The Heart and Soul of IGIA
Turning 50 Gives The Word "Health" A Whole New Meaning
I am so excited to unveil this new journey with everyone. Along with my partner Sophia Kafantaris, I have launched a passion project that blends my two worlds—healthcare and culture—into a curated space of clinical wellness, skincare, and treatments backed by skilled clinicians and experience.
Turning 50 this week gives the word "health" a whole new meaning, as it is an age that I have often told patients, "You can do almost anything to your body until age 50, and then the ramifications of those actions begin to reveal themselves." IGIA (υγεια), health in Greek, is the perfect word to embody this business. As I absorb the heartfelt messages of my family and friends via phone, text, social media, and turn the page to my 50th birthday, I want to share my "why" a little more and tell this story...
My favorite movie is It’s a Wonderful Life. Growing up, my cousin and I watched it all the time, and I still watch it every year with my husband and kids. I’ve always resonated with George Bailey—someone who didn’t think he was successful enough, even though he was always helping others. Many of you know that I’m passionate about healthcare. Growing up as a child of Greek immigrants, formal education was always encouraged. But I never imagined I’d be starting my career in cardiothoracic surgery ICU, and never expected to become a primary care provider, an organizational leader, or—most importantly—a wife and mom to four amazing kids. My husband is an entrepreneur who taught me that success comes from doing the right things over and over again.
As I continue working in corporate healthcare, I’ve known for some time that I wanted something of my own—something that would benefit my community in a way my day-to-day practice couldn’t. You don’t know unless you try—it’s what we tell our kids! I’ve had the support of many, and the criticism of a few. But as a clinician, I see the gaps in healthcare, and I wanted to create something that could fill that gap—wellness, concierge services, and practical aesthetics.
Seven years ago, while driving home, I experienced a sudden medical episode—vision loss, a pounding heart, and numbness in my hands. After a battery of tests, I was diagnosed with fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), a rare condition that causes twisting of blood vessels, leading to complications like aneurysms and strokes. There is no cure, but I’ve had to make radical lifestyle changes—relaxing my exercise routine, monitoring my blood pressure, and taking a blood thinner daily. The diagnosis sent me into a period of depression, constantly fearing an aneurysm. But it also inspired the creation of IGIA, as I realized the importance of health and wellness in a new way.
I knew I couldn’t do this alone, so I sought out partners. I approached my neighbor and friend, Ashley, who had just started her own boutique. We realized, over a glass of wine, that women—especially—can be tough on ourselves. We need to be better for each other, our kids, our partners, and ultimately for Him, because we are created "perfect in His image and likeness."
I wanted to bring a Greek-inspired wellness practice to life, to offer services that accentuate your natural beauty and health. And I dreamed of building a retirement home in Greece, where we could continue to take our kids and eventually our grandkids to spend summers in slow motion.
As I turn 50, I feel privileged to be growing older. I’m blessed to have my parents with me, and I have a wonderful brother who protects and inspires me. I am surrounded by an army of friends and family who support me.
With my partners and team, we are committed to offering services and products that enhance your natural self and contribute to your well-being. We’re especially excited to showcase products from Greece—you’ll love them!
Στην υγειά μας!
To our health!
Xoxo,
Jules
