Entrepreneur Nafsika Antypas is a writer, author, executive producer, actress, and mother of two. “The joy of witnessing my children grow, learn, and thrive is immeasurable. Being a mother can bring a sense of fulfillment, purpose, and unconditional love. However, it can also be physically and emotionally demanding, requiring constant multitasking, sacrifice, and selflessness. “Balancing your professional aspirations with the needs of your children can present challenges, including time management, guilt, and the need for reliable childcare and support networks,” explains Nafsika.
The presence of women in leadership positions and entrepreneurship has brought diverse perspectives, innovative ideas, and valuable contributions to the business world and the world in general. Seeing women excel in various industries and demonstrate their capabilities as strong, driven, and successful professionals inspires whole generations to be better and do better for the world.
For many, balancing work and family responsibilities can be particularly demanding. Managing a career while nurturing a family can be overwhelming and often requires exceptional organizational skills, support systems, and flexibility.
ENTREPRENEURIAL BUILDING BLOCKS
Nafsika obtained her Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University, majoring in English Literature. She has also studied and earned numerous certificates in TV productions, journalism, languages (Italian and Spanish), and marketing.
Nafsika was raised in a Greek household in Montreal, Canada, and handled many operations of her father’s food business, Pilaros Inc., where she learned from her father’s entrepreneurial mindset, which has proven very beneficial launching her company and brand, Nafsika’s Garden.
“As an entrepreneur who grew up in a family of business-minded individuals, I share my values with those who understand the potential of the plant-based market. The shift towards plant-based living is not just a trend but a growing movement driven by ethical, environmental, and health-conscious consumers. By aligning my business with these values, I aim to cater to the needs and desires of this expanding market while making a difference in people’s lives.”
GROWING A GARDEN
Launched in 2019, Nafsika’s Garden is a pioneering plant-based food brand that has emerged as a leader in the industry, providing a diverse range of delectable and nourishing plant-based products. Committed to promoting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle, Nafsika’s Garden aims to redefine how society thinks about food, making plant-based eating accessible and enjoyable for everyone sitting at the table.
CULTIVATING HEALTH
“It is important, not only to me but to the world, that people recognize the value in living plant-based because it promotes compassion and sustainability. Adopting a plant-based lifestyle can reduce animal suffering, preserve natural resources, and improve our overall health. It is a powerful way to positively impact our planet and create a more harmonious relationship with other living beings.”
Driven by a vision to offer innovative plant-based alternatives, Nafsika’s Garden blends culinary expertise with a genuine commitment to sustainability. Drawing inspiration from the renowned Mediterranean Diet, with its exceptional health benefits and robust flavours, offerings are plant-based products that encapsulate the essence of this vibrant cuisine.
“Nafsika’s Garden has rapidly gained popularity and earned its place on the shelves of mainstream markets nationwide. Our vegan cheese offerings have delighted countless individuals who, like me, longed for a dairy-free alternative that could truly replicate and enhance the cheese experience.
“Our vegan cheeses are free from dairy, gluten, soy, and nuts, ensuring that families with various dietary needs can enjoy them. You can find our products at fine grocery stores, ready to elevate your culinary adventures.”
Nafsika’s Garden rapidly expanded its reach to the United States, followed by several European countries and the United Arab Emirates. The brand’s expansion highlights the global demand for high-quality plant-based offerings and Nafsika’s dedication to catering to diverse consumers worldwide.
“The future for Nafsika’s Garden is bright as consumers realize the numerous benefits of plant-based alternatives. With increasing awareness about the environmental impact of animal agriculture and the ethical concerns associated with animal exploitation, more individuals are seeking dairy-free options that align with their values.”
“Nafsika’s Garden, as a provider of high-quality and delicious plant-based alternatives, is well-positioned to meet this demand. As the market continues to grow, we are confident that our commitment to innovation and sustainability will drive our success and contribute to the positive transformation of the food industry.”
ON SCREENS EVERYWHERE
Nafsika’s passion for plant-based food led her to conceptualize, create and produce the world’s first vegan lifestyle television series, ‘Plant-Based by Nafsika.’ It is a conscious lifestyle series that spotlights experts covering different faces of cruelty-free lifestyles – food, nutrition, wellness, beauty, fashion, relationships, and science.
It features renowned guests (Katie Cleary, John Lewis, Jane Velez-Mitchell) and nutritional gurus sharing, incorporating and exploring the exciting aspects of a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. With the first episode airing in July 2016, it was the first vegan lifestyle series ever to hit mainstream us television (A&E). More than 70 million families actively watched the TV show.
“I noticed there were no vegan lifestyle shows out there and decided that I would be the first to do it. I wanted to change the world through food and figured I could get more people to switch from a meat-eating diet to a plant-based/vegan lifestyle through television.”
VALUE OF SUPPORT SYSTEMS
“It’s important to find a support system that understands and respects your choices, whether it’s family, friends, or professional networks. Building a strong support network and practicing self-care is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and thriving in both personal and professional realms.
“Overall, being a woman in business and a mother can present challenges. Still, it also brings immense joy, personal growth, and the opportunity to positively impact your family and the business world. Embracing your unique experiences, strengths, and perspectives can empower you to navigate these challenges and create a fulfilling and successful life.”
With such passion for life and wellness, there is no doubt that Nafsika Anytpas will continue to create and launch new ventures that celebrate and guide people to a new way of living.
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Marketing & Communications Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine, and digital women's lifestyle magazine EcoLuxLifestyle.co. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Post-pandemic, she has worked with many small to mid-sized plant-based/vegan brands to build their digital foundations and strategize content creation and business development. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at helen@ecoluxluv.com.
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