Eureka: how to grow a global brand from a remote Greek island

0:15You're listening to Eureka on Monocle Radio, brought to you by the team behind the entrepreneurs, the show all about inspiring people, innovative companies and fresh ideas in global business. I'm Tom Edwards. Stavros Kois is the founder of Kois Optics, a design-led eyewear label from Syros, a small Greek island in the Aegean. What began as a local optical store in his family's neoclassical mansion has grown into a global brand rooted in craftsmanship, heritage and storytelling. In this edition, Stavros shares with us how the island's history shapes his designs, why slow fashion matters, and how Coise Optics is helping put Zeros on the map for design-minded travellers.

0:55So, how do you grow a global brand from somewhere so beautifully remote? Well, here is Stavros with more on how the journey began.

1:08I started Coise Optics in 1985 as a family business deeply connected to the spirit of the island. We have never lost sight of our roots celebrating Syros through quality and care. Today Coe's Optics not only serves customers around the world but also reinvest part of its revenue into promoting Syros. The design is inspired by the geometry and textures of Syros. Each pair of frames reflect the harmony between modern sophistication and island heritage. Our goal is to make eyewear that performance and tell a story. Something a visitor or customer can take home with them To a place of beauty and history Something that holds Greece with it That carries a sense of heritage

2:21Our products are made in small workshops in Greece And select partners in Italy Our close relation with our production partners allows us to maintain high quality standards while staying true to our values, slow fashion, sustainability and authenticity. In addition to our eyewear, we also produce scarves made from silk, crafted with the same dedication to quality and detail. Our biggest markets are in Europe and North America, especially among travelers who discover us while visiting Syros. We have seen growing interests from Australian and American tourists, many of whom are seeking design with a sense of place.

3:21Co-Ease Optics often becomes that memory. What makes us proud is that these customers return years after year, building a long-term relation with the brand and by extension with Cirrus itself. We are working on new collections as well as collaborations that celebrate great creativity. Most important, we are very proud to allocate part of our revenue to support the formal recognition of Hermopolis as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. That's a core part of our identity, protecting and sharing the story of this unique place.

4:18That was Stavros Khoes, the founder of Khoes Optics. And you can learn more by heading to khoes.gr or if you're on Searos, why not stop by and say hello? That's all for this episode of Eureka. We'll be back at the same time next week. The programme's produced by Laura Kramer with audio editing by Jack Dewars. If you'd like to get in touch with the team, email Laura on lrk at monocle.com. I'm Tom Edwards. Goodbye and thanks for listening to Eureka.