Eliza Aristodemou:

The Girl in the Green Dress

This is Eliza Aristodemou—the woman whose warm presence and infectious smile make every guest feel instantly at home from the moment they arrive.

Her striking presence and impeccable sense of style have earned her the affectionate title of "fashion icon" among her colleagues. But there’s far more to Eliza than her wardrobe—hers is a story of resilience, love, and finding her place in the world. From the city life of Nicosia to the slow village life of Lefkara, her story, like The Agora itself, is one of tradition embracing transformation—a perfect reflection of The Agora Hotel’s ethos.

From Nicosia to Lefkara: A Journey of Love and Discovery

Eliza was born and raised in Nicosia, a city she holds close to her heart. “For me, it’s the nicest city in Cyprus,” she says, her affection for her hometown unmistakable. Growing up in Kaimakli, she was surrounded by the vibrancy of urban life and a strong sense of community.

Her journey into the working world began at an early age with her first job in the service industry. It wasn’t just about earning pocket money; it was a lesson in independence. After studying Travel and Tourism in Nicosia, Eliza joined one of Cyprus’s largest travel agencies, excelling in client-facing roles thanks to her warm, expressive personality.

“People always said I was too expressive for phone work,” she laughs. “They wanted me where I could meet people face-to-face.”

This knack for personal connection defined her career, but it wasn’t until she met her husband that life took an unexpected turn.

Love Brings Her to Lefkara

While studying in Nicosia, Eliza met a Lefkara native who would later become her husband. “One of the first things he told me was, ‘When we get married, I want us to live in Lefkara,’” she laughs, smiling at the memory. For a city girl like Eliza, the thought of leaving behind the convenience and vibrancy of Nicosia for village life seemed unthinkable.

“I thought, maybe weekends in Lefkara would work—but living there? Never!”

Yet, love has a way of changing even the most steadfast minds. Nine years ago, as she prepared to welcome her daughter Eleana, Eliza moved to Lefkara. “I am an immigrant of love,” she says with a playful grin, reflecting on how she’s grown to appreciate her new home.

Rediscovering Herself With a Chance Encounter

For years, Eliza dedicated herself to raising her daughter Eleana, stepping away from the professional world.

“I decided to be a stay-at-home mom. I didn’t want anyone else raising my child,” she shares.

But as Eleana grew, so did Eliza’s longing to reconnect with her former self—the confident, ambitious woman who thrived on human connection.

Eliza’s journey to The Agora Hotel began serendipitously. While helping her mother-in-law at the family’s mini-market, she noticed a curious customer who would become a life-changing figure. That customer was none other than Aleks, founder of The Agora.

“He’d come in every day, observing everything with such detail. At first, I thought, ‘Who is this guy?’”

She then learned his story and about the dream he was building down the road. A recommendation from a neighbour encouraged Eliza to send in her CV. Although nervous, she took the plunge.

“The night before my interview with Elena, Front of House Manager, I didn’t sleep,” she admits, remembering the anxiety of not knowing what to expect. The following day, she walked into the hotel for her interview, wearing a beautiful long green dress, black boots, and a coat draped over her shoulders.

Aleks, ever observant, still remembers that outfit. “He told me later it was because I always dressed casually at the mini-market,” she laughs. “But that day, I wanted to feel like myself again—confident, vibrant, and ready for something new.”

Her nerves melted the moment she stepped into The Agora and was met with a warm embrace from Emilie. “She hugged me and said, ‘I knew your future was here.’ Those words stayed with Eliza, marking the beginning of a new chapter.

The interview wasn’t just a meeting—it was a homecoming.

Starting at The Agora Hotel was more than just a job for Eliza—it was a chance to rediscover herself.

A Dream Worth Living

Joining The Agora wasn’t just about starting a new job—but about becoming part of a dream. Eliza was captivated by the vision of its founders and their passion for creating something extraordinary.

“They’re close to my age, yet they dream so boldly,” she says. “I wanted to live that dream with them.”

What resonated most was her desire to be part of something extraordinary, to join them in shaping this limitless dream and, in her words, "live the dream with them." This admiration and sense of purpose continue to fuel her connection to The Agora.

She admired their ability to transform the hotel into more than just a space—it became an experience. “If I could trade places with anyone for a day,” Eliza shares, “it would be with Emilie, Co-Founder and Creative Director of The Agora. The way she brings her ideas to life, how she cares for everyone—it’s magical. Her hugs even carry this beautiful energy. To embody that kind of grace and creativity for a day would be incredible.”

Starting at the front desk, Eliza quickly became indispensable. Recently, she expanded her role to oversee housekeeping, ensuring every detail reflects The Agora’s commitment to excellence.

More Than a Fashion Icon

Though known as the hotel’s “fashion icon,” Eliza is admired just as much for her warmth and dedication. To her, hospitality is about the little things—guiding a guest to their table, offering a warm smile, or simply being present to make someone’s day better.

“It’s not just about appearances,” she explains. “It’s about how you make people feel.”

Her grandmother’s wisdom has deeply influenced her approach to life and work. “She always said, ‘Say these three things often: I love you, I’m sorry, and thank you.’ Those words have guided me through life.”

Eliza believes that how someone treats others—whether a colleague or a guest—reveals the true quality of their character. Her journey, shaped by life’s challenges and triumphs, has taught her to appreciate the beauty in the small, seemingly insignificant moments.

Gratitude and Growth

For Eliza, The Agora is more than a workplace—it’s a family.

“I’m so grateful to be part of something this special,” she says, her voice filled with emotion.

Her journey from Nicosia to Lefkara, from city girl to becoming integral to The Agora’s story, is a testament to her resilience and adaptability.

And for those lucky enough to visit The Agora Hotel, one thing is certain: they’ll never forget the warmth and elegance of the girl in the green dress.

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