also think that I try my best to be good, even if it sounds silly. I think now more than ever, faced with conflicting view points, opinions, rhetoric and noise, trying to be a good force (even in a small way in my little world) could make a difference. I like that about myself.

19. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self?

I had a rough go in high school. When I look back I guess it is now called bullying. So, I would tell her not to worry so much about what people think or say and to just to stay the course, be strong.

20. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

Well, I don’t really gift books but maybe I should! I’m currently reading a book about diet and the affects on fertility, which is very interesting. The last book I read for fun was “Setting the Table” by Danny Meyer. I usually gravitate to historical books, such as “The Pursuit of Italy” by David Gilmour which I really enjoyed, and “The Closing of the Western Mind” by James Hamilton; all historical texts. I enjoy trying to understand the origins in things that are today.

21. Who is a WOW WOMAN in your world who inspires you and why?

My gosh, I have been lucky to have always been surrounded by strong, wonderful women. Many of my closest friends are strong, incredibly accomplished women. These woman are beyond incredible in both their personal and professional lives. They make their own rules but also can play by the rules, with poise and grace. Kindly and unapologetically true to themselves. I strive to be like them. Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? Why do you admire them?

1. Nicole Bach (Milan, MI). She is an amazing wife, mother of three incredible kids (not joking they are just about perfect) and a successful woman in a male-dominated word of engineering. Nicole works in a plant with all men, spends her lunches at the Gold Gym in Detroit which is not pretty. In her spare time she participates in Spartan competitions. She’s a badass.

2. Melissa Le Mieux (Brooklyn, NY). Wife, mother, an incredible interior designer and a corporate manager at Bludot. Her resilience as a woman in New York City and her creativity is inspiring.

3. Jeanette Pierce (Detroit, MI). She is a force! Not only a mother of triplets, she created her own company - Detroit Experience Factory - that partners with businesses throughout Detroit, promoting growth and progress. She works with international planning commissions at the state and federal levels, with women and minority-owned businesses. Truly a WOW WOMAN!

4. Annie Sherman - (NYC). Annie came to New York from Tulsa, Oklahoma for college to sing opera. She worked her tail off, started a family and is now a director of programs at Julliard. She is one of the warmest, charming, intelligent and genuine people I have been blessed to know.

22. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?

I’m working on it. But for now check for updates here @osteriacarlina

And visit us here Osteria Carlina 455 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014

Bonus Quick Round:

1. What and who is worth suffering for?

Family and your partner, always. No question.

2. What are a few things you thought you would never get over when you were going through them?

The first time I truly had my heart broken, my father’s death which is a daily struggle to manage through and my miscarriages. All of these things are not small, have made me resilient and make me stronger in other facets of my life, such as my career.

3. Who is/are your mentor/s (men or women)?

I don’t have just one. No one person took me under their wing and taught me “the ways of the world”. However I have always tried to learn from those around me.

• For kindness, my Thea Gella - she showed me how important it is to be that ray of light always (a constant goal for me).

• For selflessness and strength- my Mother. Her heart is so big for everyone to a fault. She has had so many challenges herself in her life, has always bounced back and done it successfully with respect and dignity.

• My husband, for his vision, confidence and drive.

• My Grandmother- for her intelligence, wit, grace and modernity.

• And my father - for showing me the importance of controlling yourself and your emotions, controlling only the things you can, taking responsibility, having a strong work ethic, prioritizing your life, importance of being kind and friendly but cautious of others, “never shaming our name” and being proud of who I am.

4. If you didn't have to work anymore what would you do with your days?

I would be on a boat somewhere in the Mediterranean, relaxing with family and friends.

5. If you could be anyone for a day who would you be?

Ohhh, not sure about this one. Oprah?! Haha!

6. If you could relive one year in your life, which one would it be?

1996 - When I was about 15 years old. I was just learning about who I was, no major stresses, world was full of endless possibilities, full of pure fun. I had all of my family with me still.

7. What bothers you most about other people?

Lack of self-awareness. It seems like the lack of self-awareness has magnified during the chaos of the pandemic year. It makes me crazy.

8. What do you love most about other people?

Human ability to care for and be kind toward one another.