Please tell us about TRIA ETC.
TRIA ETC was born in 2015 out of its three co-owners’ shared love of Greece and passion for all things authentic, unique and natural. Enamored with the local culture and people of Athens but also believing in the importance of connecting with one’s roots, Tatiana Blatnik was eager to find ways to promote traditional Greek products that speak to the mind and soul. Christina Filiagkouridou and Elina Sbokou have always been amazed by the quality of Greek artisanship and were keen on supporting artisans locally but also helping them to access markets abroad.
The natural evolution and organic integration of Tatiana, Christina, and Elina’s different backgrounds led to the creation of TRIA ETC, a company that collaborates with artisans and artistic minds in Greece to create exclusive accessories and home goods that merge tradition and innovation.
Do you consider your company a brand, a supplier, or both?
We consider TRIA ETC a home for preserving and promoting Greek artisanship. We are happy to carry products that are created exclusively for us either in collaboration with existing brands or by individual artisans who do not have their own brand.
What makes TRIA ETC unique?
For one, the rare techniques and skills of our artisans, which are reflected in the quality of the products themselves. Equally important are the fascinating stories behind every single collection and item: stories about the artisans, the traditions, and the places of Greece that people from around the world love to hear about.
Please tell us about the artisans you work with.
We are privileged to be working with a large group of artisans and artistic minds, all of them extremely skillful, passionate, and creative (read their bios and personal stories on our company website). We are especially proud of our artisanal handwoven items, produced with relentless commitment to excellence—some after several tens of hours on the loom. In addition, we are working with artisans that have mastered the art of hand-embroidery and, more specifically, a technique called “monokontilia” or single stroke, which literally means writing without raising the pen. Last, there is our hand-built and hand-drawn pottery dinnerware, the result of our wonderful collaboration with a local family pottery workshop and an innovative artist.
Are you open to developing customized designs?
So far, we have created tailored products for specific clients (i.e. variations of existing products or tailored one-offs). Roughly speaking, the lead-time varies between two weeks and one month.
How has the political turmoil in Greece affected your company?
Not unlike many places in the world, Greece has been going through difficult times and this definitely creates additional challenges in the business environment. However, meeting with talented and passionate artisans around the country is a constant source of inspiration and motivation to overcome these challenges. From a strategic point of view, we’ve focused primarily on exports, although we have been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic local response and increasing demand for our products as well.