In a recent interview with epixeiro.gr, Niki Koutsiana, co-founder of Symbeeosis and former president of APIVITA, talked about her journey in natural cosmetics and her new focus on organic food and supplements. She and her husband started Symbeeosis to promote healthy living through Greek products like mountain tea and honey.
She explained that nature has always been her inspiration, especially the way bees work together and Hippocrates’ idea that food can be medicine. Sustainability is very important to her, and she was proud that APIVITA promoted eco-friendly practices long before it became popular.
When asked about business advice, she encouraged women to trust their instincts, aim high but stay realistic, and always work with honesty and ethics. She believes businesses should have a positive impact on people and the planet.
Here are some more insights from the Interview with Niki Koutsiana:
Her Journey & Inspiration
Niki Koutsiana started her career as a pharmacist and, along with her husband, co-founded APIVITA, one of Greece’s first natural cosmetics brands. She was passionate about using natural ingredients and was inspired by Greek nature, Hippocrates’ philosophy, and the way bees work in harmony. She strongly believes in the connection between nature, health, and well-being.
After successfully growing APIVITA into an international brand, she wanted to focus on something even closer to health and nutrition. That’s why she launched Symbeeosis, a company dedicated to organic foods, functional teas, and natural supplements that support a healthy lifestyle. The brand’s name is inspired by “symbiosis,” highlighting the harmony between nature and humans.
The Importance of Greek Nature & Sustainability
She emphasized how Greek herbs, such as mountain tea, sage, and oregano, have incredible health benefits and should be more recognized globally. Symbeeosis works directly with organic farmers and uses innovative techniques, like probiotic fermentation, to increase the effectiveness of their products.
Sustainability is a key part of her philosophy. She believes businesses must respect nature, and that’s why Symbeeosis uses eco-friendly packaging, supports regenerative agriculture, and avoids chemical additives. She was proud that APIVITA introduced sustainable practices long before they became mainstream, and she continues this mission with Symbeeosis.
Advice for Entrepreneurs & Women in Business
Niki encouraged young entrepreneurs, especially women, to trust their instincts and believe in their ideas. She mentioned that when she started, natural cosmetics were not popular, and many people doubted her vision. But by staying true to her values and focusing on quality, she succeeded.
She also highlighted that women often face more challenges in business, but they should see their unique strengths—intuition, resilience, and creativity—as advantages.
Niki Koutsiana remains passionate about making a positive impact through natural products, sustainability, and ethical business practices. Through Symbeeosis, she hopes to inspire more people to embrace a healthier and more natural way of living.
Symbeeosis is a partner in TITAN, involved in a pilot that will use artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies to enhance transparency and assess the safety risks in organic honey and herb products. An AI-powered online dashboard will help food buyers take fast and cost-efficient decisions by running intelligent risk assessments of suppliers from a distance and will allow suppliers to share data of relevance with their buyers in a secure, easily customizable, and automated manner.
For the full interview, you can check this link.
Image source: www.epixeiro.gr
English