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Your Iconic Image

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by Marlana Semenza

5.0(9 reviews)

100 episodes

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Podcast Overview

Are you ready to take control of your image and be a power player in your space? Then this is the show for you! Here we will arm you with tools, tips, information and inspiration to grow your personal brand on purpose.

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2/2/2021

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Recent Episodes

January 18, 2023

Your Iconic Image : Beyond the Lens

"We teach people how to think of us." Are you ready to steer your reputation? Are you ready to up-level your brand? Are you ready to connect with your audience and show them who you really are? Are you ready to create visual assets that frame the way you are seen and understood? And, most importantly….are you ready to show up on purpose? My name is Marlana and I am an international photographer and visual strategist. My client base has included athletes, celebrities, WWE Superstars and public figures including Miss North Carolina. My experience includes storytelling, advertising, location scouting and set styling and design. My work has been featured on magazine covers and in NY Times ads. I have been hosting Your Iconic Image for 100 episodes now and for episode 100, my first guest, John Dalrymple is going to turn things around and interview me. www.marlanasemenza.com IG: marlana.semenza.photo Transcription : Vision In Word Marlana Well, welcome to the 100th episode of Your Iconic Image. And today, you are actually going to get a little insight on me, and what we're going to do is, we're going to bring this whole thing full circle. My very first guest is going to do the interview. If you missed his episode, please go back and watch it. It is called What Makes An Icon? John, the show's yours.  John Well, hello, Marlana. How are you?  Marlana   I'm well.  John   Well, it's an honor to talk with you today. You know, you are a genuine and authentic person, incredibly talented. And I would even say gifted in your ability to bring out the best in people. You've reached this milestone 100 podcast. And today, we get the chance to get to know you. Even though you've done 100 podcasts, many people really don't know what you do. So, first question, tell us about what you do. Marlana I am a photographer and visual strategist. So, what that means is, I take all the things that make you unique, and I bridge the gap between that and what your audience or clients need to know. I do that in images, and that's in a nutshell, that is that. John Okay, you're in a crowded field, as we all are. Tell us what makes you different than other photographers. Marlana I think part of it is my background. But also, at its core, I'm really not in the photography business. Photography is the vessel that I used, and the means of communication that I use. But really, I'm in the reputation business. And so, I think that's the biggest difference. John Wow, I love that. I absolutely love that. So, tell us a little bit about your creative process. Walk us kind of through that. How do you get to know someone? Marlana It's a busy world in my brain, John. When somebody comes to me, and they want to collaborate, because I don't look at it, as you know, I'm doing this for you, I do look at us as a collaboration because I very much go off of their input also, and you know, their suggestions, all that kind of thing. So, it's not just me, it's us. That said, there is a questionnaire that I have people initially fill out and I have worked with somebody who is in the psychology realm to help me word the questions in a way that will make you dig a little deeper. And when I get that back, then what happens from there is we go over it. Often I have found that the answers that people write down really aren't the answer. It's about three answers deeper than that. So usually, that comes from the conversations and evoking those. John Nice replies. Yeah, that's absolutely awesome. Now, you know, personal branding is become such a huge, dynamic, fluid issue and an important one. So walk us through how can someone be best prepared to work with you and make the most out of a session with you? Are there some tips and things that you would share with people about how they can work with you or make the most out of their time with you?  Marlana I will say this, all photographers aren't a one size fits all. So I may or may not be the right fit for you. And that's okay because when we first connect, we're kind of interviewing each other. And I want to make sure that you get the best person, the best photographer, the best storyteller for you, which, like I said, may or may not be me. And if it's not me, I have people that I can refer you to. And it's not that there's anything, you know, quote unquote, wrong with either one of us, it's just that we just may not be a fit. And you want somebody that can fall in love with who you are, what you stand for, and all those kinds of things.  I know for me, that's essential, because if I can't fall in love with you, then I can get other people to fall in love with you. So, I think that's what you have to look for when you research somebody's website. First of all, if you're looking for a brand photographer, it's got to be more than headshots, you need to see storytelling. And aside from that, I want you to also look at their style of photography, because what you see is what you're gonna get. If you like it, then pursue contacting them and having these conversations. By the time I actually get somebody in front of my camera, we've had three or four conversations and we know each other pretty well at that point. Then we can also develop our game plan. We know what's going to happen, we know What needs to, who needs to bring what. All those kinds of things. John Oh, that's awesome. Hey, people out there, did you hear that it's more than headshots? Your personal brand is more than headshots and storytelling and people getting to know you is really important to creating that connection, that rapport and really being able to build a relationship that you can work well together. So, let's talk a little bit, you know, you have so many come in, what are some of your goals when you begin that creative process with someone? Can you describe those a little bit? Marlana I want to bring out the unique things about you, but also the best things about you, I think everybody deserves to be seen in a unique way for the best