TOGETHER independent: Sister

9 QUESTIONS TO Antonia Anastasiadi FROM SISTER

According to legends Aphrodite – the Goddess of love and beauty – was born in Cyprus, just like Antonia Anastasiadi, jewellry designer with a passion for mythology. With her brand SISTER Antonia brings Cypriot and Mediterranean culture to Berlin and spreads sisterhood all over Europe. Learn more about her mission in our ALMOST interview.

Who are you and what is Sister about?

My name is Antonia, I’m a brand designer, originally from Cyprus, living in Berlin. I created Sister in 2018 to fulfill my dream of bringing beautiful, local and handcrafted items from Cyprus to a wider audience. Sister is all about Cypriot and Mediterranean culture. Sister jewellery features traditional and mythological symbols, such as Aphrodite the Goddess of love and beauty, who according to legends was also born in Cyprus (hence our Sister!). Our ceramics are a perfect reflection of the Cypriot “meze” style of eating, often impressed with traditional local lace.

What is the mission behind sister?

My mission first and foremost is to share the beautiful work of the artisans I work with and to support them in the craft. I want to share the traditions and stories behind each piece and through that I hope to reach customers who appreciate the story and craftsmanship behind each piece. It makes wearing or owning an item extra special. I am so proud when I see Sister items on social media, being worn all over the world, from Europe to the US and Canada and even Asia. It means that the stories really do resonate.

How did you come up with the idea to start your own business with sister?

For years I had wanted to create something that had to do with my roots, but it all truly began taking form when I met George and Panagiotis, the two brothers and silversmith who create Sister jewellery. I was going for a walk in the picturesque village of Lefkara which is known for its heritage in lace and silversmithing, when I came across their workshop. I asked about their work and they invited me in and showed me the process of their silversmith work. The genuine warmth of the two brothers instantly gave me a great feeling.

What role does your community play for sister and for your day to day work?

I have a few different communities that all mean a lot to me. One is the community of suppliers and craftspeople I work with. We often speak on the phone and whenever I am in Cyprus or Greece, I visit them to see how they are and to speak about future products, always over a Cypriot coffee.

Then, there are my customers, who I interact with daily mostly via social media and sometimes get to meet them when they visit me in the studio. And lastly there is the small community of people around my studio; neighbours, shop or cafe owners who all make everyday life a little brighter. It’s important for me to know the people around me - just like it is in a small town back home.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

I walk just two minutes from my home to reach my Studio at Kienitzer Strasse 103. It all starts with a coffee from the m|a , my favourite cafe down the road, and some good music. My day varies depending what I’m working on, switching between working on freelance design projects, packing and shipping orders, launching new products and creating content for Sister.

What are you especially proud of?

I am most proud when I see random people in the street wearing Sister jewellery.

What does independence mean to you?

Independence means being able to choose what I do and most importantly when I do it. Although working alone can sometimes be lacking of a second opinion when you need it, it’s great to be able to make your own business decisions at the end of the day. I love being in control of my own schedule and having the freedom to be flexible.

What other inspiring independent label can you recommend?

I’m sure you will also love fellow Cypriot brand: Gaia Olea. Elsie handmakes soaps, balms, healing salves, therapeutic oils, lotions and other body care products exclusively with natural ingredients. She is just like Mother Nature herself!

Thank you, Antonia!