Tell us about the highlights of your creative journey. What are the defining moments that have brought you to where you are today?
One of the defining threads throughout my journey has been an increasing need to express my creativity. That exploration has taken many forms over the years. I first found it through painting, then ceramics, and later through writing my cookbook. As I created more, I felt a growing desire to share my work with others.
I have always been driven by curiosity. I love experimenting, learning, and allowing myself to be inspired by new ideas, materials, and experiences. Now that both of my children have finished school, I finally felt it was the right time to pursue this professionally. I opened my own creative space about six months ago, and I am still discovering exactly what I want it to become. Rather than having all the answers, I am embracing this stage of exploration, allowing the business to evolve naturally while staying true to what matters most, creating work that brings beauty, connection, and purpose into people’s lives.
I also wanted to show other women that it is never too late to reinvent yourself. If you are brave enough to take the first step and open a door, even when you do not know where it will lead, remarkable things can happen.
Having already had an impressive scientific career, what is the story behind discovering your creative path in ceramics? How did the first idea emerge and how has it evolved over time?
I would not describe it as an impressive scientific career as much as an impressive scientific education. I studied Biochemistry, followed by a Master’s degree in Reproductive Biology, and then completed a PhD in the same field. I worked in science for a few years, and I genuinely enjoyed it, but life had other plans for me.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer during my second pregnancy and spent the next three years in and out of hospital. That experience changed everything. Once I came through it, I found myself asking a very important question: what kind of life did I want to build from that moment on? Although I enjoyed my work in science, I knew deep down that I did not want to return to it.
I began very tentatively with painting. Looking back, it made perfect sense because creativity had always been part of me. Some of my earliest memories are of sitting on the floor as a seven year old, leafing through my mother’s Architectural Digest magazines. I was fascinated by architecture, interiors, beautiful homes, and thoughtful design. Those images filled me with excitement long before I understood why.
Painting became a form of healing. It gave me space to process everything I had been through and helped me reconnect with myself. Then a friend persuaded me to join a ceramics class. I completely fell in love with clay. There was something incredibly satisfying about shaping it with my hands and creating objects.
What started as a personal journey gradually became a passion.
How do you feel your aesthetic has evolved through your art? How has the creative process shaped your daily life?
I think my aesthetic has evolved naturally alongside the way I have evolved as a person. Today, everything I create is a reflection of how I want to live my life. It has to align with the things I love, the way I entertain, the way I welcome people into my home, my appreciation for nature, simplicity, craftsmanship, and the beauty of everyday rituals.
I don’t create objects simply because they look beautiful. I want them to be lived with, used, and enjoyed. I want them to bring a sense of joy, warmth, and connection into people’s daily lives. In many ways, my work is an extension of my own philosophy, that beauty and functionality can exist together and that even ordinary moments deserve thoughtful design.
The creative process has transformed my life completely. It has become the centre of everything I do. It influences how I spend my time, how I see the world, and how I approach every new opportunity.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievements?
My greatest achievements are not professional. They are the life I have built.
I am proud that, through life’s hardest moments, I chose to move forward, learn, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
I am equally proud of the family my husband and I have built together. We have raised our two children with love, guidance, and acceptance, encouraging them to become the people they were meant to be. Watching them flourish is my greatest achievement, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have a partner who has supported and encouraged me every step of the way.
For me, success is measured by resilience, family, and living a life with purpose.
What is Apoesthisis? What does it mean, and how has it become such an integral part of your life, now also as a physical space?
Apoesthisis is much more than the name of my studio. It is the philosophy that connects everything I create.
The name comes from two Greek words: apo (από), meaning “from,” and esthisis (αισθήσεις), meaning “the senses.” It reflects my belief that the most meaningful experiences are created through our senses, through the way we see, touch, taste, feel, and connect with the world around us.
Although my creative journey has taken me through painting, ceramics, photography, cooking, writing a cookbook, and even interior design, I have never seen these as separate disciplines. To me, they are simply different expressions of the same idea: creating beauty, joy, and connection in everyday life.