of who they are. So, you know, we're building a relationship, this is a partnership. And so I need to get to know you. People have said to me, Well, how much do I really need to share, I don't really want to be the face of my brand, you know, all those kinds of things. And as far as what to share, all's I can say is, especially when it comes to social media, you don't have to tell everybody all your business, I want you to look at it like a rental house, or a rental property where you want people to come in, you want them to be comfortable, you want them to, to, you know, sleep in the comfortable bed and swim in the pool. But there's always an owner's closet, there's always something that's locked in there that they can't have access to. I want you to treat your branding, and your message and all the pieces view the same way. Now the size of that owner's closet and what goes in it is entirely up to you. But always make sure that you have one. John All right. sage advice. absolutely outstanding, there seems to be a trend to overshare. And in a lot of cases, less is more. So keep those things in that owners closet people. That's wonderful. Let's talk about you know, some of the things that you've done, maybe describe for us, one of your most memorable shoots, memorable people that you've worked with? And what made that person or that experience memorable, just kind of walk us through some of that, Marlana you know, all of them are to me. John That's great! And I believe that. Marlana I would say, you know, obviously, one of my most memorable things was how I got into photography in the first place. I was a photography major. But my first job was with WWE, well, actually WWF at the time, and I never watched wrestling, I went down to apply for a job in photo editing and I wound up on a tour bus. And the first day, I was told, okay, we'll meet the bus, and it was nighttime and so I get on the bus and the dark. Me and I think six guys I've never met and told you know, here's your bunk, and I got to the arena the next day, I walked backstage and I looked around I'm like, What have I done? But I worked there for three years. It was an amazing experience and a lot of good memories. John Wow, that is so cool. And I have to ask a follow up your favorite wrestler did Marlana You know, it's really hard I would say from a lot of standpoints. I love Taker, he is sweet baby Taker. You know, he looks like this big imposing thing. That's not the side of him that I remember. He's just a class act and also to my dear friend Joe Laurinaitis, who passed away about a year ago. loved him. Absolutely loved him! John That's outstanding! Just great! Wonderful! Let's talk a little bit more if we can, you've recently had an amazing experience with women in rock and roll. Can you talk to us a little bit about that and some of your takeaways from that experience? Marlana Yeah. When I was in college, I wanted to work two places. I wanted to work for Rolling Stone and I wanted to work for Vanity Fair.  John   Nice.  Marlana   Yeah. Well, the so when I had the opportunity to go out and photograph these women out in LA, it was a rock and roll fantasy camp. And it was the first ever women's only. Gentleman by the name of David Fishoff runs these camps. And Britt lightning who is the music director is just fabulous. She's been on the show as well. But yes, it was wonderful and amazing to meet and photograph, Melissa Etheridge, Nancy Wilson and Kathy Valentine. However, to me the standouts at that camp were the women that participated, and the camp counselors, oh my goodness! The Janet Robins and the Tasha Jones and the  Samantha Maloney's of the world. But these are just Outstanding women, Nikki Stevens. I mean, the list goes on and on.  I'm just so thankful for meeting all of them, because here's the thing, I do not play music, I can't sing, I can't play a note, but I was so inspired by all of these women. Even the women that were campers, Payton Velligan, and Sierra Levesque, Dawn Crans, and on and on and on, they were so inspired by their passion, and their creativity, and you walk away transformed. I think that's the thing when we work in a certain industry, like I work in photography, we often look to other people in our industry for inspiration, things like that. Look outside your industry, because other people are doing such amazing things, and when they have that kind of passion, it rubs off. John Fantastic. Were there any particular key learnings or things that you took away from that not only from the inspiration, but just in being there and being a part of it? Marlana Seeing these women all come together from all over the country, and even out of the country, and the way they supported one another and cheered for one another and encourage one another, that honestly doesn't always happen. So, to watch it happen, and when it does happen, there is such strength in that. John Oh, absolutely. supporting each other and seeing that, that's wonderful. Absolutely love it. Now, let's start, you reached 100 podcasts. Walk us through, as a photographer, why did you start a podcast? Marlana I started it honestly, for two reasons. I wanted to give people value aside from, you know, because I stay in my lane when it comes to branding. I'm I do the visuals, I tell the story and images, but I stay in my lane. But there are so many other aspects to it, that I wanted people to have information, inspiration, tips, tools, tricks and all those kinds of things from experts in their fields. So, that was one of the main reasons.  John I was gonna say it, though, love that. Marlana And then the other reason, honestly, was to be able to have conversations with amazing people.  John Oh, that's so cool. You know, I congratulate you celebrate.  Marlana   Yeah, that is just one of the coolest things that I can think of.  John   That's just awesome. So, let's talk about you a little bit.  Marlana   Okay.  John   So, you know, you live your life in a way that live leaves people better than when you found them. How did that kindness develop within you? How did that come forward? And you know, you use that in your photography, but you inspire people. How did that develop? Marlana Well, first of all, that's very kind. But I think for one thing, there are enough things that beat us up in the world. I don't want to be one of them. And, you know, my husband laughs at me, we walk into rooms differently. He said, When you walk into a room, you just walk in, you see the best in everybody, and I said, Well, that's by design. That's my job. And I said, besides, I never have to worry about...

