Today we’d like to introduce you to Vasiliki Viki Georgopoulou.
Hi Vasiliki Viki, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Vasiliki, but since my name is not the easiest name for a non-Greek person to pronounce, I go by my middle name, Viki.
Born in NY, USA and raised in sunny Greece from a young age, I came to realize my calling in arts and design.
Starting with endless hours of drawing, to designing my own clothes and to the realization that this was my calling that led me to a Product & Interior Design degree from the Middlesex University of London.
After working some years in firms of the Design Industry in Greece, and even more as a freelance Interior Designer, with a reach portfolio in residential and commercial design, my life took a turn.
I came to meet my Brazilian boyfriend at the time, husband today, in the beautiful island of Ios, in Greece.
Something that led to a lot of back and forth traveling to Germany where he was living at the time while trying to maintain my business in Greece. Those years were full of inspiration and creativity for me. I had the opportunity to travel a lot around Europe, experience how design differentiates from place to place, observe people’s aesthetics, and meet so many of them from different cultures and backgrounds. Something that led me to be able to make business in Germany too. I was thrilled with the opportunity to be trusted the renovation of a beautiful Café-Bar in Troisdorf, Germany.
Eventually for the sake of love, I came to leave Greece behind, my family, and the career I had built. Having the ability to easily adapt in different environments and situations and the desire to discover new places and cultures was what really helped me through this process.
First stop of this journey was England, where I had the opportunity to study project management at the Open University of London and the place where my daughter Sofia was born.
Brazil and Rio de Janeiro came right after. During that time, I came to experience the Brazilian culture, travel to many places of the country, learn to speak Brazilian Portuguese fluently and came to realize that although Brazil is such a colorful country peoples home not so, with white and light neutral tones dominating their spaces. But most importantly having my family of three turns to a family of four, with the birth of my son Rafael.
Five years later, it was the time for my family and I, to fulfill a long-lasting dream of ours of that living in the USA, with Florida as our only destination. Let’s not forget that coming from countries with warm weather, both my husband and I, it couldn’t be any other way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting and running your own business alone can be stressful. In my case, the hardest challenge I had to face was the fact that I had to do all that being a foreigner, with no personal relationships or personal network in the area. Networks are vital components for cultivating a business’ initial and continued success.
I had to study the people, their aesthetics and the market the same way as I did in every country I had the fortune to live in. Find where I fit and what separates me from the competition was vital. While trying to understand the challenges you might face and how to deal with them, you’ll be much better prepared for potential problems and give your business the best chance of success.
Doing something that I love, creating thoughtful interiors that delight and inspire my clients, can be really rewarding and what keeps me going.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Vasiliki Interiors is a boutique interior design firm based in Longwood, Florida. Although I don’t use my first name in my everyday life or work environment, naming my business out of it felt like the right thing to do. The meaning of Vasiliki is “Royal”. The Greek name Vasiliki is one of the most aristocratic, elegant, and feminine names available. At Vasiliki Interiors, we believe that the best spaces are truly individual and a reflection of you. My goal is to create thoughtful interiors that delight and inspire you daily. My visualizations are not trend-led but synonymous with timelessness and longevity.
My signature style is modern and eclectic with timeless finishes and custom furnishings. Above all, my work is client centric as I help each homeowner discover their own style or direct them in creating a space that inspires and enhances their lifestyle.
Beginning with research and inspiration, I move through the stages of design to find you the most efficient, functional, and elegant solution with global influences.
The initial consultation is the preliminary meeting for every new project, typically this is a 1 1/2-hour session. During this initial gathering, we will discuss the scope of your project, your goals, your design style, your lifestyle and how you intend to use the spaces as well as your budget.
If you are looking to get started on a small project or a large renovation, or perhaps you have some design dilemmas and require a few pointers, Vasiliki Interiors will provide an on-site consultation catered to your project needs. I ensure that your initial consultation is informative and valuable, from space planning and furniture options to paint colors and tile selections, I will give you a full range of knowledge and industry expertise to get your project on the right foot.
What role has luck (good luck or bad luck) played in your life and business?
I would say a great one. As I mentioned earlier, it turns out a sudden decision to join my girlfriends on a long weekend trip in a Greek island led me meeting my husband. A day that later came to bring so many changes in my life. I strongly believe that we don’t meet people by accident, they’re meant to cross our path for a reason.
Although I strongly believe that you can create your own luck the same way! You need to realize when an opportunity is presented to you.
The best opportunities, and the greatest sources of luck, often arrive from unexpected places at unexpected times. Be open to possibilities rather than shutting them down.
Contact Info:
- Email: viki@vasilikiinteriors.com
- Website: www.vasilikiinteriors.com
- Instagram: @vasilikiinteriors
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vasilikiinteriors
