We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vicky Hioureas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Vicky, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I grew up in a very traditional Greek-American family in California and always had a love for Greek folk costumes, embroidery, and dancing. I even learned how to sew and weave on a loom. I realized there was a disconnect between my passion for sewing and folk dress, and the clothes that I was actually wearing on a daily basis. When I traveled to Greece, I became very aware of this chasm between native Greek, quality clothing and globally mass-produced pieces. I wondered why we became removed from history, tradition, and unique identity, and decided to start my own company that showcases traditional motifs and quality craftsmanship.

Vicky, 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?

I started my clothing company, Palaiologue, as a side-project while I was completing my PhD in History at Princeton. I am always drawn to stories about people and cultures, and Palaiologue became a way for me to present aspects of some of those stories. Palaiologue is a modern take on traditional clothing and allows women the chance to wear Greek history and culture. In an age of anonymous, mass-produced clothing and goods that are ephemeral, Palaiologue represents a return to unique, quality clothing with a long history and life.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Because Palaiologue started as a side-business, funding has always been an issue. I did not have private investors or help from anyone, so I scrapped together money to produce a very small collection.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I don’t like an intrusive marketing strategy with constant e-mails. I gravitate toward companies that produce quality products that speak for themselves. I follow a similar tactic and prefer to make clothes that I’m proud of, and clients who see them will be drawn to them for that exact reason, and not because I have invested into an aggressive marketing campaign.

Contact Info:

• Website: Palaiologue.com
• Instagram: Palaiologue
• Facebook: Palaiologue

Image Credits
Vicky Hioureas