The MNY Spotlight
Meet Alissa Anderegg: Entrepreneur, Activist, and Former Miss World America 2020
Tell us a bit about yourself!
Hi! I’m Alissa Anderegg. I currently live in New York City where I’m co-founder of Upper East Side Tan, media manager for a Fortune 500 tech company, and am currently planning a wedding with my wonderful fiancé, Win! In my spare time, I love traveling, spending time with my adorable Persian cat, and planning and attending various charity events in the city.
You’re an entrepreneur, activist and former Miss World America 2020, who has spoken at numerous philanthropic talks around the country about Alzheimer’s awareness. Why is speaking in awareness of this disease important to you?
My Grandma Mary Fran Anderegg had Alzheimer’s disease throughout my childhood. I saw her life regress from forgetting my name when I was a baby, to no longer remembering her very accomplished life, to eventually losing the ability to reason, speak, walk, eat, and even swallow. Growing up with a grandmother with Alzheimer's, I realized early on that the Alzheimer's community lacked a voice for what I call the "forgotten generation" of the disease: the child caregivers. I decided to be that voice and was so grateful for the opportunities to share my story in an Emmy-winning HBO documentary, books, radio and TV shows, and through speaking engagements around the country to empower other young caregivers.
Now, nearly twenty years since my first Alzheimer’s event, Alzheimer’s activism has continued to be a constant in my life. Whether as my platform as Miss World America, through serving on various Alzheimer’s charity boards, or simply continuing to speak about my family’s story, I never want to stop advocating in memory of my grandma.
You co-founded a spray tanning and red light therapy business called Upper East Side Tan with your fiancé, and have 3 locations across Miami and New York City. Please tell us more about why empowering women by making them feel confident and beautiful is important to you?
When women feel confident from the inside out, they can do anything. So, when my fiancé brought up the idea of starting a tanning salon business, I knew I wanted to be on board. Since the majority of our customers are women, I look to bring that female perspective to everything from our branding and décor to product offerings and marketing strategies. Developing our custom, organic products with our manufacturer in Europe definitely was a highlight and pushed me out of my comfort zone! We’re on track to open our fifth location by the end of the year, and I can’t wait to see how we continue to grow our small business.
Are there any quotes or mantras you live by?
“Educate. Empower. Advocate.” Because of the support of my family and community, I’ve been so fortunate to have received once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that have shaped me into the woman I am today. Now as a working professional and longtime philanthropist, I recognize that it’s my turn to educate, empower, and activate others to use their talents to make a difference.
What advice would you give someone who wants to make a difference in their community?
Find what you’re passionate about. What makes you sad, angry, excited? What do you wish could be changed in the world? Then do your research. There are likely already organizations for these causes where you can get involved—and if there aren’t, think of starting your own! No impact is too small.
What are some ways you live stylishly inside and out?
First, I think style comes from having confidence from within, kindness in your heart, and a smile on your face. Add a well-tailored outfit, and you instantly command a room.

Who is your role model, and what is the best style and life advice that they gave you?
My mom, Leisha, has always been one of my greatest role models. She’s a former fashion buyer and has fabulous taste. I always admired her style and attention to detail, from her choice in jewelry to her impeccably designed dinner parties. She definitely influenced my joy of sourcing capsule pieces that never go out of style, especially when you can find them for a great deal.
What do you love most about the Mestiza brand?
I first discovered Mestiza after many weeks of searching for the perfect dress for a family wedding in the Hamptons. The quality and timelessness of the dress I chose instantly made me a fan, and I, of course, love Mestiza’s values of giving back to the community and making a difference.
How does wearing Mestiza make you feel?
Fabulous!