As I continued exploring different creative paths, I realised I needed one identity that could bring them all together. That became Apoesthisis.
Today, ceramics occupy most of the physical studio because that is where my work has naturally evolved. But the space itself was never intended to be only a ceramics studio. It is a creative home that continues to grow with me, a place for new ideas, collaborations, workshops, photography, food, design, and whatever comes next.
Ultimately, Apoesthisis is my way of showing that art is not something separate from life. It is something we can live with every day, through the objects we use, the meals we share, the spaces we create, and the moments that engage all of our senses.
Having established a strong presence in the art world, what kind of response do you receive from your audience?
I feel incredibly grateful for the response I receive from my audience. What touches me most is that people often tell me they look forward to my daily posts, whether it’s a quote, a beautiful flower catching the morning light, a butterfly, a table I’ve set, or a simple moment that made me stop and appreciate the beauty around me.
I think people respond because it’s genuine. I only share things that move or inspire me, and if they bring a smile to someone else’s face, then I’ve achieved something meaningful.
Having gone through difficult times myself, I know what it feels like to live in darkness. That’s why I consciously choose to share light. In a world filled with anxiety, anger, and constant bad news, I hope my work and my daily observations remind people to slow down, notice the beauty around them, and believe that joy can often be found in the simplest things.
I think that is also why people choose to bring one of my ceramic pieces into their homes. They are not simply buying an object. They are bringing home a small reminder of everything I believe in: beauty, connection, gratitude, and the importance of celebrating everyday life.
Tell us about your summers on Tinos and everything beautiful you create there.
Tinos is much more than a summer destination to me. It is where half my roots are. I inherited my mother’s family home, built in 1831, in the village of Agapi, and my husband and I lovingly restored it. It became a place of peace, creativity, and inspiration, and over the years it has shaped the way I see the world. Tinos has an extraordinary energy that is difficult to describe. People who have spent time there often know exactly what I mean. Every year I return, I discover something new, whether it’s the architecture, the craftsmanship, the landscape, or the people. It is an island that constantly inspires me and reminds me that beauty is found in the smallest details. That way of seeing the world influences everything I create.
It is where we raised our two children every summer, giving them the opportunity to grow up close to nature and experience the simplicity and authenticity of village life. Those summers became some of our most treasured family memories.
A few years ago, I was fortunate to be part of a multidisciplinary exhibition in the village, bringing together ceramics, painting, and photography. Seeing art bring people together and breathe new life into the village was a truly special experience.
What has being outward-looking and open to the world given you, and how has it influenced your work?
Being outward looking has probably been one of the greatest gifts in my life. I have always been curious. I love meeting people, travelling, learning about different cultures, discovering new places, and finding inspiration in the smallest details. I never see life as something to simply observe. I want to experience it fully.
Every journey, every conversation, every exhibition, every meal, every landscape, and every person I meet leaves something behind. Those experiences naturally find their way into my work. They influence the colours I choose, the forms I create, the tables I set, the photographs I take, and even the words I write.
How did your collaboration with Victoria de Borbon come about, what does it include and how important is collective creativity in opening new horizons?
Victoria de Borbon created a bespoke porcelain dinner collection for our family, and I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the design process. She took the time to understand how we live, how we entertain, what we value, and how I like to present food. We had many conversations, exchanging ideas about the forms, proportions, and details, until the collection felt completely at home on our table.
Once the collection was complete, Victoria suggested that we showcase it through a series of recipes from my cookbook. Together we created a short film and a presentation showing the plates in use, highlighting how beautifully food and table setting can bring a collection to life. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to share my recipes with her audience while demonstrating the versatility and elegance of her designs.
Experiences like this remind me how valuable it is to exchange ideas with other creatives. Even when you’re working from different perspectives, those conversations often lead to something richer than either person could have imagined alone. They encourage you to think differently, explore new possibilities, and continue growing creatively.
