From a young age, I was driven by the love of competition and physical challenge. As a teenager, I was immersed in the world of competitive swimming, thriving in a sport that gave me purpose, discipline, and confidence. The intense training and the community around it were a huge part of my life, and I truly found joy in pushing myself to my limits. But when I was forced to step away from the sport due to lack of support, I experienced a profound loss of identity. The feeling of losing something that had shaped me for so long shook my confidence and left me questioning my worth.
In my search for direction, I turned to academics and pursued a path that was heavily influenced by my family. I studied interior design, architecture engineering and urban design. Despite my academic success and the professional opportunities that followed, I felt increasingly disconnected from my true passions. I worked in architecture and design across various cities, including Zurich, New York, and London. However, as my career progressed, I realized the life of an architect—focused on long hours, sacrificing personal time, and prioritizing work above all else—was not fulfilling. I wanted freedom, the ability to travel, to nurture relationships, and to invest time in my personal development .. But the path I had chosen didn't allow for this kind of balance. The corporate world felt rigid, and I realized I didn’t want to dedicate my life to a career that required sacrificing my personal happiness.
Despite these academic achievements, I still felt something was missing and I didn’t feel fulfilled. This longing for something more led me into a relationship that would shape my life in ways I never anticipated. The person I was with seemed to offer me the answers I had been searching for, presenting themselves as my savior, my mentor, and the key to finding happiness. What I didn´t know back then is that I was the only one able to find the answers I was looking for. However, this emotionally abusive relationship left me isolated from my family, my friends, and, most importantly, myself. My sense of self-worth hit rock bottom, and I became a shell of the person I once was. I had no work, no support system, and my confidence was crushed.
During one of the darkest moments of my life, I found the strength to break free and return to my hometown. It was in this period of reflection and healing that I rediscovered my passion for art. I began creating beautiful designs and patterns, which sparked a new sense of joy and hope in me. I started to see that life could be beautiful again, and I began to rebuild my confidence.
While I began to focus on my creative side, I also realized that taking care of my physical health was an essential part of the healing process. My sister, who was passionate about weightlifting, encouraged me to give strength training a try. At first, I hesitated, concerned about looking “manly,” but as soon as I started, I felt a transformation not just in my body, but in my mindset. Strength training became a symbol of reclaiming my power and my self-worth. It helped me feel strong mentally and physically, and it gave me the self-confidence I had been missing for years. Through this process, I also learned that self-love is not a destination; it’s a continuous practice of honoring oneself.
As I was healing, I felt a deep calling to give back to the world in a meaningful way. This led me to spend four years working closely with refugees in my hometown of Lesbos, a place that has become a significant entry point for those fleeing conflict since 2015. I worked with organizations that provided aid, supported refugees’ integration into new communities, and helped them rebuild their lives. During this time, I focused on supporting refugee women, facilitating programs and sessions that offered psychosocial support to help them navigate trauma and rebuild their lives with resilience and strength. By helping those who had lost everything, I also found my own healing, gaining a deeper sense of purpose and empathy. This experience opened my eyes to the immense struggles, resilience, and courage of marginalized communities, reinforcing my belief in the power of community, compassion, and empowerment. It deepened my sense of social responsibility and reminded me that we are all interconnected, with true strength found in lifting others up.
Additionally, I coordinated the "Europe, Look Me in the Eyes" , an Inside Out Project action in 2021. This initiative allowed me to leverage art for social change by installing portraits of refugees from the Kara Tepe camp in Lesvos across multiple European cities. The project aimed to raise awareness about migration policies and human rights issues, amplifying voices that are often overlooked. My involvement in this project, which spanned several countries, further reinforced my belief in the power of art and visual storytelling to bring about change and elevate marginalized voices.
Over the years, I’ve come to realize that no amount of academic achievement or external validation will ever make someone feel truly fulfilled if they don’t know how to love themselves. A single toxic relationship can erase years of work, and it can take a deep toll on your sense of self-worth. But I’ve learned that strength—whether physical or emotional—is key to rebuilding and moving forward.
Now, I fully embrace the passions that bring me true joy. I’m launching a series of scarves featuring my original artwork, alongside high-quality prints that will allow others to experience the beauty I’ve discovered through my creative process. Art is no longer just a form of expression for me—it’s a way to connect with others, to share beauty, and to bring joy into the world.
As a strength training coach, I help others experience the same transformation I’ve had. I’m passionate about empowering individuals to build mental and physical resilience, helping them recognize that the path to self-love starts with the strength to show up for themselves. Through strength training, I guide others to unlock their inner power and create lives rooted in confidence, self-worth, and authenticity.
I’ve faced challenges that have tested me in unimaginable ways. But through these struggles, I’ve learned that self-love is the key to a meaningful life. It’s not just about physical strength or achieving external success—it’s about recognizing your value from within and showing up for yourself every day.
I am here to help you do the same. Whether through my art or my work as a strength coach, I am committed to empowering you to love yourself, to build resilience, and to create a life that reflects your true potential.
Let’s build strength, beauty, and confidence together.
