Marianni
What does life as a woman or girl look like in your part of the world? What roles do women play in your society?
We can say that here in Greece we have rights as women, we are independent and we are in the process of changing the opinion that wants a woman "in her kitchen" (as I was told), but we still haven’t smashed racism, [negative] criticism, or - for goodness sake, violence and rapes against women.
OK, tell us all about yourself. Who are YOU & what should the world know about you?
I’m Marianni, from Greece. I’m almost 21 years old and I’m trying to smash the "thing" that we have here - that only men are the best chefs and that women belong to "the house's kitchens". I’m passionate about taking care of other people, feeding them, and making them feel good, and I’m cooking with passion!
Describe yourself in one word: "I am... a warrior.
What are some of the most notable events (milestones) that have happened in your life to date?
I managed to get my proficiency degree, get into a culinary art school, and I travelled to Italy (yay(!
What obstacles have you faced and overcome?
I had a very tough Sous Chef in the hotel where I did my 1st practice. He told me that he didn’t want me in his kitchen and that I belong in my house's kitchen, and that if he had the chance, he wouldn’t have any women in his kitchen.
Looking externally into the public sphere, what female public figure inspires you the most to achieve your dreams & why?
I love Cat Cora! She is a famous worldwide chef who, by the way, is a woman, a chef, and is married to the woman of her life - and she has six children! That’s why I would love to meet her one day! Who knows…
What's your definition of success?
I would like to make my people happy, to make sure they are safe, and to be able to give them everything they want - my sister, first of all, then my family, my pets, my best friend, and then shut some mouths out there!
How have the women and girls around you helped you to get to where you are today?
They didn’t to be honest... the only person who has supported me from day 1 is my sister. She is my strength!❤
Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today, is to be..."
Free to do whatever you want, without giving a f*** about what others believe!❤