What did you study at DEREE?
I studied Marketing Management.
How did it help you in your life so far?
Marketing offers you a wealth of information that if applied correctly virtually can ensure your success. When you know how it works, you will significantly increase your odds of success! On the other hand, the total education offered at DEREE challenged me to see the world in a different way; to recognize the opportunities in obstacles, the unexplored potential in all situations and gave me the energy to knock the door! My creative spirit and leadership affinities have been unleashed, and I have been motivated to continue striving in all that I do.
What was your favorite course?
Operations Management with Professor Harry Athanassopoulos
Your favorite professor?
If I have to choose only one…then, Professor Gounaris is the one!
Your favorite activity at the College?
My favorite activity and the most refreshing break was the ballroom dancing with Mrs. Maria Nomikou.
Your favorite spot on campus?
The Fitness Center as I recall! I’m not sure though if this was the most preferred or most familiar spot on campus!
Did you make any close friends at DEREE?
Not many! Let’s say I have many friendly faces to remember but few that have an effective role in my life!
How did your come up with the idea for your business?
It was a time of great restlessness for me! I had just left my job as a senior sales manager for a big fashion distribution company and I felt it was time for me to “start putting my money where my mouth is”! So, I decided to take a leap of faith in a very uncertain business environment such as the one in Greece. FASHION CIRCUS was created in 2010 with a view to trade designer clothes at extremely low prices. The idea that gave a boost to the company’s creation, deals with the utilization of and endless supply of merchandise from a large number of retail stores and distribution companies, a fact that allows its sale at knockdown prices. During a period of economic depression, discounts can function beneficially in all directions, for both merchants and the public.
As you went about setting up Fashion Circus, did any lesson learned at DEREE stay in your mind?
Always be focused on your goals (this way you save time and money!). Be able to adapt and evolve in an ever-changing environment. Be unique in whatever you do!
Entrepreneurship is not valued in Greece as it is in other countries. Where did you find the drive to become an entrepreneur?
Denis Waitley said “A dream is your creative vision for your life in the future. You must break out of your current comfort zone and become comfortable with the unfamiliar and the unknown.” That is exactly what motivated me to become an entrepreneur.
Did you expect this crisis when you were starting?
The reason we thrive in our business venture is because of the crisis!
Would you have started the [business] had you known how severe the crisis would be?
Definitely! There is always room for a successful business even in the most hostile business environment.
Greece is notorious for its bureaucracy. How has that affected you and your business?
It has not only affected us psychologically for every single day since the beginning of our business but also financially due to corrupt public servants.
What special adjustments have you made so that your company can survive the crisis?
The company was founded during the crisis, so we had the advantages of knowing what lay ahead. The most important factor we had to ensure was our uniqueness! Our principal goal is to offer our customers a total shopping experience with high quality products at very low prices, under a highly amusing vibe that will drive them away from their problems (especially in this difficult time), at least for as long as they are in the world of “Fashion Circus”!
Tell us a few things that you would change in order to make life easier for entrepreneurs.
A) Bureaucracy
B) Bank Lending
C) Recent Legislation
D) Government Funding
None of these factors helps small businesses
Tell us a positive and a negative lesson you learned from running your companies.
If you respect people, people will always support you on whatever you do! On the other hand, bad copiers can cause damage to what you do!
Have fellow alumni supported your venture?
Yes, a lot!
Are you optimistic for the future?
Yes, I have big plans ahead!