January 11, 2023

Your Iconic Image : Placing Models and Actors With Agencies

Model Makers Group Model Makers Group is not a mother agency or management company, but rather trusted, industry modeling industry consultants. Over the past 13 years they have successfully placed models and actors with top agencies around the country. Together, co-owners Cristina Buehrer and Tara Rasheta have over 50 years of experience in the entertainment industry. They use that knowledge and insight to empower their clients with the practical knowledge and personalized guidance needed to get started in the business. https://www.modelmakersgroup.com/ https://www.instagram.com/modelmakersgroup/ https://www.facebook.com/modelmakersgroup our sister non-profit: <a href="https://www.amodelpatient.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target= "_blank">https://www.amodelpatient.org/</a> www.marlanasemenza.com Audio : Ariza Music Productions Transcription : Vision In Word Marlana: Model Maker's Group places models and actors with top agencies around the country. Owners, Christina and Tara have over 50 years of experience in the entertainment industry. They use that knowledge and insight to empower their clients with practical knowledge and personalized guidance needed to get started in the business. Welcome Tara. Tara: Hi. Thank you so much for having me. Marlana: So, first go into a little bit of detail. What exactly does Model Maker's Group do? Tara: Sure. So, our specialty is agency placement. We consult with models and if they're under 18, we're also often working with their parents and we're helping them navigate the industry. Right. We are primarily working with models, hence the name model makers, but we also have clients who are our in entertainment, maybe as a TV host or an actor. So, we also work with other specialties under that entertainment umbrella. But our specialty is helping those clients sign to reputable agencies around the country. And though I am now based in Dallas and my partner Christina is on the East coast, we work with clients every day all across the country. We accomplish a lot of that through Zoom sessions. And of course, we love to work with our clients in person. So, I have a great office here in Dallas where I meet with clients. We also anytime we're traveling, we make an announcement to our clients so that we can hopefully connect face-to-face. Cuz as you know, nothing beats face-to-face, but our success rate is really the same whether we're meeting with our clients in person or online. Marlana: So, what is the benefit of having an agency like yours versus trying to go direct to various agencies, modeling agencies? Tara: Sure. That's a question that we get a lot. And you know, agencies are flooded with new model, new talent submissions every day and it is the snap of a finger for them to say no. In fact, most of their submissions will instantly go into the no pile. And so, what we found is that, you know, you don't know what you don't know until you figure out you don't know it. And so that's where our models and clients are. They don't know what they don't know, but what we offer is practical guidance to get them where they need to go. So, it often starts with like reviewing imagery and as you know, as a photographer, imagery is so impactful, but a lot of times these models are applying to agencies on their own not knowing what the agents want. So, they're sending in the wrong types of pictures. Maybe they have incomplete applications. They don't know what a talent resume should look like. They don't know what a slate video should comprise of, they don't have their measurements correct. I mean something so simple as taking your body measurements. I measure models all the time and I usually want to test them like, Hey, take these at home and when we meet in person, if we have the opportunity to, I'm gonna test your measuring skills. And a lot of times those are off and you know, this is an image-based business so a few inches off can make a big difference on an application. And so, we're looking at all those elements start to finish to prepare before we recommend that a client submit to agencies. And we have two different consulting packages. We have one where we are doing all that legwork ahead of time and then we sent a customized list of agencies that we have that we know to be reputable, ethical, and professional in the industry. And then they are handling the submissions on their own. But we're there every step of the way to answer questions. You know, to review emails that they receive, we're there supporting them through that process, but they're handling the submissions on their own. And then we have like what we call our ultimate consulting package where we personally submit the clients to agencies which is much more full service. It's a very tedious process to submit to agencies but you know, we've done it for so many years, it's really easy for us and it takes that off the plate of the model or the parent. So, really, that's it. It is just, you know, the success rate of getting signed if you've worked with a professional is going to be higher than if you just wing it. Marlana: And both you and Christina also come from a place of having been there, done that kind of a thing, which I think is so much better when you have somebody who knows what it's like to be on the other side. I know for me; I know what women like to wanna look like in front of the camera cuz I've been on the other side of the camera, and I just think