Lifestyle Creator Anna Sitar's Mission Is To 'Create A Safe Space Where Everyone Is Welcome & Included': 'I've Found So Much Joy'

Though Anna Sitar has over 1 million followers on Instagram and over 12 million on TikTok, she always wants to keep it real with the online community.

"My mission has always been to create a safe space and corner of the app where everyone is welcome and included. On social media, my platform is my keepsake of memories and moments in my life, and being able to share the happy, the sad, and the real that I experience in everyday brings all of us together," the blonde beauty, who is working with American Express on the global movement of Small Business Saturday, exclusively tells Morning Honey.

"TikTok is an incredible place for creating content and community. It allows me to share ways that I see the world and people I love and is amazing for businesses to share their merchandise and what makes them special! TikTok has built a platform in which I can relate and share with the people around me. One of my favorite parts is the sense of community and happiness that you can find all over the platform," she adds.

Being vulnerable is not always easy, but Sitar knows she isn't being judged when she is open and honest about her life.

"It is truly amazing to connect with fans on the platform. I actually call them friends not fans because with how much they know about my everyday — it truly feels like we are friends," she says. "Having a community on the platform is truly so valuable. By constantly creating content that you are passionate about, you will naturally attract people who are also passionate about what you share and love."

Since the social media personality has made a name for herself, it made sense to work with American Express surrounding Small Business Saturday, which is on Saturday, November 26. "It's given me the chance to share about a topic that is so close to my heart since I grew up in a household that had a small business. American Express started Small Business Saturday several years ago and it has only grown since," she notes.

Since Sitar's mother is a small business owner, she knows all too well it's not always easy to get any company up and running. "My mom has always set such an incredible example for me to follow my passion and work hard toward my goals. My mom moved to the U.S. in her early 20s and always knew she wanted to start her own business," she explains. "Over the course of my childhood and early adulthood, I watched her work every day to grow her business into what it is now and it is truly built on dedication, drive and focus. All of these attributes have shown me that I can accomplish anything as long as I am focused on and committed to my goals. I am endlessly thankful to have had her growing up — and even now to lean on as an adult."

"I’ve seen not only the hard work that it takes to grow your business but the joy that it brings to see people turn to your products. It brings so much happiness to business owners and customers’ products are truly made with love!" she exclaims.

American Express also launched #ShopSmall Accelerator in partnership with TikTok to help small business owners reach a new generation of shoppers on Small Business Saturday, which will hopefully help others going forward — something Sitar is excited about.

"It allows for businesses to have the tools and knowledge they need to create content and reach a new audience. With being able to share more about your business, products, and self, your customers can connect more closely and will begin to look for your business not only for its merchandise but its meaning," she says.

Ultimately, Sitar wants to "continue to make what I love," she states. "No matter what path that entails, I hope to continue to share content that I love. I have found so much joy in being creative daily that I want to continue to channel that energy into new works. I’m personally manifesting some new projects in the film and television or traditional media space!"