Meet Vasiliki Gkarmiri

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vasiliki Gkarmiri a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Vasiliki , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I got it from my parents. Growing up, I saw them pursuing important goals and never giving up—even in unfavorable situations.

Now that I am a mom, my mother is the role model I look up to.

She always trusted that things would work out for the best, relying on her faith in God while working tirelessly to make things happen. Despite her determination, she never made us feel like family came second. Now that I have my own family, I truly appreciate all her unseen work—the late nights and early mornings and her constant love and presence, which have profoundly shaped who I am today.

My parents’ approach taught me a life lesson early on. If a goal is essential to you, there is always a way to make it happen without neglecting the people who matter most.

Family, faith, and the people I love and can lean on are the pillars of my resilience, helping me stay the course when the going gets tough.

However, my resilience also depends on how important a goal is to me. Often, I ask myself, “What does that goal mean to you? Why do you want to achieve it?” The stronger I am connected to that “why,” the more resilient I become. But if that connection fades or something else takes precedence, that’s when I might let go of a goal and shift directions.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Next Door Goddess celebrates the Goddess in every woman with jewelry inspired by Greece and the Mediterranean and made by hand to order in the USA.

We specialize in statement, timeless boho-chic designs that help women express themselves and stand out. The details are what turn a little black dress or a pair of jeans and a T-shirt into an outfit, and we’re here to make those details remarkable and exciting.

We love a feel-good purchase, so we give a percentage of every sale to the not-for-profit organization In Kind Boxes. When you shop with us, you support postpartum moms and babies in need in the USA.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1-The drive for continuous improvement.

When you strive to improve daily at whatever you are doing, progress occurs organically. There are countless ways to grow—through books, courses, mentors, or self-teaching. I started as a self-taught artisan in my jewelry journey but have since invested in books, courses, lessons, and mentorship. Improvement is a life-long pursuit.

2- Branding, Sales, and Marketing- especially storytelling.

Every business owner needs a strong foundation in branding, sales, and marketing, mainly focusing on storytelling. Developing a brand and crafting messaging that resonates with your ideal customers is critical to driving sales. While trends shift, these fundamentals remain essential. I highly recommend books and courses to build knowledge in these areas. Once you’ve crafted your brand message, ask friends and customers for feedback—does their perception of your brand align with your vision?

3- Flexible Grit

Building a business requires grit. There will be times of exhaustion, low motivation, or frustration, and grit helps you push through. Flexibility is equally vital, whether you’re selling products or services. Staying adaptable to market needs is essential for survival.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

If you fall into any of the categories below, please connect with me through our website or Instagram—I’d love to collaborate with you!

1. Wholesale Partners

Are you a boutique buyer curating high-end boho-glam collections? I offer both my current designs and exclusive, one-of-a-kind pieces tailored to fit your store’s unique vibe. Let’s talk!

2. Other Brands

I’d love to partner with fellow designers across apparel, shoes, and accessories to craft head-to-toe looks for our customers. Whether it’s collaborating on jewelry for a customer, a boutique, a fashion runway, or an editorial photoshoot, I’m excited to co-create signature pieces that align with your vision and leave a lasting impression.

3. Stylists

Let’s work together if you’re a stylist looking for bold, boho-chic accents with a unique twist! In addition to the designs on our website, I offer one-of-a-kind pieces and customizations that bring fresh Mediterranean energy and eclectic flair to any wardrobe.

4. Jewelry Parties

Would you like to host a memorable jewelry party for your local friends? Let’s make it happen!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Victoria Saperstein, Maria Saltaura, Aikaterini Dermitzaki

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