We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maria Kosmidou a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Maria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
My name is Maria Kosmidou, and I hail from Greece. I proudly serve as the proprietor of an online fashion and interior showroom in the United States, concurrently holding the esteemed position of Head of Sales for North America at Gepaworld group. In 2016, at the age of 46, I embarked on a transformative journey, choosing to establish my own business in the U.S., relinquishing the perceived security that previous corporate roles had offered me.
Prior to this leap, my professional endeavors involved overseeing 12 stores and managing a team of 45 individuals. It’s crucial to recognize that this responsibility was undertaken within the reassuring framework of established organizations. However, the decision to venture into the dynamic and demanding landscape of the American market marked a departure from my comfort zone. This shift meant being physically distanced from my son, family, and friends.
Assuming ownership of my own business in one of the world’s most challenging markets required resilience and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. I carried not only my own dreams but also the aspirations, investments, and trust of those who believed in me. This new chapter in my professional journey became a moral commitment, carrying with it the weight of ensuring the success and fulfillment of the collective aspirations of my team and the financial implications for all involved.

Maria, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My passion not only for fashion and decoration but also for everything that is focusing on the improvement of human life, I am convinced that coexists in me since the day I was born. Graduated in gymnastics from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, inquisitive, searching always for new challenges, I found myself in the field of psychology, staff training, organizing conferences, and speeches. Since, 2001 I have been personally involved in the field of fashion. For me, the taste and the aesthetics are shaped just like one’s personality: everything is a matter of culture and a continuous search of evolution.
At Maria Kosmidou LLC, we proudly showcase a collection of meticulously crafted, sustainable, hand-made products. Our range encompasses Ready-to-Wear (RTW), exquisite jewelry, tasteful accessories, carefully curated home goods, and fine ceramic art. Each item is created with a keen attention to detail, using fabrics derived from ethically-sourced, natural yarns. We also provide high fashion and interior advice and services.
In my role as the Head of Sales for North America at Gepaworld, I am privileged to represent an international organization dedicated design, production, and distribution of sustainable sportswear and essential apparel. With key locations in the USA, Switzerland, UAE, Greece, and Turkey, Gepaworld is committed to delivering quality products that align with our global vision for ethical and environmentally-conscious fashion
I take great pride in the collaborations and partnerships I have forged with individuals who share a belief in our vision. It’s a testament to the trust they place in our work and the value we bring. Together, we move forward with confidence, knowing that the strength of our relationships propels us towards success. It’s a source of immense pride to be surrounded by a community of believers, and I am grateful for the collective effort as we navigate this journey together
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
This is what I will recommend as a consultant:
Define Your Target Markets:
Identify specific demographics that align with your brand values and product offerings. Consider factors such as age, lifestyle, and values.
Explore target markets such as North America, Europe etc leveraging your current presence in these regions.
Localized Marketing Campaigns:
Tailor marketing campaigns to resonate with the cultural preferences and trends of each target market. Consider language, aesthetics, and regional nuances.
Collaborate with local influencers and fashion personalities to increase brand visibility.
Market Research and Adaptation:
Conduct in-depth market research in each target region to understand local preferences, regulatory frameworks, and competition.
Adapt your product offerings and marketing strategies based on the unique characteristics of each market.
E-commerce Localization:
Optimize your e-commerce platform for each target market, including localized payment options, shipping solutions, and customer support.
Offer region-specific promotions and discounts to attract and retain customers in each market.
Retail Partnerships / collaborations:
Explore partnerships / collaborations with other organizations, high-end boutiques, department stores, or concept stores in key cities within your target markets.
Establish a presence in premium shopping districts to enhance brand visibility.
Collaborative Events and Pop-Ups:
Organize or participate in events, fashion shows, and pop-ups in major cities within your target markets.
Collaborate with local designers or artisans to create unique, region-specific collections or products.
Digital Advertising and SEO Optimization:
Invest in digital advertising campaigns targeting specific regions, utilizing platforms popular in each market.
Optimize your website for search engines in different languages to improve organic visibility.
Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity:
Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in your marketing materials and product offerings.
Highlight diversity in your marketing campaigns to appeal to a wide range of customers within each market.
Government and Industry Relations:
Establish relationships with local government bodies, industry associations, and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with regional standards.
Stay informed about any industry-specific regulations or incentives in each market.
Continuous Learning and Evolution:
Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences.
Attend relevant conferences and network with industry professionals to ensure your business remains innovative and adaptable.
Monitor and Evaluate:
Implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the success of your strategies in each target market.
Regularly assess and adapt your approach based on market feedback, sales data, and emerging trends.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Communication is Key:
Foster open and transparent communication within the team. Keep team members informed about goals, objectives, and any changes that may affect them.
Encourage feedback and actively listen to the concerns, ideas, and suggestions of team members. Make them feel heard and valued.
Set Clear Expectations:
Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and expectations for each team member. When everyone understands their role and how it contributes to the overall team goals, it enhances a sense of purpose.
Establish measurable and achievable goals, and celebrate accomplishments, both big and small.
Recognition and Appreciation:
Regularly acknowledge and appreciate the efforts and achievements of team members. Recognition can be both public and private, and it goes a long way in boosting morale.
Connect individual contributions to the success of the team and the organization as a whole.
Create a Positive Work Environment:
Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture. Encourage collaboration, teamwork, and mutual support among team members.
Provide a comfortable and conducive physical workspace. A positive and welcoming environment can significantly impact morale.
Invest in Professional Development:
Support the growth and development of team members by providing opportunities for training and skill development.
Show a genuine interest in the career goals of each team member and help them align their personal development with the goals of the team and the organization.
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance:
Acknowledge and accommodate different work styles and preferences. Offer flexible work hours, remote work options, or compressed workweeks when feasible.
Recognize the importance of work-life balance and be flexible when possible. Understand the individual needs of your team members and accommodate them when reasonable.
Adaptability to Change:
Embrace change and communicate it effectively to the team. In today’s dynamic work environment, being adaptable is essential for success.
Encourage a mindset that views change as an opportunity for growth rather than a disruption, and involve the team in the decision-making process when possible.
Task and Role Flexibility:
Allow team members to take on diverse tasks or projects based on their skills and interests. This not only keeps work engaging but also helps in skill development.
Be open to adjusting roles and responsibilities as the team evolves or as individual strengths become apparent.
Open Communication Channels:
Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable expressing their needs for flexibility. Encourage open discussions about work arrangements, deadlines, and any challenges they may be facing.
Establish clear communication channels for requesting and granting flexibility, ensuring that it aligns with the team’s goals.
Results-Based Performance:
Shift the focus from measuring success solely based on time spent on tasks to evaluating outcomes. This allows team members to manage their time more flexibly while maintaining a focus on productivity and results.
Set clear performance expectations and trust your team to meet them in a way that suits their individual working styles.

Contact Info:
- Website: www.mariakosmidou.com / www.gepaworld.com
- Instagram: @mariakosmidou_fashion /@gsasport
- Linkedin: MARIA KOSMIDOU LLC / Gepaworld Group
Image Credits
I have the rights and permissions for the photo and the logos

