I was born in Montreal to Greek parents who immigrated to Canada in the 1960s. I studied graphic design in Montreal. Held a couple of design positions before taking a big risk and starting a small design firm with a partner. That firm lasted for 8 years until the economic and political situation in Quebec started to unwind. During this time I got married and had a child, a beautiful little girl. Considering our options we decided to close my studio and accept a creative design position at a prestigious packaging design firm in Toronto. We all moved to a small bungalow in Olde Whitby 22 years ago. Since then, we had another child, renovated our small home, moved around to different design agencies then finally settling on starting my own place again. 16 years later, our small design agency is still going strong, creating consumer-focused, meaningful brand voices.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m recently divorced, I have two children, Marina and Lucas.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Over my 25+ years in design and advertising, I spearheaded a number of design team. What I’ve realized is that you have to have passion and commitment to your craft, whatever it is. Like a painter it’s something that needs to come within for it to mean something.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
That’s the one thing I miss from Montreal… Great food. If I had to choose I would included, Asia Express, The Keg (Ajax), The Greek Tycoon, Brothers (for their Pizza), Baldwin Street Burger (closed), Balti Indian, North End Burger
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
22+ Years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Paul Rolland, Rob Hunt
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Somewhere quite filled with nature, ocean and sky!!! We’ve been without it, not being able to travel
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I love thrillers, dramas with historical references, biographical, and a good action thriller always does the job.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Believe in your self… find something that makes you happy and do it with passion and the rest will fall in to place
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Travel more, have some quite time, learn to fly, ride a motorcycle.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Sade, George Michael (Older), Blue Rodeo, Darius Rucker, Seal, Alicia Keys
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The PVW Group
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Thomas Pigeon (Founder of Pigeon Design), we would meet at Bistro 67
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
It’s quaint, vibrant, and ever changing, not to mention there’s lots of pubs (when we can go out again)
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still working, hopefully. I hope to also be teaching design.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I get scared sometimes.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
New England Coast.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Mid summer, July 1st.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Our public library. I love the design and public space it provides in the community.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Children.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Coffee and pizza
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safe, Familiar, Family
