About Agapi and Our Founders
Helen Tsanos Sheinman and Christina Tsanos founded Agapi under the business name of AgapiStyle LLC. Together, as cousins having reunited after nearly 30 years, embarked on a passionate journey to rediscover our Cypriot heritage and explore the culture and beauty that Cyprus has to offer. We chose the name Agapi, the Greek word for "unconditional love," because it expr
esses the admiration and connection with Cypriot tradition and culture that this exploration allowed us to realize. Our journey led us in many different directions, one of which was the exploration of the existing artisanal handicrafts. We visited artisans and artists alike — some young, others old, some in their homes others in their studios, some in the centers of big cities and others in the most remote of countryside villages. We were struck by the unique and beautiful pieces that we watched being made, and were touched by the passion and warmth with which we were so hospitably welcomed. Seeing these artisanal handicrafts inspired us to shape our own unique portfolio of products. With our collections of ceramics, textiles and crafts, we hope to combine traditional skills with modern design elements to bring a fresh translation of Cypriot culture and sensibilities to the global home market. Our mission was not only to share our discoveries of Cyprus, but also to support the community of Cypriot artists whom we have come to so greatly admire. We invite you to explore our selection of beautiful, colorful and one-of-a-kind products, with the same curiosity and passion that we felt throughout our journey. Just as the artisans wished for us, we now hope to warm your hearts from our home to yours. Related Developments
Sundance Channel’s Man Shops Globe
Helen journeys to Cyprus with Keith Johnson, a dear friend and the host of Sundance Channel’s Man Shops Globe. In Episode 4 Cyprus, Keith offers to lend Helen a hand with her cookbook pitch, an offer which takes him from the office of a Manhattan publishing company to Helen’s native Cyprus. Inspired by the island’s ancient history and traditions, they tour through villages with cousin Christina and meet local artisans capturing Cypriot design and flavor to win over the book publisher, Pointed Leaf Press. Love Laughter and Lunch: The evocative memories of a Cypriot family’s journey recalled through traditional Greek Cypriot recipes that are perfect for today by Helen Tsanos Sheinman, published by Pointed Leaf Press
Food is nothing without the love of the people who share it. As a young girl, Helen Tsanos Sheinman grew up eating and cooking with a large and boisterous Cypriot family, and developed a passion for food as a gateway to reconnect with her heritage. For Helen, food is also an unfaltering opportunity to create wonderful new memories with family and friends. In Love, Laughter, and Lunch, she invites readers to visit her childhood, growing up in London, and her adulthood spent in New York and on the Greek Island of Serifos, through over 25 mouth-watering, easy-to-make recipes that have been passed down by her family from generation to generation. Featuring photography of Helen’s culinary creations and dazzling images of unique pottery and textiles made by contemporary Cypriot artisans, Love, Laughter, and Lunch will undoubtedly hold a special place in your hearts for years to come.
