Maria grew up surrounded by the rituals, flavors, and quiet wisdom of the Mediterranean, a heritage passed down through generations and lived daily rather than spoken aloud.

Today, as the second-generation leader of  ''Seacrets Inspiration'', she translates that legacy into a contemporary brand defined by authenticity, provenance, and restraint.

A mother and trained nutritionist turned entrepreneur, Maria brings both intuition and intention to her work, shaping a modern expression of Mediterranean living where quality is uncompromising and tradition is reimagined with elegance.

- What’s the story behind “SeaCrets Inspirations”?

SeaCrets Inspirations began as my mother’s way of honoring our land and our family legacy. Like many families in Messinia, we grew up surrounded by olive trees. They were always part of our life, our identity, our stories.

When I stepped in, I saw the opportunity to evolve this heritage into a brand that could travel, carrying with it not just flavors, but the Mediterranean way of living pure, balanced, and deeply human.

Today, SeaCrets Inspirations is where tradition meets contemporary Greek creativity, crafted with respect for authenticity and aesthetics.

- As a female entrepreneur in the food industry, what challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?

The food sector still has elements of old-fashioned thinking. As a woman, I often had to prove my knowledge before the conversation even started.I chose to let my work speak louder.

Clarity in decisions, consistency in quality, and confidence in my vision helped build trust faster than any explanation. Eventually, the right partners recognize the right mindset , dedication, integrity, and vision

- How have global food exhibitions helped shape your business?

Participating in international exhibitions has been a turning point for us.

They gave us the opportunity to present our story to international markets, build strong partnerships in hospitality and retail, understand cultural preferences and buyer expectations, and confirm that our brand positioning and packaging were on the right track.

Each exhibition reinforces one truth: authentic Mediterranean products have a powerful voice globally.

- What countries do you currently export to, and how receptive are consumers to Greek products?

We currently export in Europe and the Middle East (UAE) collaborating with premium supermarkets, delicatessen stores, and hotels.International consumers today seek products that feel real  with a clear origin and honest ingredients.

Greek products carry this authenticity naturally, and the response is always heartfelt: “This feels pure. This feels like Greece.”

That connection is what makes our work meaningful.

- The Mediterranean diet is gaining worldwide attention. How does your brand contribute?

We don’t just promote the Mediterranean diet  we embody the Mediterranean lifestyle.For us, wellness isn’t only about what you eat. It’s about how you cook, how you share, and how you connect.
Through our products and storytelling, we bring forward the beauty of simplicity, with honest ingredients naturally full of flavor; the balance that allows joy without restriction and the spirit of togetherness, where the table becomes a place where memories are made.

This is not a trend.
It is a cultural legacy shaped by centuries of life by the sea, the sun, and the earth  and we are proud to keep it alive and meaningful for new generations.

- Can you share a milestone that made you feel proud?

One of my most emotional moments came in 2016, when our products were placed in the Athens Hilton, and again in 2017 when they entered premium supermarket chains in the UAE.
We were still a small family business from Kalamata.
Seeing our olive oil, born from our grandfather’s groves, standing proudly on international shelves made me realize something: my mother’s vision had travelled farther than any of us could ever imagined.

It was proof that brands built with heart, roots, and consistency can reach the world.

- Sustainability is increasingly important. What steps do you take?

For us, sustainability isn’t a trend , it’s our way of working.
We collaborate with small local producers, support responsible farming, and rely on short supply chains. Our production is certified under ISO 22000:2018, and we use only recyclable packaging with a minimal footprint.

Respect for the land, the producer, and the consumer guides every decision we make.

- What new developments can we expect next?

We are moving powerfully in two aligned directions

1. Mediterranean Gift Boxes & Hampers
Curated experiences combining flavor, hospitality, and Greek aesthetics  designed for high-end retail & luxury hotels worldwide.

2. Stronger presence within existing premium retail placements by enriching our product range with new codes that showcase the diversity of Greek ingredients.

For our brand xtroversion means growing deeper where trust already exists. The future is about smart, meaningful expansion  not fast expansion.

- What advice would you give to other women entering the food or export industry?

The food world is built on connection  to the land, to people, and to culture.
My advice is know your roots, because your identity is your greatest strength.
Keep learning,  quality needs knowledge. Create with purpose.
Products can be copied, your vision cannot.
When you stay true to what you offer, the world will notice.
Grow your network, and most importantly dare to be seen. Your story matters.

Founder’s Spotlight Quote “We don’t create products  we share the Mediterranean way of living, inspired by Greece and loved for centuries.”