We recently had the chance to connect with Maria Kosmidou and have shared our conversation below.
Maria, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Absolutely. A recent moment that made me both laugh and feel proud was during an exhibition I produced in New York, and curated by Dr. Sozita Goudouna. On opening night, a small, unexpected mix-up could have caused stress, but my team and I turned it into a moment of creativity and humor, improvising on the spot to create an even more memorable presentation than planned.
What made it truly remarkable was sharing the experience with part of my family, my husband, close friends, and the many artists and designers I collaborate with. Their energy, encouragement, and laughter transformed a potential challenge into a shared celebration. The support of this incredible community made the night spectacular and has fueled the exhibition’s ongoing success.
Standing there, seeing everyone’s smiles and feeling the connection in the room, I was reminded why I do what I do — true success is built on collaboration, resilience, and the joy of creating together.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Maria Kosmidou, founder of MARIA KOSMIDOU LLC and ART X Global (artxglobal.com), a platform dedicated to connecting exceptional designers, artists, and creators with international audiences and buyers. Through ART X Global, we focus on curating cross-cultural collaborations and creating opportunities for designers and artists to showcase their work in new markets, particularly in the U.S.
What makes our approach unique is that we not only highlight sustainability, craftsmanship, and storytelling, but also connect artists with the people who support them, fostering meaningful relationships between creators, collectors, and communities. Currently, I’m expanding international partnerships, exhibitions, and pop-up experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and collaboration.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Bonds between people are broken when trust falters, respect fades, or words go unheard. Misunderstandings, selfishness, or neglect can create invisible cracks, and even the strongest connections can weaken. What truly damages relationships is the absence of respect and acknowledgment—the feeling that someone does not see, value, or honor us.
Yet, bonds are restored through honest communication, empathy, forgiveness, and respect—by truly listening, valuing one another, and acknowledging the support we receive. We move forward with those who trusted us and believed in us, nurturing relationships that sustain and inspire us.
We are all connected, like the human spine: if one vertebra is missing, weak, or broken, the whole structure falters. Strong bonds, like strong vertebrae, keep us upright, aligned, and moving forward together. In the end, relationships thrive when trust, respect, and belief in one another form the foundation, allowing us to grow, create, and succeed together.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Many times, I’ve faced moments when giving up felt easier and safer. Whenever you try to move forward in life or pursue your dreams, uncertainty can be intimidating. It’s natural to retreat into your routine rather than take a risk, especially when success isn’t guaranteed.
But I’ve learned that if your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not worth pursuing. True growth comes from stepping into the unknown, embracing challenges, and daring to keep going even when the path isn’t clear. Every time I chose to move forward despite fear, I discovered new opportunities, resilience, and a deeper sense of fulfillment.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the industry tells itself is that success is only measured by fame, sales, or visibility. Too often, people overlook the deeper values of creativity, craftsmanship, and meaningful collaboration. Another misconception is that innovation comes without risk or effort—as if ideas alone are enough, ignoring the persistence, resilience, and teamwork required to bring them to life.
The truth is that the most lasting impact comes from authenticity, dedication, and the relationships we build with artists, designers, and audiences. If we chase only numbers or trends, we risk losing the soul of the work and the communities that make it meaningful.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, role, and possessions, what would remain is the essence of who I am — my passion, love, and the people who matter most to me. My family — my son, my husband, his children and grandchildren — together with close friends and the memories we’ve shared — would remain at the center of my life. The joy, support, and connection I feel with them would endure, as would the inspiration and fulfillment that come from pursuing what I love and supporting others in their journeys.
Beyond that, what remains is the core of my being: my curiosity, energy for people, creativity, and the ways I’ve connected with and uplifted others. Titles, possessions, and roles may pass, but relationships, love, shared experiences, and the mark we leave through collaboration, kindness, and shared joy endure.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artxglobal.com / www.mariakosmidou.com
- Instagram: @mariakosmidou_fashion / @a.r.txglobal
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/maria-kosmidou-0753a76b
- Facebook: a.r.t x global
Image Credits
Marina Vernicos / Ermina Avramidou
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