Meet Demetra Arvanitis

We recently connected with Demetra Arvanitis and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Demetra, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose in the middle of a life that, on the surface, looked comfortable — but inside, I felt lost. In my mid-forties, I was a housewife with no children, no job, and no real direction. I was fortunate to have the freedom to wake up and do whatever I wanted, but the truth was, I wasn’t fulfilled. Watching others either love or hate their careers made me realize: I wasn’t doing either. I was just… existing.

Fashion had always been part of my DNA — not just the trends, but the history, the craftsmanship, the art behind every garment. Yet I had never considered it as a real path because I wasn’t drawn to designing. For years, I stayed close to it as a hobby — vintage shopping, finding unique designer pieces, sharing them with family, selling a few online. Without even realizing it, I was living a passion quietly.

It took hard conversations — especially one with my ex-husband who asked, ‘What makes you happy?’ — to finally say it out loud: fashion. From that moment, everything changed. I founded Styled By Demetra, diving headfirst into something that was mine from start to finish: registering the business, building the website, going back to school, even learning a new language to support my European fashion sourcing trips.

At the same time, my marriage was ending, I was living in a new city, and I was reinventing myself. It was messy. It was hard. But chasing my passion gave me purpose and community. Styled By Demetra wasn’t just a business — it was a lifeline. It became the bridge between who I was and who I am now — someone who is building, evolving, and living authentically

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m the founder and curator of Styled By Demetra, a boutique dedicated to sourcing unique, high-quality designer pieces — from vintage treasures to rare finds from emerging and iconic labels. My brand is built on a deep appreciation for the artistry, history, and craftsmanship behind fashion. Every piece I offer is carefully sourced, often internationally, and tells a story of creativity and individuality.

Styled By Demetra is about offering more than just beautiful items — it’s about creating a truly personal, luxury experience. I recently expanded to offer private, boutique-style appointments for shopping and confidential consignment. This service is tailored to clients who want a more personalized, discreet experience — whether that means I come to them or we meet in a private setting, at their convenience. It’s the opposite of dropping off bins of clothes at a shop; it’s about making people feel valued, respected, and understood.

Beyond the clothing, I’m deeply involved in the fashion community. I serve on the board of Fashion Group International (FGI) Chicago and am also a member of the Chicago Fashion Council. Being part of these organizations keeps me connected to the pulse of the industry and fuels my passion for supporting and collaborating with other creatives.

I’m also excited to be participating in The Stylist Showcase on May 31st in Milwaukee — another opportunity to share my vision and connect with new audiences. Recently I was a featured stylist with a “Retro Revival” themed event with FGI international.

Traveling internationally is another major part of what fuels my work — most recently attending the Versace show in Milan, which was an unforgettable reminder of why fashion is such a powerful form of expression. I’m constantly seeking inspiration globally and bringing that energy back to my clients.

Styled By Demetra isn’t just a consignment/resale boutique — it’s a personal journey and a growing community. It’s about helping people find pieces they connect with deeply and offering a level of service that honors both the clothing and the client

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful on my journey are resilience, a commitment to learning, and my deep passion for fashion. Each of these has shaped both my business and my personal growth.

1. Resilience: Building a business from the ground up — especially during a life transition — requires a level of resilience that’s beyond just ‘getting through tough times.’ It’s about embracing challenges, learning from them, and continuing to move forward with purpose. For those just starting out, don’t expect everything to be smooth. There will be setbacks, but each one is an opportunity to grow. When you face adversity, use it as fuel to push through.

2. Commitment to Learning: One thing I learned early on is that you can never stop learning. Whether it’s about fashion history, trends, or even practical skills like business management and language for international shopping, every piece of knowledge enriches your ability to succeed. I took sewing classes with Anastasia Chatzka, fashion styling and image consulting at George Brown in Toronto, and continued to expand my skills through hands-on experiences. For those starting out, never stop being curious. Seek out knowledge wherever you can, take courses, read books, and ask questions. The more you learn, the more prepared you’ll be to innovate and adapt.

3. Passion for Fashion: At the heart of everything I do is my genuine love for fashion. This isn’t just a job for me; it’s my passion, my way of expressing creativity, and a reflection of who I am. Passion is a powerful driver because it fuels the long hours, the hard decisions, and the endless drive to push boundaries. If you’re early in your journey, focus on what excites you the most. Passion is contagious, and when you do something you love, it doesn’t feel like work — it feels like living your purpose.

For anyone just starting out: develop a strong foundation of resilience, stay curious, and let your passion guide you. This journey is about more than just results — it’s about how you evolve along the way.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was teach me the value of hard work and determination. My mother, in particular, instilled in me a strong work ethic that has shaped how I approach everything in life. She raised two small children while learning English, attending high school, and later college — all while facing the challenges of being a Greek immigrant in Canada. Despite having little money, she had an unbreakable drive. She never gave up.

I have vivid memories of doing homework with her as a small child. I watched her juggle so much, but what stood out most was her refusal to let obstacles stop her. Whenever things get hard or feel overwhelming in my own life, I think about everything she managed to push through — and it reminds me that anything is possible if you’re willing to work for it and keep moving forward

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