Two young women are reimagining Greek souvenirs and memorabilia. They’re not settling for outdated aesthetics—instead, they propose fresh designs that combine the tradition of yesterday with the design sensibilities of today. Let’s get to know them…
Tell us a bit about yourselves. How did you get started? What inspired you to work with souvenirs?
We met 10 years ago at the Department of Product and Systems Design Engineering at the University of the Aegean in Syros. Toward the end of our studies, we began discussing our professional future and how to navigate the economic crisis that had just begun. Sharing a passion for promoting a creative image of our country, we launched Ploos Design.
The idea of souvenirs came from thinking about how to combine our design background with a sector in Greece that had real potential—tourism, which has proven to be the right path!
Seeing the souvenirs available on the market—most of which are imported from Asia—we quickly realized there was a huge gap we could fill with many different and exciting ideas for Greece’s international visitors.
Tell us a bit about the brand. What does it represent? What was your purpose in creating it?
We chose the name “Ploos” because in ancient Greek it means “journey.” For us, design is a beautiful journey filled with new experiences. Naturally, we wanted our brand to be strongly connected to Greece, and the concept of the journey made perfect sense—especially since we live in a country so closely tied to travel and the sea.
Our goal was to create functional items inspired by Greece so that through these everyday objects we could promote our culture and heritage to people around the world, whether Greeks or foreigners. From the beginning, we aimed to offer a wide range of products—porcelain mugs, cotton bags, t-shirts, scarves, and notebooks—so people could use them daily and feel a little joy in doing so.
How did you start? What challenges did you face?
The beginning was both “difficult” and “easy.” On the one hand, we launched during a deep crisis, when pessimism was widespread in society. The local manufacturing sector was nearly nonexistent, and the few producers available were hard to find. Also, starting out at 23 years old—as young women entrepreneurs—you’re forced to immediately adapt to the wild world of business in order to convince others of your vision and build trust.
Although we had a solid foundation in design and methodology, a large part of what we do is actually commerce, and that’s not something you learn at university. So we were thrown in at the deep end.
On the other hand, the “easy” part was that we had just graduated and were full of energy, driven by a powerful vision to showcase our country. That motivation helped us overcome any obstacle that came our way.
Tell us about your products. What makes them different?
All of our products are designed by us, and we collaborate with Greek workshops to manufacture or transform them. Being directly involved in production allows us to maintain high quality, which we’re determined to preserve. This sets our products apart from many others in the broader market, and we’re proud that both shop owners and customers have come to recognize this.
Over the years, we’ve worked hard to maintain a consistent design style that defines us and makes our products recognizable—especially in the tourism sector—which helps us grow as a company.
Tell us about the materials you use.
We have a large product range, which means a wide variety of materials! But we always aim to work with reliable and highly skilled partners so that we can ensure the best possible quality for our products.
Are there any products you’re especially proud of?
Although we create everything with love and enthusiasm, I would choose our notebooks. They highlight Greece’s richness through the detailed information we include in the pages—content we’ve personally researched to showcase our culture and history. That’s what sets them apart from simple decorative souvenirs.
Also, our traditional Greek coffee cups are a favorite, both among our customers and ourselves. They reflect our hospitality and bring to mind cherished moments of conversation and company.
Can you give us some suggestions for how to use your products (beyond the obvious)?
All of our products are designed to be useful in everyday life. So for someone looking to add a cheerful touch to their home, we suggest pieces from our collection like ceramic mugs, living room pillows, scented candles, plates, and many other new additions.
Can Greek producers make a difference during the crisis?
Absolutely—and many already have. We read daily about successful people who, despite the harsh realities of high taxation and economic instability, continue to grow their sales, expand exports, and show a passion that inspires those of us still early in our careers.
What makes the difference is persistence in quality, flexibility, creativity, and a determination to share your work with the world.
What challenges does a Greek producer face today?
Unfortunately, the domestic market climate is tough—purchasing behavior is directly tied to the general mood and outlook. Producers face a state that acts more like an adversary than a supporter.
There’s also lingering suspicion from abroad, due to media portrayals of Greece, although that’s finally starting to fade.
All this, of course, comes in addition to the universal challenges of being an entrepreneur anywhere in the world—stress, exhaustion, tight deadlines, and more.
Why did you choose to support the Wise Greece Initiative?
Because we believe the positive approach to helping others is one of the most creative we’ve seen. The idea that someone can buy a useful product while simultaneously supporting a charitable cause is a beautiful new way to think about giving.
We’re very proud that our products can contribute to such a wonderful initiative. Keep up the amazing and creative philanthropic work!
