Born in Queens, coming from a humble immigrant background, Panayiota's love for fashion was influenced by her mother and grandmother, generational seamstresses, who instilled in her a deep appreciation for garments that stand the test of time.

During her teens, Panayiota's approach to clothing was anything but conventional. Often modifying her wardrobe and producing her own pieces, she developed a unique perspective on clothing as a means of breaking prescribed boundaries and focusing on fashion as a form of identity and self-expression.

Panayiota started her fashion career while pursuing a major in fine arts, creating one-of-a-kind pieces for private clients. She worked with brands like Brooks Brothers, private labels, and influential retailers such as Macy’s. Her successful business career led her to become the only female executive at Freshly during the acquisition, a unicorn company sold to Nestlé.

Panayiota’s driving passion is her love for art in any form. She sees fashion as a powerful medium for self-expression, where clothing is more than just attire; it's one of the most powerful and personal forms of expression. She creates her designs through her signature style, integrating both emotions and the resilience that derives from her Spartan descent.