What new story does your latest collection tell, and what else is coming next?
My latest collection is an evolution of an earlier series “Lamellae” that I’m now reinterpreting through glazes. I’m calling it the “Butterfly Collection”, and what excites me most is its element of surprise. The way the glazes interact during firing means that no two pieces are ever exactly the same. There is always a moment of anticipation when I open the kiln, and that sense of discovery keeps the creative process exciting.
As for what’s next, I’m increasingly interested in creating experiences rather than simply collections. I’m exploring new projects that bring people together through creativity, conversation, and shared experiences. It’s still early, so I’ll keep the details under wraps for now, but I’m very excited about what’s to come.
What inspires you to keep evolving creatively? Tell us a story.
I don’t think I’ll ever stop evolving creatively because I’ve never been someone who enjoys staying in my comfort zone. The people who know me well know that I’m always looking for the next challenge, not because I have all the answers, but because I love learning.
A good example was being part of the exhibition in Tinos. It was a completely new experience that required months of preparation and introduced me to a world I hadn’t experienced before. Working alongside the curator and the other artists taught me an enormous amount, and it gave me the confidence to keep saying yes to new opportunities.
Looking back, I also realise that my scientific background prepared me more than I ever imagined. Science taught me discipline, observation, patience, and how to approach problems methodically. Those qualities have become just as valuable in my creative life.
What truly inspires me, though, is curiosity. I find inspiration everywhere, in nature, architecture, conversations, travel, food, and the small details that many people overlook. My mind is constantly making connections and imagining new possibilities. Sometimes I have more ideas than I can keep up with.
I hope I never lose that curiosity because, for me, creativity isn’t a destination. It’s a way of living. As long as I’m learning, experimenting, and remaining open to the world, I know I’ll continue to evolve.
What are the non-negotiable values that define your work?
The values that define my work have remained the same, regardless of the medium I choose to express them through.
Above all, authenticity is non negotiable. I only create things that genuinely reflect who I am and the way I choose to live.
I also believe in beauty with purpose. I don’t create objects simply to be admired. I want them to be used, shared, and become part of everyday life, creating moments of joy and connection.
Curiosity is another value that drives everything I do. I never want to stop learning, experimenting, or discovering new ways to express myself.
And finally, generosity. I hope that every piece I create, every photograph I share, every table I set, or every recipe I write leaves people feeling a little more inspired and reminds them that beauty can be found in the simplest moments.
Where do you draw your inspiration from, and what do you love creating most?
Nature has always been my greatest source of inspiration. I am drawn to organic forms, natural movement, and the quiet elegance that exists all around us. I think some of my best ideas come simply from paying attention and noticing beauty in the everyday.
The pieces I love creating most are vases and vessels. I enjoy making sculptural, one of a kind forms, each with its own personality and character. No two are ever exactly the same, and I love that sense of individuality.
Outside the studio, one of my greatest pleasures is arranging flowers and setting beautiful tables. For me, creating a vase doesn’t end when it comes out of the kiln. I love seeing it become part of a home, bringing people together and creating moments of beauty in everyday life. That’s when I feel a piece has truly come alive.
How has your design philosophy evolved over time, and what do you believe gives design lasting value today?
I don’t think my design philosophy has changed over time. If anything, it has become clearer. I’ve always been interested in creating pieces that become part of people’s lives rather than simply objects to be admired.
I believe good design should feel effortless. It should be beautiful, functional, and timeless.
I also believe that lasting design has honesty. It isn’t driven by trends. It reflects authenticity, craftsmanship, and a genuine point of view. If a piece still brings joy years later and continues to be used and loved, then I think it has achieved its purpose.
What would be your dream project?
My dream project isn’t a single collection or exhibition. It’s to create a destination where creativity becomes an experience.
I imagine a place where people can discover ceramics, art, flowers, beautifully curated tables, food, workshops, conversations, and collaborations, all brought together under one roof. A place where creativity isn’t something you simply observe, but something you experience with all your senses.
