Sometimes jewellery pieces that are commissioned by women are pieces that signify their hard work and achievements, a sort of reward statement. For others it is an intrinsic way of bringing a certain energy to something they are about to start - a symbol to reflect a new beginning.

In Niki’s case, it was a commencement story. She had just started up her Travelgems company, a personal concierge travel company, and her logo had just been designed. Niki wanted a piece that she could wear close to her heart to celebrate the start of a new adventure. So I created her London Blue Topaz pendant necklace. Here is her story and what inspires her to be the driving force behind one of Greece’s most exciting new experience travel agencies: TRAVELGEMS

1.- What is the story behind TravelGems?  

Every place on earth is characterised by its unique culture, people, gastronomy, vibes and colours. I love to explore new cities, observe how culture influences daily life and how travellers create connections with local foods. Having visited more than 50 countries, I have the urge to discover and learn about everything a new culture has to offer. As a traveller, I too understand the struggle to find the perfect beaches/beach bars, restaurants and activities, especially those that are a perfect fit to your needs.  Locating the hidden gems of a travel destination is what drives me.

 So this is how I started my journey as a digital concierge: by trying to connect locals with travellers who want to explore hidden gems in Greece, Croatia and Cyprus. But during my business journey my personal quest has changed and therefore so has my business. Now we are an experiential travel agency.  This means that Travelgems focuses on creating travel experiences to nurture the body and soul, experiences that not only lift us up but move us forward.

2.- What inspires you? 

Inspiration is everywhere, you just need to look closely.  For me, nature and the sea are great sources of inspiration. I love how the sea constantly changes, with its high and low tides reflecting life. Art, people’s smiles, my two boys are also on the top of my list!

Ancient Greek philosophers such as Plato and Socrates, are part of my morning reading ritual.  I find that in today’s world their philosophies are still fresh and relevant as they asked questions such as “What the meaning of life? How can we pursue happiness?”

A woman who inspires me and I love every single show or interview with her is: Oprah, she is an amazing mentor and teacher.

3.- You are very passionate about Greece, which are your favourite destinations and why?

My favourite is Crete as it has a wild authenticity despite its size. You can find luxury hotels, walk barefoot on remote beaches and the food in Crete is by far the best in Greece!

4.- Nurturing the soul and body is one of Travelgems core values, can you explain why this is so important to you?

Travellgems is very much focused on hosting retreats, everything from yoga, mindfulness and even reading retreats.

The three pillars of Travelgems retreats are: education, evolution and integration.

In every retreat we host, we try to put together like minded people who have common interests, many of them either come or leave as friends. The educational part is a given, as we always make sure we host with industry experts, such as the authors Madeline Miller and Nigel Marven or well-known yogis including Alexandra Santos.

When it comes to evolution, we try to focus on helping our clients move forward in their lives, we love hearing stories on how they have incorporated what they have learnt on the retreat into their everyday lives.  Let me give you one example: one lovely participant from London, Michelle, assisted our reading retreat with author Madeline Miller in Costa Navarino last September. She later told me that she had been so inspired by this retreat that she has now decided to follow her passion and study classics.  I was so happy when I heard this. Everybody evolves in a different way and this is magical.

4.- How did you find the transition from moving from a corporate environment to an entrepreneur? 

Well actually I didn’t stop a career that I didn’t like, I loved my job but Travelgems goes along with my personal purpose which is “ to help people have AUTHENTIC smiles”, and authentic means real self-awareness . This means a lot to me and unfortunately no fast moving consumer products can achieve this.

5.- What have you learned along this journey? 

I have learnt that I must not let myself burn out. I now know that must get more sleep, this way I can be more focused to make better decisions. Learning from my colleagues is very empowering, I have learnt that by giving the right feedback, without judgement, everyone can offer the best of themselves. I have learned that people change if they really want to, so education - evolution - integration can be true.

6.- Do you have any special “jewellery memories”?

I don’t wear a lot of jewellery unless it has an emotional value to me so what little I wear means a lot to me, for example this necklace that my dear friend Militza designed for me, with the Travelgems logo. I wear it everywhere, always close to my heart, I love it.

Militza Ortiz

Jewellery designer and maker, based in the Wimbledon, London, UK. 

Envisioning and hand crafting future heirlooms for 20 years.