Meet Georgia Tzanaki, a passionate Greek entrepreneur dedicated to revolutionizing skincare with the power of nature. As the founder of ''Elichrysos Natural Cosmetics and Aromatherapy'' she has created a line of products with a deep commitment to sustainability and wellness.
1. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind starting your aromatherapy skincare brand?
The journey of Elichrysos began in 2010 with a simple yet transformative moment. My daughter gifted me a bouquet of everlasting flowers, or Elichrysos. At the time, neither she nor I could have imagined how profoundly this gesture would influence my life. Two years later, I discovered that the bouquet had retained its vibrant aroma, as if untouched by time. This phenomenon sparked my curiosity and led me to explore the incredible properties of this remarkable plant.
The Elichrysos flower, celebrated since ancient Greece for its ability to heal wounds and symbolize eternal youth, became my inspiration. It represented a deep connection to nature and a calling to bring its transformative essence into people’s lives. My background in chemistry and 18 years in the pharmaceutical industry provided a strong foundation for this journey. The scientific rigor and attention to detail I honed in that field became invaluable as I began creating formulations that merge nature’s power with scientific efficacy, ensuring every product is both safe and highly effective.
Although my research and development journey began over a decade ago, Elichrysos as a business took physical form just one year ago, with the opening of our store and laboratory in Neos Kosmos, Athens.
This was a defining moment, marking the transition from years of passion-driven exploration to a tangible space where customers could experience the brand firsthand.
While the business is new, its foundation is built on deep knowledge, extensive research, and an unwavering commitment to holistic skincare and well-being.
2. What role does aromatherapy play in your skincare products? How do you believe scent influences skin health and overall well-being?
Aromatherapy is the heart and soul of Elichrysos. Essential oils do more than nourish the skin; they provide therapeutic benefits that support healing, rejuvenation, and emotional balance.
Elichrysos essential oil, often referred to as the "golden healer," is known for its anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and protective properties, helping to restore skin vitality and combat premature aging.
However, the benefits of aromatherapy extend far beyond the skin. Scent has a profound connection to the brain’s limbic system, which governs emotions and memory.
The essential oils in our products work holistically, calming the mind, reducing stress, and fostering emotional well-being.
Many of our customers tell us how the Golden Serum and Golden Cream have become a cherished ritual, a way to unwind at the end of the day and reconnect with themselves.
This is exactly what I envisioned when creating Elichrysos—skincare as a holistic self-care experience rather than just a routine.
3. In today’s beauty market, there’s a lot of competition. What sets your brand apart from others that are also focusing on natural or holistic skincare?
Elichrysos is more than skincare—it is a philosophy of well-being. What truly sets us apart is our authenticity and deep respect for nature. Every product is handcrafted in small batches using biodynamically cultivated Elichrysos essential oil, cold-pressed plant oils, and herbal extracts.
Our formulations are created with the highest-quality natural ingredients, ensuring both purity and effectiveness.
Beyond the ingredients, we offer a holistic experience. At Elichrysos, skincare is not just about the physical benefits—it’s about fostering a deeper connection with oneself.
We guide our customers through personalized skincare consultations, workshops, and holistic beauty rituals, helping them understand what their skin truly needs.
By combining traditional Greek herbal wisdom with modern scientific research, we showcase the richness of Greece’s natural resources while offering products that are both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.
4. Can you walk us through your creative process when developing a new product?
Everything starts with listening—to nature, to science, and most importantly, to our customers.
Every formula is a balance between ancient botanical wisdom and modern scientific research. I begin by identifying the skin’s specific needs and looking for synergies between plant extracts, essential oils, and active ingredients that can enhance the skin’s natural functions.
Once the concept is clear, I meticulously source certified organic and ethically harvested raw materials, prioritizing sustainability and quality.
Each product undergoes extensive testing and refinement, ensuring that texture, absorption, and scent all contribute to a sensory experience that enhances both beauty and emotional well-being.
My goal is to create products that go beyond skincare—they create a ritual, a moment of balance and self-care.
5. What challenges have you faced in growing your brand, and how have you overcome them?
Building a brand like Elichrysos has required resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment. One of the biggest challenges has been educating consumers about the true benefits of aromatherapy skincare. In a market saturated with synthetic formulations, many people are unaware of the powerful, science-backed benefits of botanical skincare. To address this, I focus on education through storytelling, workshops, and one-on-one consultations.
Another challenge has been scaling production while preserving artisanal quality. Unlike mass-produced brands, we prioritize small-batch, handcrafted production, ensuring each product retains its integrity, potency, and authenticity.
Through direct relationships with customers, transparency, and a strong emphasis on sustainability, I have been able to navigate these obstacles while ensuring that Elichrysos remains true to its mission.
6. What is your vision for the future of your brand?
My vision is for Elichrysos to be recognized globally as a symbol of authentic, nature-inspired beauty and holistic well-being. While our research and formulations have been developed over more than a decade, our business is still young, and this is only the beginning.
Currently, we are developing a new range of regenerative skincare products, focusing on skin healing, scars, and stretch marks, harnessing the full potential of Elichrysos essential oil.
Additionally, I envision Elichrysos becoming a space for education, where people can explore the transformative power of aromatherapy and botanical skincare.
Ultimately, my dream is to inspire people to embrace a more conscious, mindful approach to self-care—one that nurtures both the skin and the soul.
7. For those who are just starting to explore aromatherapy or natural skincare, what advice would you give them?
Start with curiosity and an open heart. Aromatherapy and natural skincare invite you to reconnect with yourself and the wisdom of nature.
Begin with simple, high-quality products that resonate with you, and pay attention to how they make you feel—both physically and emotionally. Educate yourself about ingredients and choose brands that prioritize quality, transparency, and sustainability.
Skincare is not just about external beauty—it’s about nurturing yourself in a way that enhances both your inner and outer well-being.
8. What do you hope customers feel or experience when using "Elichrysos" products?
When someone uses an Elichrysos product, I want them to feel a deep connection—to themselves, to nature, and to the ritual of self-care. Each formulation is created not just to nourish the skin but to create a moment of joy, relaxation, and renewal.
Many of our customers tell us that using Elichrysos products has become a small but meaningful daily ritual—a moment to slow down, take a breath, and embrace a more mindful and intentional approach to self-care.
That, for me, is the greatest reward—knowing that through Elichrysos, people are finding balance, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for their own beauty and well-being.
Photo Credits : Jorgos Makris
