In an industry often driven by trends and empty promises, the founder of YASOU Skincare brings something far more enduring: lived experience, cultural heritage, and an uncompromising commitment to integrity.

Her journey began not in a lab or boardroom, but in dermatologists’ offices, years of navigating hormonal acne, aging concerns, and the frustration of choosing between clinical results and natural ingredients.

Those personal struggles became the foundation of a long-term vision: to create a skincare line that delivers high-performance results while honoring the nourishment of nature.

A pivotal trip to her mother’s village of Archia Feneos in Greece transformed that vision into a mission. What started as a discovery of locally crafted beeswax infused with indigenous botanicals evolved into something more personal, a brand rooted in identity, heritage, and the spirit of Greek wellness. YASOU, meaning “a toast to your health,” became more than a name; it became a philosophy.

With a background in visual communications and art direction, she approached skincare the way she once built brands, through rigorous research, strategic storytelling, and a cohesive, intentional identity.

Today, YASOU Skincare stands at the intersection of old-world tradition and modern science, redefining what luxury means in the green beauty era: not excess, but integrity.

In this conversation, we explore how personal struggle became purpose, how sustainability can be authentic rather than performative, and why honesty may be the most luxurious ingredient of all.

Your journey started with personal skin struggles. How did those experiences shape your long-term vision for YASOU Skincare beyond simply creating products?

-My long-term vision for YASOU was deeply shaped by my own "skin journey." From my teenage years well into mid-life, I spent a lot of time in dermatologists' offices.

Those decades of experience gave me a very clear understanding of the specific results I wanted to offer others, without a doubt!

Beyond just making products, I wanted to create a line that addresses the unique challenges I faced, like hormonal acne, while still providing the deep hydration and support needed for graceful aging.

My struggle turned into a mission to prove that you don't have to choose between "clinical results" and "natural nourishment.

You’ve spoken about reconnecting with your Greek roots as a turning point. Was there a specific moment in Greece that made you realize this should become a brand rather than just a personal practice?

-The definitive moment happened in 2014 during a visit to my mother’s village, Archia Feneos. I discovered a locally crafted beeswax product infused with essential oils from indigenous flowers, and I was immediately captivated. Initially, my instinct was to develop a fair-trade model to rebrand and distribute that specific product in the States, but as I moved through that process, I realized it wasn't quite the right fit.

That experience was the spark. With the encouragement of my partner at the time, I decided to build something entirely my own. I realized that the brand had to be "YASOU", a Greek-inspired extension of my own identity, my heritage, and my personal experiences.

It shifted from being a discovery in a village to a mission to share the essence of Greek wellness with the world.

You transitioned from a successful career in visual communications to skincare. How has your background as an art director influenced the way you build the identity and storytelling of the brand?

-My background has been the bedrock of YASOU’s growth. In visual communications, your job is to create a cohesive universe for a brand, and I’ve applied that exact same rigor to every touchpoint of YASOU from the concept, name and logo to the communications and tactile experience of the packaging and marketing.

However, the most significant asset I brought from my career as a creativ/art director isn't just the aesthetic eye, it's the research and communication.

People often see art direction as purely visual, but in high-level branding, research  and communications is the most critical skills.

Before I ever designed a label, I applied the same research-heavy methodology I used for major publications and clients to understand the market, ingredients, and consumer psychology. 

Having that "strategic creative" mindset allowed me to not just launch a product, but to build a professional-grade brand identity from day one.

Redefining luxury in the green beauty era” is a powerful statement . What does luxury mean to you when sustainability is at the center?

-To me, modern luxury is no longer about excess; it’s about integrity and the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly what you are putting on your skin. It is the marriage of ethically sourced, naturally derived ingredients with a high-performance, sensory experience.

If a product doesn't feel incredible when applied, it isn't luxury—but if it isn't ethically made, it isn't truly "green."

This is where my background in research becomes vital once again. Luxury means doing the heavy lifting for the customer, vetting suppliers, scrutinizing their practices, and ensuring our sources align with the health of both the consumer and the planet. I believe that because we take these potent ingredients from the earth, our responsibility to put them back into the earth is just as important.

For YASOU, this means a commitment to "circular luxury": our packaging is not only recyclable but largely made from recycled content, and our water usage is strictly managed to avoid waste.

Redefining luxury means proving that high-end skincare can be a restorative force for the environment rather than a drain on it.
 

