Interviewee: Valerie Koen (she/her)
In your words… Tell us about your organization, business, initiative.
I am a lover of all things Mati! The Evil Eye, known as “mati” in the Greek culture, is a curse thought to be given by a malicious glare that can cause bad luck or loss.
To avoid this look people began wearing charms and jewelry with the Evil Eye symbol incorporated into them. All my products are made with the Evil Eye Design on them.
Tell us a bit about you and why you do what you do? Share your passions for your business, initiative, organization.
Growing up in a Greek family we were instilled with the belief that wearing an Evil Eye would protect us from bad luck. Back then I was embarrassed to have my Evil Eye be noticed by my friends and hid it in my clothing. However as an adult I realized I had to pass this belief onto my children as my parents did for me .
My business evolved when one of my sons asked me to make him an Evil Eye Bracelet . This was extra special as although my parents are not here to see my business, if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have the passion of making Evil Eye products today.
What role do you think your business plays in supporting a more creative community? OR your community in general. (Bonus! Why do you think a more creative community is important?)
My passion is using my creativity in transforming everyday items to have the Evil Evil design on them.
What was the last book you read or film you watched that made an impact on you?
Nantucket Threads – Pamela Kelley
Not only do I run Greekmadness I have a FT demanding Sales Manager position so I like to relax reading romance books!
What’s the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you our your business?
I have a fear of bridges….
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Hey there! My name is Val, a born and raised Greek! I grew up with many Greek traditions that have been passed on, from family, to food, music, and of course, the MATI! 5 years ago I decided to take a leap and spread my love of the MATI to others! It started out with making evil eye bracelets for
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