I would love to collaborate with artisans, chefs, designers, and makers from different disciplines, creating experiences that inspire people to slow down, connect, and celebrate everyday life.
Ultimately, my dream is to build something that leaves people feeling inspired long after they leave. If someone walks away seeing beauty a little differently or wanting to bring more creativity into their own life, then I would feel I had achieved something meaningful.
Which designers do you admire most, and why?
It’s difficult to choose just a few, but two designers whose work I continually admire are Piet Boon and Vincent Van Duysen.
I’ve always been drawn to Piet Boon’s ability to create spaces that are calm, timeless, and beautifully understated. His work demonstrates that simplicity, when paired with exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, can be incredibly powerful.
I also greatly admire Vincent Van Duysen. His architecture and interiors have a quiet elegance that feels both contemporary and enduring. I love the way he uses natural materials, light, texture, and proportion to create spaces that are both refined and deeply inviting. His work has an effortless quality that never feels overdesigned.
Both designers share a philosophy that resonates with me: beauty doesn’t need to shout.
Are we the sum of the choices we make?
I think we’re the sum of the choices we make and the opportunities we’re brave enough to embrace. I’ve always thought of life as a series of doors. You never know what’s behind them, but if you stop opening them, you’ll never discover the one that changes everything.
What is the best book you’ve read recently?
One of the best books I’ve read recently is Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert.
What resonated with me most is the idea that creativity isn’t about being fearless; it’s about creating despite your fears. That really spoke to me because changing careers from science to art required exactly that leap of faith.
The book also reminds us that creativity is a practice rather than a destination. It’s about showing up consistently, staying curious, and trusting the process instead of waiting for perfection.
Is there an object you could never part with?
It would have to be my engagement ring, not because of the ring itself, but because of the story behind it.
My husband and I have known each other since we were children, but we only started dating when we were at university. When he surprised me with an incredible trip, I was convinced he was going to propose. I was so certain that I even told everyone at work before we left.
The trip came and went… and nothing happened. By the time we flew home, I was completely embarrassed because I knew everyone would be expecting an announcement. Little did I know he had planned the perfect surprise. He proposed when we got home, at the very moment I had stopped expecting it.
Every time I look at my ring, it reminds me not only of that wonderful surprise, but of everything our life together represents: love, partnership, generosity, thoughtfulness, and all the memories we’ve created over the years. That’s why I could never part with it.
Which artist do you admire most and would love to own a work by?
I greatly admire Georgia O’Keeffe. There are many artists whose work I love, but she has always stood out to me because of the way she transformed flowers into something so powerful and captivating. She had an extraordinary ability to make people stop and really look at the beauty that exists in nature.
I would love to own one of her paintings one day. I admire her work so much that I even painted my own interpretation of one of her pieces, and it hangs in my home as a reminder of the artist who first made me see flowers in such a different way.
In another life, what would you have liked to be?
In another life, I think I would have been an interior designer, an architect, or a photographer. I’ve always been drawn to spaces, light, proportion, and the way a home can make you feel.
I absolutely love designing interiors, choosing materials, selecting furniture, arranging objects, and creating spaces that feel beautiful, welcoming, and lived in. Over the past ten years, I’ve had the opportunity to renovate and design several of our own homes, purely as personal projects, and I’ve loved every part of the process.
In many ways, though, I feel that I’m already living a little of that dream. Whether I’m creating ceramics, styling flowers, setting a table, or designing a room, it’s all part of the same passion: creating beautiful environments that people enjoy living in.
What are three places you always love returning to, and why?
The first would definitely be London. I studied, lived, and worked there for several years, so it feels like a second home. It’s a city that never stands still. Every time I visit, I discover a new exhibition, neighbourhood, restaurant, or beautiful space. I always leave feeling creatively inspired.