Many brands use the language of natural ingredients today. How does YASOU Skincare ensure sustainability is authentic rather than just a trend?

-Authenticity in sustainability isn't a destination; it’s a constant, evolving process. To me, it’s about the deep relationship you build with your suppliers.

You have to move beyond just buying an ingredient; you have to research the practices behind it and get the information necessary to "double-check" that what they are selling you, and what you are in turn putting out into the world, is legitimate.

We ensure this authenticity through three core pillars:

1.   Rigorous Accountability: Getting certifications is a key part of our "double-check" system. It requires an immense amount of research for both us and our suppliers. It forces a transparent look at how ingredients are sourced and processed, ensuring there is no gap between what is promised and what is delivered.
 

2.   Continuous Elevation: Sustainability isn’t static. The industry is constantly improving—better packaging is developed, cleaner extraction methods emerge, and ethical standards rise. We are always elevating our ingredients and suppliers to stay ahead of the curve. If a better, more sustainable way to do things exists, we pursue it.
 

3.   A Lifestyle, Not a Trend: I believe we need to be a bit more "political" about our choices because true sustainability has to become a way of life. It’s not a marketing pivot; it’s a daily, consistent commitment to how we live and operate. At YASOU, we view sustainability as a fundamental responsibility to the public and the planet. It’s a constant effort that never stops.

Your products are inspired by old-world traditions and local ingredients. How do you balance sourcing responsibly while maintaining quality and consistency as the brand grows?

-The soul of YASOU is certainly rooted in old-world traditions, but the "secret sauce" is how we marry those traditions with modern science. Balancing growth with quality requires a very disciplined approach to how we build our supply chain and how we manufacture.

To maintain that balance, I focus on two key areas:

1.   Direct Manufacturing Control: Currently, I manufacture my own line. This allows me to have total oversight over every batch, ensuring that the integrity of our ingredients isn't lost in a mass-production facility. As YASOU grows, I face a pivotal choice: move into my own larger manufacturing facility or find a partner who mirrors my exacting standards. Regardless of the path, the research into finding the right partners is exhaustive; they must be as committed to the science and the sourcing as I am.

2.   Maintaining Fulfillment Oversight: Scaling often fails in the "last mile", the fulfillment stage. This is especially true when moving into international markets where consistency can easily slip.

My plan is to always maintain a high level of control over fulfillment. I want to ensure that the product the customer receives in their hands is exactly what I intended it to be when it left the lab.

By keeping a tight grip on the manufacturing and the delivery process, we can scale without losing the "boutique" quality and personal touch that defines the brand. Growth shouldn't mean a compromise in standards; it should mean the ability to bring those high standards to more people.
 

YASOU translates to “a toast to your health.” How do you hope customers feel (emotionally and physically) when they use your products?

-When someone uses YASOU, I want them to experience the literal meaning of that toast. It’s more than just a greeting; it is a wish for well-being.

Physically, I want them to feel results. In a market saturated with "miracle" claims, I want my customers to feel satisfied because they see a tangible difference in their skin. By combining high-quality local ingredients with modern science, the goal is for the skin to feel nourished, resilient, and truly healthy.

Emotionally, I want them to feel safe and "in good hands." Skincare is intimate. You are putting these ingredients on your body every day, and that requires immense trust.

I hope my customers feel the peace of mind that comes from using a "legit" brand, one that is honest about its sourcing, its manufacturing, and its intentions.

In short, I want them to feel like they’ve found a brand that has integrity.

When you know a brand is transparent and the products actually work, you move past the stress of "trial and error" and into a state of happiness and confidence. To me, that is the ultimate "toast to your health."

Looking ahead, what legacy do you want YASOU Skincare to leave in the sustainable skincare movement?

-My hope is that YASOU’s legacy will be defined by the proof that a brand can be both high-end and high-integrity.

I want YASOU to be remembered as the "luxe wellness" brand that bridged the gap between indulgence and honesty. In the sustainable movement, there is often a misconception that you have to choose between a product that feels "glamorous" and one that is "effective and clean."

I want our legacy to prove that you don't have to compromise.

Ultimately, I want people to look back at YASOU and say: "That was a brand that actually worked."

I want to be known for being a straight-shooter in an industry full of smoke and mirrors, leaving behind a standard where honesty is the most luxurious ingredient of all.