Thanasis had a pioneering idea: to send Greek herbs inside a postcard! And he made it happen. Let’s get to know him…
Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you start? How did the idea for such a unique product come to you?
Although my studies and professional background are in a different field, I’ve always been drawn to innovative ideas and products. I admire the Greek natural landscape—not only for its beauty but also for its unique characteristics: the microclimates of each region, the variety of herbs, plants, and trees. I tried to give it a new dimension so it could travel. That’s how I created Send-A-Scent. Once the idea crystallized in my mind, we founded the company FEELGREECE, with the aim of promoting the uniqueness and local character of our country through fresh and original concepts.
Tell us about your brand. What does it represent? Why did you create it?
The name “Send-A-Scent,” along with our other brands “Send-A-Herb,” “Send-An-Aroma,” and “Send-A-Breeze,” says it all: Send the scents of Greek nature—aromatic plants and herbs—wherever people go! That is my goal: for our products to help Greece travel across the globe.
How did you start? What challenges did you face?
There were many challenges, as with anything new. This is a product that was created from scratch. We had to design it, decide on its components, find the right packaging material that meets postal requirements so it can be mailed, register the patent, and manage a thousand little details… even finding the right Greek herbs and aromatic plants.
Tell us about your product. What makes it different?
As I mentioned, Send-A-Scent is an innovative and unique product. It’s a smart postcard that contains herbs and aromatic plants from our country, allowing visitors to “capture” and send the scents of Greece wherever they wish. It reinvents the classic postcard—not just as a memory from a trip or a gesture to loved ones, but as something more: a multisensory experience that conveys the unique aromas of the land and enriches the senses.
Tell us about the raw materials you use.
Greece, with its diverse terrain, varying altitudes, and different humidity levels, creates microclimates in every corner. Each area produces its own vegetation, filling the air with unique scents of herbs, flowers, and spices. These herbs and plants are “sealed” inside our postcards. They come from Greek producers and are carefully selected, complying with all the necessary production and packaging certifications.
What feedback have you received about the product so far?
Very positive—sometimes even enthusiastic. Of course, there are a few people—just a handful—who didn’t quite get it, which is actually reassuring! Overall, the product is well-received by both businesses that include it in their offerings or use it as a gift, and by individual customers. The feedback is encouraging and brings me joy. It’s important when your hard work and ideas are recognized. I was thrilled when a friend from Germany requested it as a Christmas gift for his guests—he had discovered it during his summer vacation in Crete! A woman in France told us over the phone how excited her postwoman was when delivering it. And an American woman was overjoyed to find it in her mailbox—she said the scents instantly took her back to her trip to Greece and brought back beautiful memories.
Give us some suggestions for how to use your product (usage ideas or tips).
The motto of Send-A-Scent is simple: Keep, send, eat! It’s a product that you can keep as a souvenir, send anywhere in the world, or even use in cooking.
Can Greek producers make a difference during the crisis?
The situation in Greece is difficult right now. However, I believe Greek producers hold a treasure in their hands—our land and its products. With the right approach, they can truly make a difference. I think Greece’s recovery must be based on local production.
What challenges does a Greek producer face today?
Unfortunately, the reality in Greece is tough. There are two main challenges: The first is the state, which often hinders rather than helps primary production. The second is the lack of education among many producers. Most rely on experience rather than structured knowledge. What’s missing is the infrastructure to help them promote and process their products—because processing adds real value to Greece’s unique goods.
Why did you choose to support the Wise Greece Initiative?
It’s important to help others however we can—not just during a crisis but always. After all, compassion is part of Greek tradition. I believe Wise Greece is doing meaningful and valuable work. I love the concept and the way they’ve developed it.
