By Mary Bolich

This article is first in our series on noteworthy dual citizens. In light of our recent announcement of a new partnership with Everyday Luxembourg, we thought it would be appropriate that our first profile would feature Kate Ansay, who created and leads Everyday Luxembourg.

A Childhood rich in Luxembourg heritage
Kate Ansay has been immersed in Luxembourg culture her entire life so it’s not surprising that it became her career. Kate was born and raised in the Luxembourg settlement of Lake Church, Wisconsin, an unincorporated village just outside of Belgium. “I was born into a family that kept traditions alive in everyday ways—language, food and kinship,” said Kate, whose close-knit family gathered often with grandparents, cousins and neighbors.Kate, who attended St. John XXIII Catholic School in Port Washington, Wisconsin, and Dominican High School in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, spent a lot of time with her grandparents Adolph Ansay and Marie (Krier) Ansay. Her Ansay/Ernster ancestors hailed from Rommeldange and Trintange. Her Krier/Mans ancestors were from Bertrange, Luxembourg, and Useldange, Luxembourg.“Those years with my grandparents helped shape who I am today. Luxembourg was always part of our conversations and traditions, woven quietly into daily life. My grandpa often spoke Luxembourgish and although I rarely understood what he was saying, I was fascinated by the sound of it. It felt like a secret link to another place.”One place Kate always felt her family’s connection to Luxembourg was  at the dinner table. Bouneschlupp, the hearty green bean and potato soup, was her favorite. Mustreipen, a traditional Luxembourgish pork sausage containing blood, onion, cabbage, spices and bread—not so much.

“But even Mustreipen has its place in my memories, showing up on plates at the Belgium Community Center, where the whole family would gather for dinners that felt like celebrations of who we were,” said Kate.

Luxembourg Legacy: A passion becomes a career
Kate, who has a degree in urban planning from the University of Cincinnati, leads Ansay Development Corporation, one of the Ansay family of businesses. The third-generation companies, Ansay & Associates and Ansay International, are run by her father Mike Ansay. The division she leads specializes in the acquisition, development, and management of residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural real estate in communities throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. 

One of the biggest highlights of her career was establishing Everyday Luxembourg. The company imports a carefully curated selection of Luxembourg gourmet food and home products—mustard to chocolates and t-shirts to Bofferding beer glasses—all available on their website. You can even subscribe to their Lux Box and receive a quarterly shipment of exclusive home goods, food, drink and other specialties from Luxembourg. 

“Building something entirely from the ground up taught me how to trust my instincts, take risks and gain confidence working with people from different countries and cultures.” 

Everyday Luxembourg

Starting the business during the Covid pandemic was a defining moment, beginning with the simple idea of bringing Luxembourg to people’s homes when travel wasn’t possible. 

She is also proud of signing well-known Luxembourg companies Ramborn cider, Bofferding beer and Domaines Vinsmoselle wine, crémant and Opyos gin—partnerships that opened the door to conducting international business and building relationships across borders.

The company is a great way for Kate to carry on her Luxembourg legacy.

“Heritage isn’t only something you research. It’s something you live through food, traditions and fellowship. Everyday Luxembourg helps keep people connected to their heritage.” 

Q&A with Kate

Q. When did you find out about your Luxembourgish heritage?
A.  Luxembourg was always part of our conversations and traditions, woven quietly into daily life. Looking back, I realize that while I always knew I had Luxembourgish roots, it wasn’t something I thought much about. It was simply how we lived.

Q. What does it mean to you to be a dual citizen?
A. Being a dual citizen gives me the ability to provide a passport for my kids, and the ability to travel easily throughout Europe. It’s given me a stamped, legal passport that links the past with my future.

Q. What is your favorite thing to do or see in Luxembourg or  top recommendation?
A. Outside of touring our amazing brands such as Bofferding, Vinsmoselle, Ramborn, etc. I would say my favorite thing to do is get a glass of crémant and sit in one of the two squares in Luxembourg City and watch the people. I also love going to eat at new restaurants. The last trip I took I had a fantastic meal at Um Plateau overlooking the old city. It was a great meal and a great view. I also love going to the Mullerthal region, known as “Little Switzerland.” It is the most popular destination for its unique rock formations, streams and waterfalls.

Q. What is your memorable experience in Luxembourg?
A. One of my most memorable experiences in Luxembourg was visiting the Grand Ducal Palace and meeting His Royal Highness, Grand Duke Henri. My dad, a few others, and I had the incredible honor of presenting the plans for the plaza we were naming after him outside of the Luxembourg American Cultural Center in Belgium, Wisconsin. Standing there, representing both our Wisconsin roots and our Luxembourgish heritage was truly unforgettable. It was a moment that beautifully connected the two worlds that have shaped my life—a deep reminder of where our family comes from and how those ties continue to grow stronger across generations.

Luxembourg Dual Citizenship Consultation Services (Kevin Wester and Rebecca Shamblin) was proud to assist Kate Ansay and her family with their Luxembourg Dual  Citizenship!

    Everyday Luxembourg offers an array of Luxembourg products.