Crafting Happiness: My Journey from City Life to Handmade Dreams

Crafting Happiness Introduction

Hi there, I’m Paulina! Welcome to SweetSmelling.Gr, where I share my love for crafting, handmade creations, and the simple joys of island life.

My Journey to Crafting Happiness:

Originally from Athens, I always felt more drawn to the quiet charm of country life. The hustle and bustle of city living wasn’t for me.

In 2001, I faced a big decision: should I leave my job in Athens and follow my dream of living closer to nature? It wasn’t an easy choice—quitting my job meant financial uncertainty—but I knew that money alone couldn’t bring me happiness. So, I said a big YES and joined my family’s restaurant, Sweet Smelling Kitchen, in Lefkes-Paros.

Discovering Crochet During COVID:

Fast forward to the COVID-19 period, I finally had time to explore something I had always wanted to learn: crochet. After countless hours of YouTube tutorials, I fell in love with this beautiful craft.

This year, in 2024, I decided to take a bold step and share my creations with the world. I launched my crochet brand and e-shop, SweetSmelling.Gr, right next to our family restaurant. It’s a space filled with color, creativity, and the handmade touch I adore.

Life in Paradise:

Every morning, I wake up in what feels like paradise. Paros is full of delightful surprises: the vibrant nature, the soothing colors, the aromas of fresh food, and the peaceful moments with my pets.

After 23 years, I still cherish that life-changing YES. Our restaurant has grown, my crochet shop has become a reality, and I spend most of the year soaking up the serenity of island life. My heart races with joy every time I return to Paros—it’s where I belong.

Happiness Is Handmade:

I adore my dog and cat, I’m a fan of real food and truly handmade creations, and I embrace the “go slow” mindset of island living.

To me, happiness is about cherishing the small moments, following your dreams, and creating something meaningful. That’s why my motto is simple: Happiness is handmade. 😊

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Starting SweetSmelling.Gr has been a dream come true, but the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Curious about how I navigated my first big hurdle as a handmade business owner? Read all about it in my post, My Journey as a Handmade Business Owner.