that little element helps so much. So, talk to us a little bit about what some of the things you and Christina have accomplished. Tara: Yeah, so, I mean, when we started our business it was 2009. She and I were both working as professional full-time models in Los Angeles. We met at a casting and instantly had a friendship. We both had the experience of competing at Miss u s a state title holder. So, I was Miss Alabama USA, she was Miss Massachusetts USA. So, when we put that together, we had this instant connection. And as we started talking about our experience in the industry at that point, we'd already been working for many years. We also realized that we were getting fielding a lot of questions maybe from, you know, friends of friends or like my mom's hairdressers daughter, you know, it was all these like degrees of separation. But people would be contacting us either emailing us or calling us independently and saying, Hey, I want to help my daughter get into the business. Or Hey my friend, I'm with this agency but this something doesn't sound right. Can you help? And so, we realized there was a real need for practical advice and consulting and mentorship. And for us it was just so simple because we were already working in the industry. We'd already reviewed our own agency contracts. We know what needed to be in place. We know what red flags to look for, how to stay safe. We both were very lucky to have positive and safe experiences in the industry, but we also know what to look and listen for. And so, we thought, you know, we've got so much knowledge that we can share. And that's how we started our business. Christina and I both had wonderful careers that allowed us to travel the world. We also did a lot of TV hosting, red carpet hosting, things like that. So, you know, we've also had not only worked as models but had our hand in broadcasting and a little bit of acting. And so, it really does that knowledge base is so great for our clients and we continue to help facilitate castings and we still continue to work with some of the fashion brands that we modeled for many years ago and help them place models for their campaigns as well. So, we're still involved very much involved in the modeling industry and that definitely translates to helping our clients navigate it. And at the end of the day, just as we had a positive and safe experience, that is the ultimate goal. I mean, we want these girls to have fun and make money and all the other things too, but safety has always been top priority and will always continue to be. And really signing with a reputable agency adds so many layers of protection to that model and to a parent supporting her child because the agency vets their clients they get to be the bad guys and chased on the money if the invoices are late, they negotiate the contract on behalf of the model and they should always be looking out for the model's best interest. So that's why we've chosen to really focus on agency placement because certainly it, it makes for a, a more healthy place for a new model to start at somewhere nurturing environment to be under the protection of that agency. But also, we know that the best bookings are always going to come through reputable agencies. And in fact, just yesterday I had a client who I'm working with on agency placement, she received an email maybe it was like a cold call through Instagram. I don't know how this email came to her, but it was a scam email basically claiming you've got a booking in LA, we need you here next week. It's a $4,000 gig. And I just had to tell her there's no way that that company, and I'm not gonna name who they were saying it was, would hire you directly without going through an agency because also agencies have insurance coverage and things like that and in individual models just don't have, you know, there's a lot of legality to that too. But that's why I was like, just politely decline to respond to that email and let's continue working on getting you signed. Cuz that's really where the agent helps lead models to meaningful casting and booking opportunities and we really wanna get them there so they can do more of what they love, Marlana: You know, and it's really kind of sad because a lot of new models especially want it so badly. So, you just hit on one. What are some red flags that they can watch out for that, you know, no, this is not something that you wanna respond to or pursue. Tara: Sure. I mean I think, you know casting is so important especially for big projects. So, if a model receives a DM on Instagram or an email and it's about a booking and they're direct booked without having to do anything, then you need to have your ears and eyes open because that something doesn't sound or look right to me in that situation. So, you know, there always should be some sort of casting. Now a lot of, a lot of models are able to self-tape, and I think this has really been great for our models that live in more rural markets because I think post covid we found that, you know, the zoom casting process was just easier for casting directors and for fashion professionals. So, a lot of times you'll start with that. You may end up having an in-person like callback but so many things can be booked from afar, but there needs to be some sort of interview slash casting. So, if you haven't been asked to do that, then chances are that's a scam. Also, you know, the lists of agencies that we're providing to our clients we keep on spreadsheets of all the regions where we have our clients