How it began

It all began on my first backpack trip through Costa Rica. In a little hippie town called Puerto Viejo, I bought a pair of handmade earrings from a girl at a street market. I loved them so much and they became my everyday earrings while traveling through South America, and even back home… Until the day I lost one.

Because I missed them so much and couldn’t find a replacement, I decided to learn how to make them myself. I followed a jewelry workshop in the Netherlands, learned the basics, and recreated my own version with a little twist. I enjoyed the process so much that it made me think: what if I actually start my own small business in jewelry?

At the time, I already knew I wanted something more creative and meaningful than a regular 9–5 (after a lot of unsuccesful attemps), and I also knew I wanted to start something myself, I just didn't know what. So without realizing it, losing that earring became the beginning of Agape Bohème.

Behind the name

Agape Bohème came to me during a trip to Greece. Being half Greek, I’ve felt deeply connected to the country for as long as I can remember, so it felt fitting that the brand’s name would be inspired by it. 

Agape stands for love. Unconditional, universal love that's not romantic but free, pure and spiritual. Combined with Bohemian; the free spirited lifestyle that's artistic, a little wild and deeply connected to nature.

Even before the name existed, I knew these were the values I wanted the brand to embody. I want Agape Boheme to be an expression of love, freedom, and a life lived authentically and with intention. 

And that’s when it all really started. I quit my job (once again it was another job I didn't like), packed my bag, and went backpacking through Southeast Asia with a tiny earring-making kit, which I loved to take with me to the beach to practice. From Costa Rica to Thailand- here is where the first earrings really came to life.

On this trip, I finally gained a clear vision for Agape Bohème, and something inside me just clicked. For the first time, everything felt aligned, and from that moment on, things naturally started falling into place.

sawa animal shelter

During another trip to Greece, many years ago, my mom and I visited SAWA animal shelter. They help stray and abandoned animals all across Santorini. They take care of dogs and cats, but also for donkeys, mules, horses, goats, pigs and other farm animals. A lot of them come from the streets or from the sad tourism-related work situations where they’ve been neglected or injured.

One of the many many dogs SAWA had rescued, ended up coming home with us and he became the biggest love of our lives. I think the world is such a better place because of people like SAWA, and I would love to give a little back to an organization who gives so much. That's why a small part of every purchase goes here.

Also, if you're thinking to adopt a pup or you know someone, be sure to check out their website :) www.sawasantorini.com