Value Added Partner Stories
16th April 2024
Author EditorPosted on Categories Business
Kyriakos Baxevanis – Nostos Hove and Little Jasmin Therapies and Spa.
Tell us your story…
I arrived in Brighton in 2004 at the age of 27 after failing in most things back in my home country Greece. My first job was behind the Sainsbury’s chicken counter and I spent the first three months in Brighton sleeping on my friend’s sofa!
I persevered and managed to get an entry level managerial job, which allowed me to get an educational loan. That helped me get on onto an MBA course at Brighton University. Upon graduation, I was offered a management role at American Express.
In 2008 I lost my job due to the financial crisis and I decided to start a beauty business with my wife at the back of our living room. Since then, we’ve grown our business into a multi award-winning, three outlet day spa, employing more than 30 staff across Brighton and Hove. I went on to start other businesses, such as award-winning Greek restaurant Nostos, a vegan nail salon, Simply Urban, and other smaller ventures.
What has been your biggest business challenge to date?
Managing our businesses during covid was by far the most challenging period of my journey as an entrepreneur, but also the most rewarding! I’ve become a better person and leader! We only evolve when we push ourselves, when we challenge our perceived limitations.
What has been your greatest or proudest business achievement to date?
Growing our first business from the back of our living room into Brighton’s market leader with very limited capital and no loans. Years of hard work with nothing but a vision and a purpose to drive us forward!
What type of clients do you currently work with and who are you looking to meet?
We work with people who are looking to improve their physical and emotional well-being – either through physical treatments or food. I am always open to meeting anyone that has something positive to share. There is great value in being part of a community and I want to enable myself and others in making a positive contribution to ours.
Tell us a story/fact about yourself that people might not know.
I followed my dad to Canada at the age of 12 after my parents broke up. I knew very little English but, by the end of my first year, I managed to finish at the top of my school’s academic achievers.
How do you define success?
Defining success should be personal and should derive from deep reflection. For me it’s all about the people I am travelling with in this journey called life. Improve their lives thus succeed in mine!
Nostos Hove
Little Jasmine Therapies and Day Spa