and that's the whole country. And we're very familiar with almost all of the agency contracts on the list that we're providing to our clients. And so, we know that you know, agents do not ask for money for you to be represented. And that's definitely one of the scams. So, we actually wrote a book called Top 10 Modeling Scams and it's on Amazon. And it's just a little guide really, but it's like easy things that you can do, whether you're working with us and you're getting signed to an agency or if you're trying it on your own, just some really practical things that you can do to stay safe and to have a good experience in the industry. But those are two things, just like there should always be a casting and then you do not pay an agency to be represented by them. There are some fees and that's, there are some caveats of course. And we discuss that with our clientele and review that in contract review. But by and large that's the rule. Marlana: So, who is a good client for you or what makes a good client for you? Tara: You know, a great client for me is someone who's willing to do the work. <Laugh>. So, trust me, you don't wanna just pay me to tell you that you're pretty int talented, but sometimes I think the clients just want me to do that and I'm like, no, I'm actually here to like to push you and get you to the next step. And so, I love my clients who work hard, so every time I meet with a client or Christina meets with a client, whether we're zooming or in person, we always send instantly a follow up email, here are your next tasks and here are ours. Cuz there's a lot of stuff we do behind the scenes reviewing contracts, putting together the agency list, talent, resume, reviewing, you know, their materials model, walking commercials, whatever it is. But they have to be doing the work too. So, I love when a client is really on top of it and motivated. And that's one thing that we cannot teach <laugh>. And I've tried for 13 years, I cannot be someone's motivation. They've got to find that motivation within themselves and this industry really requires it. You know, I think that because modeling is an image-based industry and of course that's an important part of it. People just think, oh, well I'm pretty, I'm so pretty so I'll get signed to work. But guess what? And you know this as a photographer, there's so much more to it. You've gotta be professional, you've gotta show up prepared, you need to have a good attitude, you need to work hard and do what is expected of you and go the extra mile and express gratitude. There's just so much that goes to it that really is a part of the equation for the success of the client and for the longevity of that client. So, we love our hardworking, motivated clients because they tend to do really well. Marlana: You know, it's funny that you touch on that too because people say, oh, I wanna get into the modeling business and they focus on the modeling and not on the business. Tara: <Laugh>. Right! Marlana: And there's a reason why it's called the modeling business. Tara: Sure. That's right.  Marlana: So, when somebody comes to you ideally, what would you like to see them come at you with? Tara: They just need to be open-minded and willing to work hard. Sometimes a model comes to me, and you know, in the first session it's like, let me get to know your goals. Let me because every client is different. They all have different strengths; they all live in different regions geographically. They all have different goals. So, I need to learn what that is so that we can really personalize the guidance and mentorship we're gonna offer them. And I think that, you know, if a model comes to us and they just have this like super defined, like, I only want to be a runway model or I only want to be an actor, then they could be limiting themselves. Because until you get into the industry, you may not know what's going to be a good fit for you. So, I really love when the models are open to the different ideas we have. I mean, we can definitely look at a model and get to know her or him. We have male models too. And say, you know what, based on their strengths, this is the path that we think that they need to go within the industry, or this is the path or maybe both. And so, the more open-minded they are to that, the better. Also, you know, process of elimination is powerful, right? It sometimes leads us to where we need to be. And so, I think that if we encourage a model maybe to also look at acting because maybe she lives in a market where there are a lot of acting opportunities, we don't want her to miss out on that. That may not be her first passion, but she could also determine pretty quickly through the casting process after she gets signed, like if that's gonna be a good fit for her or not. But I think just being open to that is really important. Marlana: And I would think that being open and flexible makes one model more placeable than another.  Tara: Sure. And you know, a lot of these agencies that our models are applying to are what we call full service, meaning they have like a fashion division, a commercial division, a theatrical division, and maybe even a voiceover division. And so, if a model can be viewed as marketable between divisions, that could make her more signable. So, allowing her to explore those things and encouraging her to be open-minded to that I think is makes her more desirable from the agent's perspective. And I keep saying her because predominantly our clients are female. If you go to our Instagram...

