In a world increasingly dominated by mass production and fast fashion, handmade products offer an alternative path to creativity, authenticity, and sustainability. In Cyprus, this ethos finds a vibrant platform in Handmade in Cyprus, an initiative led by Luzdary Hammad-Stavrou. We spoke with Luzdary, the Founder and CEO, to learn how her passion for handmade goods has sparked a movement that supports local artisans and promotes sustainability.

During our interview, Luzdary shared how the pandemic inspired her to turn a simple Instagram account into a thriving community-centered brand. With a mission to make "supporting local" more than a fleeting trend, she has championed handmade artistry as a sustainable alternative to mass production, while also educating consumers about the value of craftsmanship and organizing increasingly popular pop-up markets— the next of which will take place on December 14th and 15th at the European University Cyprus Cafeteria.

I believe it stems from having a unique name and being raised be proud of it, even when it was often seen as “strange” in every country I’ve lived in. I’ve always enjoyed being considered unique and wanted my belongings to reflect that. This naturally led to an early appreciation for handmade, especially custom-made, products.

As I grew older, I became increasingly aware of the negative effects of mass production, not just on the planet, but also on our physical and mental well-being. That’s when I realized that handmade artistry offers a much-needed antidote to these challenges.

The pandemic taught us some invaluable lessons, especially in Cyprus as a small island. Many people relied heavily on ordering from abroad, often overlooking or dismissing local options. When international shipping was halted or severely delayed, panic ensued, and suddenly, everyone was searching for local options.

We shouldn’t wait for disasters to remind us of the importance of supporting our local economy. Instead, we should appreciate and nurture the incredible talent and resources our island has to offer.

The biggest challenge artisans face in Cyprus is sadly lack of appreciation. There’s a misconception in Cyprus that handmade items should be cheap because “anyone could make them.” People willingly pay full price for big-name brands but often expect discounts from local artists - almost as if they are doing the artist a favour by buying from them.

In other countries like Germany or the UK, it’s the opposite. Handmade goods are priced 3 to 8x higher. While wages in these countries are higher, so is the respect for handmade products. They understand that buying handmade means buying someone’s time, skills, creativity, and passion.

Handmade in Cyprus aims to educate the public on the true value of handmade goods while supporting artists in turning their talents into thriving small businesses.

I maintain close communication with our artists (sellers) - gathering their feedback, sharing tips, and collaborating on content. Everything you see on our platform is the result of a collective effort.

In addition, every purchase directly benefits the artist, our platform simply facilitates the transaction. Shoppers are also an essential part of our community, not only with their purchases, but also through their reviews or social media shares. Each action helps sustain and grow our community.

As for sustainability, it’s a key criterion when selecting artists for the platform. I look for those who prioritize reducing waste, reusing materials, and repurposing items. Since Handmadein.cy is a curated marketplace, artists must apply to join, and I personally vet each one to ensure they meet the standards I’ve developed over three years in the industry. This is how I make sure we are providing shoppers with the best options our island has to offer, while staying true to our values.

Thankfully, yes! Younger generations, in particular, seem to value experiences over material possessions. They often tease older generations for their hoarding tendencies and are becoming more mindful of unnecessary spending and their environmental impact. It’s not surprising, given they have been told that they’ve inherited a dying planet.

Since 2021, I’ve organized seven pop-up markets, with the eighth coming up on December 14th and 15th at the European University Cyprus Cafeteria. Each market has grown significantly. For example, my first pop-up hosted 30 artists, while this upcoming event will host over 100. The number of attendees keeps increasing too, which is why I keep having to move to larger venues.

Since our markets are only twice a year, Handmadein.cy provides a year-round, convenient way to support local artisans anytime.

Being open, transparent, and, most importantly, willing to listen has been key. When I launched the Handmade in Cyprus Instagram account in 2021, I didn’t have any plan or strategy. It was actually my followers who suggested organizing a pop-up market, so I did. By getting to know the industry and talking to both artists and shoppers at these events, I discovered that an online marketplace could address many of the challenges they shared with me. This approach-listening and responding to real needs-has been the foundation of building a truly community-focused brand.

When you shop on Handmadein.cy, your support for one small business creates a ripple effect, directly benefiting every artist whose work you purchase.

What: Handmade in Cyprus

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Who: Luzdary Hammad-Stavrou is half Colombian, half Palestinian, raised in Cyprus and educated in the United States. Her academic background is in International Relations, and she teaches Global Perspectives A Level at a private high school. She is a mother of three young children. Handmade in Cyprus began as her passion project and has grown into her start-up business, which she has ambitious plans to expand.