Welcome to Sotteria, where personal care goes beyond the routine. The inspiration behind Sotteria unfolds in 2019 on a farm in a small village in Crete where I first discovered the relationship the people of the Mediterranean have with the native flora. I was captivated by the rich history that traced back to ancient societies that held the belief that the Gods were the original herbalists who attributed their knowledge of medicinal plants to "divine insight". For millennia, ancient plant knowledge has been documented by healers and showcased through frescoes, statues, and poetry. Over the years, mystical fables involving the natural world have been passed down through generations and seamlessly integrated into the narrative of popular culture. 

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In January 2020, I volunteered for a grassroots organisation that provides humanitarian aid and support programs to displaced individuals in northern Greece. While assisting in their warehouse, the challenges faced by nonprofits in securing adequate funding for refugee aid became evident. The reliance on monetary and in-kind donations underscores the ongoing struggle to meet the demand for basic essentials.

 

After my time in northern Greece, I relocated to France and arrived in Paris just three weeks before the first 2020 covid lockdown. The silver lining presented as an opportunity to stop and reflect on my experiences over the previous six months. I saw the potential, and the need for help - and felt drawn to act. During the months of lockdown, I began formulating products from my apartment and gradually established connections with EU-based non-profits dedicated to assisting people on the move. Through collaboration with consumers and refugee aid organizations, Sotteria aims to enhance accessibility to essential care items for those in need. With the help of consumers and refugee aid movement organisations, my goal is to help make essential care items more accessible to people on the move by supporting charitable causes that align with Sotteria's ethos.

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Through each of my products; I hope to share practices, traditions and the wisdom of the past, one whimsical story at a time. I believe that all people should have access to something as fundamental as personal hygiene, and by ethically delivering products - I aim to achieve that.

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Chloe

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