January 4, 2023

Your Iconic Image : Metaxa : The Family Behind the Brand

Zika Metaxa writer Zika Metaxa grew up in an internationally known family spirits business, founded by her ancestors in 1888. As a marketer, she traveled the world promoting the family spirit, as a member of the family business and then, for the multinational company that acquired the Metaxa brand.  After becoming a mom Zika left a career in marketing, advertising, and retail and turned her attention to more intimate, creative pursuits. She first penned a children's book in her native Greek language. Her new book, an English language memoir, "Metaxa Stars: The Evolution of a Greek Spirit Within Generations," shares stories and lessons growing up Metaxa. She is currently developing her third book. Metaxastars.com <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Metaxa-Stars-Evolution-Spirit-Generations-ebook/dp/B0BJCDHCSX" rel="noopener noreferrer" target= "_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Metaxa-Stars-Evolution-Spirit-Generations-ebook/dp/B0BJCDHCSX</a> www.marlanasemenza.com Audio : Ariza Music Productions Transcription : Vision In Word Marlana   Metaxa, the name is iconic. Founded in 1888, the spirits brand spanned generations as to the stories and lessons shared. Today, we had the honor of speaking with Zika, daughter, marketer and author, as she says a bit of what it was like growing up as part of the family behind the brand. Welcome, Zika.  Zika   Hello, very nice to see you. Hardly, I'm very happy to be here with you. Marlana   So, you know, as I read your memoir, I thought there are a lot of different ways we could take this conversation. But what I'd like to do is I'd like to actually start with the women because I feel that in society, and also in certain cultures, that it's very difficult for women to find their way, you know, find their voice, all of these things, but you come from a long line of very strong women. And sometimes that strength was a good thing, and sometimes not such a good thing. But tell us a little bit about your mother and your grandmother, who you are named after. Zika   Yes, thank you very much indeed. Basically, it all started of the woman of the family, my great grandmother, she was really, really a very dynamic personality. Now we are talking in the 88 is of course, that was a thinkable of woman to have to speak their mind at the time, especially in Greece, which I'll come to that later on. So, she was very dynamic she was working in. It was not a factory yet in the business, whatever business it was, at the time, it was at the very beginning. She raised her children, she had nine children single handedly with her husband, but she was in care of everything. And she even had a say in politics, and was able to issue a law. She was also a great philanthropist. She lived in a house, in the suburbs in Paris, airport, very well-known port in Greece. And every day she would have, she would give up free food in big plates for the people who did not have money to buy food for the poor. And there were queues and queues of people waiting for the food. Despina, that was her name, was giving out. So that was my great grandmother.  Then my grandmother Zika, whom I am named after, because this is the family tradition. We are named after the father's usually parents. She was also extremely dynamic. She had a very, very strong personality. People in at the time we had the factory so she was coming to the factory every day, people the factory, the employees were always almost scared of her because she was always walking around looking around poking her nose, everywhere, literally. And she has a big nose. And obviously she was not working with finances or the marketing's but she was taking care of the other house. Can I say this The other aspect of the business she was going around making sure the gardens work, yay. We had chicken at the time in that factory that Hans had laid the chickens. She was always around, she knew who was working were in one place. She was walking up and down all day. Like a surgeon that would say, so she was very, very dynamic.  Now my mother, Karina, she was less dynamic in the business area. Because she left my father to do that, as it was his parental business. She stepped aside. But she was very dynamic and that she grew up also single handedly without help three children, me and my two brothers. And she had her presence was let's say, low key. But she was dynamic in an invisible way. Always making sure her way, eventually, you know past Marlana   and sometimes, you know, the quiet strength is usually under rated, and it's seeming like your mother had a lot of quiet strength. Zika   That's true. I think it's very intelligent to have a quiet strength. I have tried a lot of times to imitate her but I have never succeeded because I'm very spontaneous. And I always speak out the my mind sometimes even faster than I should. Marlana   But your grandmother and your mother didn't have a great relationship in the beginning. Zika   Not at all. My grandmother was very, very difficult in her relationships. And the weird thing is that's why the book is about you know, patterns going on again and again through generations. She didn't have a good relationship or either with her in laws, and her husband's siblings. She never approved of my father's marriage, and never, because she wanted my father to marry someone from a wealthy family, which my mother was not. And she never, never accept the fact that he went on and did what his heart told him to do, without taking into consideration her words. So that was very unforgettable in her mind, she felt her son had betrayed her.  