Tell us about yourself.
I was born and raised in Chicago, but my heart has always been split between two places, here and Greece. My parents, both Greek, filled our home with tradition, food, and enough lively debates to last a lifetime. I grew up speaking Greek, celebrating name days instead of birthdays, and learning that “five more minutes” at a Greek gathering actually means another hour.
I met my husband, George, who had moved to Chicago from Greece with the dream of returning one day. We built a life together, first in Greece, running a successful car wash for 12 years, and later in Chicago, where we started over from scratch. Today, I’m a mom, a wife, and the proud owner of Chicago Original Limousine!
Tell us about your family.
In 1999, I met my husband, George, and we moved to Greece, where we ran a car wash for 12 years. Life was beautiful, filled with frappé, beaches, and souvlaki. But when the 2007 recession hit, we faced tough times. With a three-year-old and no leads, we made the difficult decision to return to Chicago and start over.
Landing at O’Hare, panic set in. We had nothing but hope and determination. Within days, we secured odd jobs, and soon, I started working as a limo chauffeur. George joined me, and before long, we bought our first limo, taking turns driving so we could raise Nikola without outside help. Then, we met a man who became a mentor, providing us with work and guiding us as we built our business. In 2012, Chicago Original Limousine was born.
We hustled hard. Our first car was a Chrysler 300, bought with a staggering 27% interest rate due to our lack of credit. But we made it work, sometimes even having Nikola in the backseat! In 2014, we expanded, adding a second car and hiring our first chauffeur. Our dream was taking shape, but something was missing… Greece. We couldn’t visit until 2016, but since then, we’ve made it a tradition to return every summer. Greece remains our happy place, and one day, we hope to split our time between there and Chicago.
Fast forward to today, Nikola is a true “Amerikanaki” with a deep love for Greece, George still watches every AEK game, and I find myself becoming my Greek mom, always looking out for “nice Greek girls.”
Through all the ups and downs, one thing remains constant: our love for Greece fuels our hustle. Chicago gave us the opportunity to create a life that allows us to keep our dream of Greece alive. And so, we keep working, knowing that every bit of effort brings us closer to the life we envisioned not just for us, but for Nikola and generations to come.
Please tell us about your career. What do you love most about what you do?
I own Chicago Original Limousine, but it has never been about simply transporting people from one location to another. It’s about taking care of them and making them feel at home or part of the family. There’s a saying, Filoxenia, the Greek spirit of hospitality, and that’s exactly what my company stands for.
There’s something truly amazing about knowing that, even for a short time, we can be a part of someone’s day; maybe it’s ensuring they arrive at the airport with zero stress, assisting them in celebrating a special and monumental occasion, or simply providing them with a quiet, comfortable spot to breathe in between meetings. That’s what I enjoy most: creating an experience in which others feel cared for rather than simply transported. I see my company as the hospitality industry, not just a ride.
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in the community?
A couple of my favorite restaurants in the community are Fuller House and Yiayia’s Café. Fuller House has a great atmosphere, and I especially love sitting outside in the summer while enjoying their delicious food. For breakfast, Yiayia’s Café is my go-to. They make a great Greek iced frappe, which always reminds me of home.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in the community?
One of the most inspiring women I’ve had the pleasure of meeting is Bea Wolfe. Bea came to America from Europe in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, with her husband and two young kids. In just a few years, not only did she adjust to a whole new life, but she also became one of the top realtors in the area—and the incredibly smart and talented woman behind this very website.
What I admire most about Bea is that she does it all with such grace. She runs a successful business, takes care of her family, uplifts everyone around her, and somehow still finds the time to give back to the Hinsdale community. She’s always thinking about how to help others and build something meaningful, and she’s become a trusted friend in the process.
Bea is the kind of woman who leads with heart and hustle. She’s a total rockstar, and I’m lucky to know her.
What’s one of your favorite movies or TV shows?
Friends is one of my favorite television shows; I love to laugh, and I know the entire show by heart. That’s how much I love it! In the realm of movies, I’d have to go with Annie, the original 1982 version. It brings back the sweetest memories and still tugs at my heart. And to that friend who once told me she’d only seen the straight-to-TV movie version, if you’re reading this, do yourself a favor and watch the original. You will love it!
What’s on your bucket list?
I’d love to travel more. I know it would make me happy. And maybe, just maybe, stand on a paddleboard for at least 15 seconds without falling.
What local business makes you nostalgic about the community?
Cafe La Fortuna feels like a little escape to Europe. Sitting outside in the summer, coffee in hand, it’s as if we’ve been transported back. It’s a warm sip of nostalgia, nestled right in the heart of the community.
What’s something unique about our community?
It’s walkable and welcoming, with a beautiful, old-fashioned sense of community that’s becoming increasingly rare these days.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I wouldn’t want to change anything! I just want to keep growing in every way. I hope for my family’s good health, to watch my son get more involved in the business, and, of course, to catch George cruising around in a golf cart (haha).
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
For someone who owns a limousine service and used to be a chauffeur, you’d think I’d love driving… but I actually don’t!
What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been?
Santorini, Greek. (I know, I know. I’m a proud Greek girl, what can I say? I love home.)
Favorite month, holiday, and the best single day on your calendar?
July, because nothing beats a day at the beach. December 25th, because I love seeing my family’s faces light up when they open their gifts.
What would you rate 10 out of 10 in your life?
Family. Without a doubt. If I could, I’d give them a 100/10, but even that number wouldn’t feel enough.
Who inspires you to be better?
My mom. Everything I do, I hope it makes her proud. But she’s the type of mom that will celebrate me no matter what, even if I worked at McDonald’s. I know she’s still my biggest supporter, and I had always been hers. Even if all else fades, my heart will forever belong to her.
What are one or two of your favorite smells?
George’s home cooking purely smells like comfort. Nikolas’ cologne, because he is my son, and the scent will always remind me of him. And the smell of the ocean, fresh and endless.
