Could you walk us through your career journey?

I can trace a predilection towards design back to my earliest memories. Later, I began my official journey down the creative road when I attended UCL and gained a degree in architecture. This was followed by an internship at YOO, one of London’s leading real estate and architectural design practices, which turned into a seven-year position! I was extremely lucky to have spent my early career alongside some of the brightest and most talented people I’ve ever met and to have worked in some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. I then became a senior designer for Harrods’ Interior Design department, after which I decided to move to Greece to work for our family jewellery business in 2016.

How did you decide to create your own collection?

Jewellery is a means of self-expression and can be worn in endless ways. A bold piece can be used to make a statement, while a minimal design will complete an everyday look, acting as a finishing touch to elevate your whole outfit. I always use jewellery to express my mood, and personal experiences are what drive the course of my design.

When I first came to Greece to work for the family business, I spent endless hours acquiring technical knowledge as well as observing the entrepreneurial side of the brand. I loved this industry from the very beginning; it truly inspired me! I started experimenting with my own pieces and eventually launched my first collection Metallika using titanium, a rather uncommon material which enabled me to investigate new worlds. It was my first opportunity to create something wearable yet distinct and original, offering women a way to express themselves through colour-blocking. The rest took off from there!

What is your creative process when designing your pieces and collections?

Overall, my current mood is always a driving force behind the early stages of experimentation. I would say the process starts with a mix of questions between what I personally feel is missing from the market, the feedback I’ve received, and what women want to wear next. Materials and stones can also spark ideas for a new collection. Titanium, the primary material used in Metallika felt so original to me that it really drove me down new paths. The result was a colourful pop-collection designed to emphasize and complete women’s unique styles.

Who is your role model, and how have they helped shape the woman you are today?

My parents are both my role models and heroes. They have set the best example for me, and I would not be the person I am today without them. My father has always supported me yet pushed me to reach my full potential. I really admire him and his accomplishments; he has high expectations and has taught me the importance of responsibility and respect. My mother, a truly dynamic and unique woman, has also played a huge role in shaping my personality and ethos and continues to inspire me every day. She is a living example of a woman who can combine a competitive career with motherhood and friendship.

What about challenges and difficulties? What is your coping mechanism?

Difficulties are unavoidable. For me, it is important to focus on the positive side, not to let problems overwhelm you and to actively find solutions to overcome challenges and reach your original goal. Afterwards, you are undoubtedly stronger and more mature. Perhaps my love for my profession helps me see things from an optimistic perspective.

Would you say the Greek scene is fertile for an emerging designer?

Although Greece is full of extremely talented designers in most fields, the country unfortunately lacks a support system and established network to promote us internationally. If you want to make it abroad, you are usually on your own. This means that the passion, high-quality craftsmanship, creativity and innovation found in Greece rarely reaches the right people to elevate the designers to the international level they deserve. I really hope things will change for the better in the future.

How did you cope with the pandemic, personally and professionally?

I think we can all agree that COVID-19 was a shocking and unexpected event. Some people were more affected than others, and I could never stop thinking of the families that lost loved ones and the businesses that not only suffered but had to close permanently. It has been harsh and the first few months were especially terrifying. I hardly left home and, like many, took the chance to cook, paint and generally take a step back from life. My husband and I were also blessed with a baby daughter born during the pandemic who makes us so happy and complete. Being home with her for the first weeks of her life has been truly rewarding.

Any piece of advice that you would like to share with our audience?

If there is a lesson we took from the pandemic, it is that nothing in life can be taken for granted; our whole world can change from one day to another and we should learn to appreciate each and every moment. Be true to yourself and aim to live the life that you’ve imagined, without compromising your own aspirations and purpose.