And now remember, bear in mind, that was in the 1960s. Still, in those days, and especially in Greece, it was a very big thing, who marries whom the parents had a tremendous say in it. And it was really answered, I'm not comfortable that my father went ahead and did what married the girl he loved, although his parents did not approve. So in that way, they had, they really did not have a very good relationship, not at all. But after the year, many, many years past, we were quite old, all of that. Towards the end, I would say over the life of my grandmother's life, the relationship did finally take a good turn. And at least towards the last, the last years of her life were peaceful in that manner. Marlana   What was different about what you saw? Growing Up Female versus male in your family? Zika   Oh, my God, different, like black and white. But not only my family, in Greece, in all families, and can I tell you, even nowadays, it still is the case. Not so prominent as it was those days. But still. So the thing is that in Greece, it's whenever the as soon as the wife becomes pregnant, everybody in the family except herself a praying for a boy, in order to take their families name, and a surname and the last name and to continue the business that was always in the mind all these years in the 1960s, the 70s, the 80s, the 90s onwards, to the point that in the villages in the provinces, this still applies today. Let's say for example, someone has four kids, and he has two boys, two girls, they asked him, someone will ask him how many children who you have, he will say, Oh, I have two children. And two daughters. Like the daughters are not even considered children. And even today, it's, they say, for example, oh, she did very well, for a girl she became a lawyer, or a doctor still may think it's something very major that a girl accomplished, to finish his studies, and to become a doctor or a lawyer or politician.  So, that was very, very much the case in my family. And since I was the first grandchild born into the family, from I mean, the first grandchild to my grandfather and my grandmother, the fact that it was a doctor was very disappointing to them, they will expect to the first grandchild to be a boy. So, it was a quiet event when I was born. When my brother, my first brother, and dress was born four years later, now was a huge event. I mean, they didn't have the time. I think there's fireworks if they would have a little mouth. Yes. And excuse my English again. But it's not my native language. That's why I have to think sometime. Marlana   Now, you're doing fantastic. And it's actually very engaging to listen to what you know; your book talks a lot about family patterns and things like that. What patterns do you hope to continue, and which ones do you hope to break? Zika   Now this is very difficult, this is really challenging for me, because the patterns I'm trying to break, I'm being completely honest here. I have to fight to break because subconsciously, I repeat them every day with my exam. And I have to make a very strong fault and like restart and say, now you're being your mother, you're being your grandmother, you're being your father, you're saying exactly the same things. Sometimes I even catch myself doing the same. You know, not remarks, figures and how do you say expressions on my face like my mind, I roll their eyes I got all these things. I hated; I do the more.  When, for example, my son tells me oh my god, you sound like grandma. Yes, I do. And then I try to do restart and talking with friends, I have realized that all of us more or less do the same thing. And this is the balance and the difficulty to try and break this circle because I feel I feel this intuitively and in my heart that if we can break the circle, it will not be repeated also after us. Marlana   Right? Which patterns do you hope to continue? Because there has to be some wonderful things that you remember as well. Zika   Yes, I hope to continue being generous in the heart, and kind, and above all, human and decent person with a low profile, not arrogant, or snobbish, or all the opposite.  Marlana   So, what's your favorite family story? Zika   My favorite family story, let me see, because there was so many, definitely it was from during the World War Two, when the Germans were here, and they were raised in Greece, my grandmother Zika, trying so hard to obtain food for her children, everything about this. And it was so difficult to find a piece of bread. If they found an egg, it was a luxury, they had to exchange things in order to get food. And she was telling me how she was running from one corner to the other, trying to find a piece of bread or some not even vegetables, just like maybe one green leaf or something, while the Germans were raiding the city with bullets, basically, she was running out amongst the bullets, while the food hidden in her coat or in her dress, to go and feed her sons, this will may have stayed, it has stayed with me, whenever I go grocery shopping, or whatever, and I buy something for the house, I always think of this.  I'm always grateful of what we have now, of all the years that we've been through the generations before me for generations to come, take for granted, things like not so I get all the groceries, or having a good life. That's one of those things I really remember. And Marlana   and, you know, what's so interesting too, is as your grandmother is trying to navigate the streets and go past bullets and things like that, the men in your family, we're actually still making this liquor. Zika   they were trying to make it not to present it. The liquor it was to, let's say, downsize the whole story, because the Germans at the time knew that this lecture was happening faster, and definitely wanted to obtain the rest of the team. So, my grandfather, at the time, tried very, very hard and he managed not to give the exact recipe because they really pushed him to the rest of the team. They wanted to go and do the identical thing in Germany or whatever. But they manage the men in the family managed to keep it as a secret. One way of cheating the Germans and till the end of their career. This recipe was a secret recipe. Only thing you know, and it went from mouth to mouth from man to man. My grandmother didn't know the secret person, but she was a woman. Marlana   Yeah. Did you ever kNwo,  Zika No.  