Deanna Rodokanakis: How to embrace your inner goddess and embark on a fashion adventure that celebrates the untamed beauty within
Join Deanna, the fearless founder of Artemis Industry, on a journey where wanderlust, fashion, and comfort converge. From orchestrating global events to curating luxury resort-wear, Deanna's shift in priorities is a testament to her courage in creating a brand that seamlessly blends elegance and wanderlust into everyday wardrobes.
This is Deanna’s story in her words.
In a world that often demands our attention in multiple directions, finding a creative outlet that aligns with our passions and lifestyle can be a transformative journey. My name is Deanna, and I'm the founder and creative force behind Artemis Industry. Let me take you on a journey into the heart of Artemis, where wanderlust, fashion, and comfort converge to create a brand that celebrates the untamed beauty and power within us all.
My professional journey has been an eclectic one, starting with a background in design and evolving into a career managing large events and traveling the globe hosting corporate incentive trips. It was during these travels that I found inspiration and fulfilment, infusing my creative flair into every event I orchestrated. However, as life evolved and motherhood became a priority, the need to be present for my two active boys led to a shift in priorities. The desire to combine comfort, elegance, and a touch of wanderlust into my daily wardrobe sparked the birth of Artemis Industry - We are all about luxury resort-wear: The idea for our summer collection is to have your garment go from beach cover up to sundowners and dinner just by adding a few accessories.
The face behind Artemis Industry - Deanna Rodokanakis
The name Artemis holds a special place in my heart; it belonged to my late grandmother, an extraordinary woman fluent in eight languages and a skilled seamstress capable of bringing high-class fashion to life with just a glance at a picture. Her spirit became the guiding force behind Artemis Industry. The brand celebrates the essence of femininity, empowering individuals to embrace their uniqueness and channel their inner goddess and having some fun while doing it.
Artemis, the Ancient Greek goddess of the hunt and the moon, embodies strength, femininity, independence, and grace. As a symbol of nature and the protector of women, Artemis aligns with the brand's ethos, representing the untamed beauty and power residing within each of us.
The creative process at Artemis Industry is a journey from imagination to realization. Armed with my trusty little black book, ideas are sketched, and concepts come to life. Some ideas will always remain in the book, while others evolve into beautiful pieces that travel the globe. With an exceptional team, the designs undergo meticulous refinement, ensuring every detail is perfected.
The final sample garment is a culmination of passion, dedication, and attention to detail before the leap into production.
Mock-ups in simple fabrics follow, with the patterns finalized after much back and forth until the fit, fall, and flow are just right. The search for the perfect fabric and trimming is a thrilling yet painstaking process, with samples arriving from both local and international sources. The final sample garment is a culmination of passion, dedication, and attention to detail before the leap into production. Motivation and drive ebs and flows during the process but the thrill of seeing it come to life - is second to none.
Balancing life, work, and a side hustle is no small feat and I'm not sure I'm quite there yet :) but here are some tips I've learned along the way that I hope will help you with your creative journey:
Strike a chord of balance between work and family: Set clear boundaries to protect family moments, allowing you to fully engage at home. Embrace focused work hours. It's not about juggling; it's about orchestrating a symphony where work and family harmoniously coexist.
Create daily to-do lists: My trusty sidekick in the quest for productivity. They're like the Batman to my Gotham City of chaos. And then embrace the chaos and conquer them one by one.
Delegate like a Boss: Identify tasks that others can rock, hand them the mic, and let them shine. I have tried to surround myself with the best in the industry.
Embrace Authenticity: Remember, we’re all a work in progress. I try cut myself some slack and embrace the beautiful messiness of the journey. Perfection is overrated; authenticity is where the real magic happens.
Find Inspiration in all your wins: Celebrate even the smallest victories. Motivation peaks and falls so I try to congratulate myself (sometimes with a glass of bubbly :)) on each achievement, no matter how small. It keeps the momentum going.
Milk your motivation: When you feel that surge of motivation, hustle! I channel that energy into tasks that typically require more concentration. Making the most of my motivated moments. It sets the tone for productivity and can create a positive ripple effect.
Tiny Drops Make Oceanic Progress: I tend to picture my efforts as tiny drops in the ocean of progress. Consistency is about the accumulation of drops that, over time, transforms into a roaring ocean of success. Ride the waves of your regular efforts!
Adaptability is Key: Be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. (Artemis Industry Frost Collection: Where Elegance Meets Winter Warmth - in the pipeline)
Stay Organized... Or At Least Try: Full disclosure: I definitely haven't mastered this one yet. Help a friend out, and share your secrets :)
Artemis Industry is making its mark through Instagram and on their online store. Follow their creative journey on Instagram and explore their latest collections on their online store www.artemisindustry.co.za