The second is Tinos, where I spend every summer and feel most connected to nature, simplicity, and myself. It’s my sanctuary—a place to step away from the pace of everyday life and reconnect with beauty, creativity, and the things that matter most. It has shaped me both personally and creatively.
The third place I always love returning to is the island of Karpathos, where my father was born. Although I haven’t visited often over the years, it’s somewhere I now want to return to more regularly because it reconnects me with my childhood, my family, and the memory of my late father. I spent every summer there until I was eighteen, and every visit brings a deep sense of peace and belonging. It reminds me of where part of my story began and keeps me connected to my roots.
Can art and creativity help us become better human beings?
Creativity has made me calmer, more patient, and more present. It has taught me to slow down, to observe, and to appreciate the beauty in everyday life. There is something incredibly grounding and almost meditative about creating with your hands.
It has also given me great joy in sharing what I know with others. I love teaching, encouraging people to try something new, and watching them discover a creative side they didn’t know they had.
Ultimately, I think creativity helps us become better human beings because it makes us more curious, more connected, and more appreciative of the world around us. And I think we could all benefit from a little more of that.
Tell us a story you’ll never forget.
One moment that has stayed with me happened early in my ceramics journey. After creating a collection of pieces at the studio where I went to learn ceramics, the collection was offered for sale, with all of the proceeds being donated to E.M.E.I.S. (Scientific Society of Mastology – Treatment and Support), a Greek non-profit organisation that provides free breast cancer care to vulnerable groups, including unemployed, uninsured, and immigrant women.
That experience changed the way I think about my work. Since then, I have continued to support E.M.E.I.S. through the sale of my ceramics, and the proceeds from my cookbook were also donated to the charity. For me, it is a way of giving back to the extraordinary medical team that guided me through one of the most difficult chapters of my life, while helping to raise awareness and support for a cause that is deeply personal.
The work of E.M.E.I.S. extends far beyond treatment. The organisation funds diagnostic tests, surgeries, and ongoing care for women who would otherwise have no access to them, while its medical team provides specialist care on a voluntary basis throughout Greece.
This experience has taught me that creativity can have a purpose beyond making beautiful things. We may not all be able to change the world, but every one of us can do something, however small, to support a cause that truly matters.
Which museum and which artwork have stolen your heart?
The Victoria and Albert Museum is, without question, my favourite museum. I return time and again, not only for its extraordinary permanent collection but also for the exceptional temporary exhibitions it consistently curates. It also holds a very special place in my heart. When my two boys were growing up, we would often spend hours there together before sitting in the beautiful John Madejski Garden, beside the central pool. We’d reflect on what we’d seen, share our thoughts, and simply enjoy each other’s company. Some of my most treasured memories of London were made in that garden.
I don’t think I could name a single work of art that has stolen my heart. There are simply too many, each for different reasons. One of the most memorable installations in recent years was La Fleur Morte by Rebecca Louise Law at the Saatchi Gallery. Its breathtaking cascade of suspended dried flowers was both ethereal and deeply moving.
What is your own definition of beauty?
As an artist, I’m drawn to beauty that feels honest rather than flawless. Beauty is anything created with love.
What does authenticity mean to you today?
Ultimately, authenticity is living in alignment with my values, trusting my instincts, and giving myself permission to keep growing while remaining true to who I am.
If you were to create something especially for TheAuthentics.gr, what would it be?
If I were to create something especially for The Authentics, it would undoubtedly be a large-scale ceramic wall installation. From a distance, it would make a bold visual statement that draws you in. But its true beauty would only reveal itself as you move closer and begin to explore each individual piece.
Every ceramic element would have its own identity, texture, and story. On its own, each piece would be meaningful, but together they would create something far greater than the sum of their parts.
That, to me, perfectly reflects The Authentics. It brings together people from diverse disciplines, each with a unique voice, perspective, and journey. Individually they are remarkable, but collectively they create a richer, more powerful narrative.
I would want the installation to celebrate that idea of individuality, connection, and the beauty that emerges when many distinct stories come together as one.