Marlana That's funny. And I remember reading in the book too. It was actually pretty brilliant, what they did with the brass spec. Zika   Yes, because at the time they had it was in barrels, it was still in barrels that they didn't have time.  Marlana Do you have to bottle a lot of bottles?  Zika Just a few bottles. And mostly it was from barrels and they would open them a little tap, let's say there was a tap around staff and people would either go with empty bottles of their own if for example, water bottles or something else fill it in, because this was the war. All they would the ones who had some money to buy a bottle would buy a bottle. So when the Germans but they knew my ancestors knew that this brown stack was not very good for the product because it sort of ruins the taste and the quality. But at the time, they didn't have either the means or the you know that the people and the time to concentrate and make it as they should, which they did after the war. So when the Germans came demand I'm going to obtain the recipe of the product. Listen, of course, come in, we'll welcome you, we'll give you a drink, try this product before we give you the recipe. And they made sure they gave them the product from the tap the bronze tap, which was not good also in taste.  So, the German method was a color now somebody would start drinking, you spit it out. This is all stuff. Why are people talking about this stuff? This is disgusting. So, he thought that people were just drinking it or buying it, obtaining it because they were desperate. It was the wall. And they thought, you know, it's better than nothing, we can have some alcohol. So, he totally took it out of his mind. And he said to everybody, all his other followers and German friends or whatever soldiers, that this is just a rumor. It's not at all a good product, this product is awful. We don't need to spend another moment on this project. And then as they say, in the book, little did they know that many years later, it was exporting this product from Greece to Germany. And actually Germany was one of the first countries in exports in Metaxa that they drank lots of it, they loved it, they still do. Marlana   So funny. You talk about that. You know, this was a very male dominated business, this family business. So did you have difficulty carving out a path for yourself within the business? Zika   Yes, I had a lot of difficult days. And I think it has still stayed with me all these years, I have been always trying to prove that I am good enough, business wise that I can do it like a man. And I think we have this has stayed with me and it's not a good, not something I'm proud of, I'm trying to fix it to make it better. But after all these years struggling to prove that you know, as a girl, as a woman, I can also do it. I can handle the liquor, I can sell the liquor, I can market the liquor. It was quiet, they never took me seriously, especially in the beginning. Marlana   You know, which is funny to me, because when the business was eventually sold, you are part of the sale. And that was you had to have some work?  Zika   Yes, that was something I chose to be, but they thought, you know, the people who bought the company at the time, okay, they didn't think I would last, let's say, okay, she will stay for a month or two. And they were extra suspicious. They thought I was maybe staying there in order to I don't know, find out their secrets or something which was not at all the case, of course, I decided to stay on because I thought and it was eventually an immense lesson for me to work for a multinational company. It was totally a different approach, an extremely professional approach. Plus, the company had a big brand of products except the brand day they had bought because they had whiskies they had liquors, which was very challenging. They everything all the marketing was restricted from the beginning. So, there were a lot of briefing and advertising agencies, I loved all that. I learned so much in marketing, which was like having a master's degree in marketing. So much. They worked very hard on all hours, not like obviously we were working on so many hours as a family and on a different level. But I think after the first, let's say six, seven months near a year that they realized that I'm okay. Okay, I'm not the enemy. Marlana   Did you find it difficult when the company was purchased, to kind of climb out from the family name? Because I mean, you still were a Metaxa? Zika   Yes. Yes, I found it difficult. I think it was more. I understood that completely the reasons the company was sold at the time, the timing, everything. And I think it was more disappointing for my brothers and dress manglers as they were much younger than me they didn't have the opportunity to start working in the company or not, but they were I mean, they were teenagers at the time, almost finishing school, my brother and dress and they always thought, of course, being brought up in this male orientated company that they were the successors that would be one day the continuous I mean, since the day they were born. This was what they were. Everybody was telling them in the family. So, I think for the boys, it was more disappointing. For me as I was a bit l was l Jerell older, I realized the way my ankle my father explained it to me the business aspect of the timing, I realized it's a good time. And of course, it hurts also emotionally.  I thought it was an opportunity for me, again, to prove myself and to work hard. And which you did, it did actually work out like that it didn't turn out like that. In the end, after the years I spent them. It was appreciated. And by that time, and because the people who work for my work were I think only one was great, all the other will burn foreigners. They didn't have...

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