Subscribe
Share
Share
Embed
A podcast that spotlights the women reshaping the hospitality industry, breaking barriers, and carving their paths in the ever-evolving world of restaurants, food, and community.
Sara Abernethy (00:36)
Today I am talking to the amazing Andia Xouris of the much-beloved Andia's ice cream. She has four brick and mortar locations throughout the Triangle area and a lot of big, big plans moving forward. Andia is an award-winning ice cream maker, a mom of two incredible grown children who love her so much, they still work with her.
This was such a great conversation. We talk about her incredible story immigrating from Cyprus with her family when she was only six years old and didn't speak a word of English. We talk about her journey as a stay-at-home mom, feeling really torn about self-identity and the trade-offs that you have between being a present mom at home, but
Having a yearning to do something more. And we also talk about tooting your own horn and building a professional brand alongside your business brand. It's something that Andia is really spectacular at, and I admire her a lot. we laugh, we cry, and
The biggest takeaway I have from spending time with Andia is that it's never too late. It's never too late to start a new chapter, to pursue a dream, and that the best is yet to come. So please enjoy my conversation with Andia Xouris
Andia Xouris (02:07)
We could buy it. We did buy it. It was an amazing interest rate that I was not. Yeah. Excited to let go. Yes, I understand. I'm grateful for that experience because because we did that and that wasn't optimal. Yeah. Then this opened up. And you are right because you are like me. We do think like that. And so I do believe everything happens for a reason. It's just sometimes when you're in it, you're like, what the hell is going on? So but it's OK.
Sara Abernethy (02:07)
We could buy it, we did buy it. It was an amazing interest rate that I was not excited to let go of. But I'm grateful for that experience because we did that and that wasn't optimal, then this opened up.
Andia Xouris (02:36)
That's what I keep telling them it's gonna be okay, it's gonna be so and then I caught up at the office We got some good news, which I can't share yet That's what delayed me at the office so I went in just to print something Yeah,
Sara Abernethy (02:38)
Yeah. So, and then I got caught up at the office, we got some good news, which I can't share yet. Oh, that's exciting. That's what delayed me at the office. Okay. went in just to print something. I went in just to print something. Yeah.
Famous last words.
Okay, How was your trip to Miami was it so magical?
Andia Xouris (02:59)
Hopefully, we'll see. I'll let you know. Okay. was your trip to Miami? It was so magical. It was so fun. had a great time. We shortened it. Did I tell you we shortened it? Yes. Yeah, because we were moving in three days, which is nuts, but.
Sara Abernethy (03:13)
Which I need to stop that rhetoric in my head. I've realized that too. I'm insane? Well, my life is crazy, I'm so busy, I moved in three days, and because I just need to stop. I it's like stressful to say the words over and over again.
Andia Xouris (03:13)
which I need to stop that rhetoric in my head. I've realized that too. The rhetoric of like, well, that my life is crazy. I'm so busy. I moved in three days and because I just need to stop. recognize it's like stressful to say the words over and over again.
So it's like, everything's going to work out perfect. It's funny you say that because I've been in the middle of like boom, boom, boom, happens.
Sara Abernethy (03:30)
So, it's like everything's gonna work out. It's funny you say that because this, because I've been in the middle of like boom, boom, boom, everything happening.
And I get in the, I have these ebbs and flows all the time. from kind of like.
Andia Xouris (03:38)
And I get in the, I have these ebbs and flows all the time. from kind of like...
Christmas until March is always a season of incubating and then in the spring everything comes to life. But every time I go through one of these I'm like, why am I like this? Why have I committed myself to so many things and da da da da da and I'm always so busy and I just think that I am, this is the way I am. Because if I don't pursue these different projects I will actually go insane and I will not be a nice person.
Sara Abernethy (03:47)
Christmas until March is always a season of incubating, and then in the spring everything comes to life. But every time I go through one of these, I'm like, why am I like this? Why have I committed myself to so many things and da-da-da-da-da, and I'm always so busy? And I just think that I am, this is the way I am, because if I don't pursue these different projects, I will actually go insane, and I will not be a nice person.
Andia Xouris (04:16)
So
Sara Abernethy (04:16)
like
Andia Xouris (04:16)
like
Sara Abernethy (04:17)
if I wasn't this busy I'd be miserable so I don't know how else to be but it never occurred to me to like stop saying that to myself
Andia Xouris (04:17)
if I wasn't this busy I'd be miserable. Right, right. We don't know how else to be. So I don't know how else to be. Yeah. Which therefore would make us miserable because that's such a foreign, you know, But it never appeals to me to like stop saying that to myself. You know, no, but, and, but, and. you know what though? It's.
It depends on how the words are coming out and what you're saying to yourself. You're saying, I love the busyness. I love this, you know, crazy life, all the things that's a positive. There's nothing wrong with that. Like being busy, all the things, right? What's happening in my head, what I'm saying is like, ⁓ I moved again.
⁓ You know and that's the negative energy I'm putting towards it which I think is is perpetuating the Can you believe I moved again? Can you believe I'm so old and I'm moving? That's how I feel. I'm too old to be moving. Yeah I'm 52. I think you guys me holding. I'm a 52 which I have no problem saying because I do believe the best is yet to be as you know ⁓
Sara Abernethy (04:58)
Yes. Which I think is perpetuating the, can you believe I moved again? Can you believe I'm so old and I'm moving? That's how I feel. I'm too old to be moving. How many times have you guys moved? Me too. think I asked him how long I'm not gonna No. Which I have no problem saying because I do believe the best is yet to be as you know.
Do you know that I have this on my phone?
Andia Xouris (05:22)
And then I look at your name and I that with me every day. Best as yet to be. it 100 times a day. But this is our fourth house in two years because- That's intense. Yeah. That's intense. Because, and this is funny because I'm with George 34 years and we've moved four times. And so this is like crazy.
Sara Abernethy (05:22)
And now I look at your name and I keep that like with me every day. Look at it a hundred times a day. Yeah, that's intense. That's intense. And this is funny because I'm with George 34 years and we've moved four times. So this is like crazy. But we lived in our first family house for 14 years, then moved to North Carolina, moved in a second.
Andia Xouris (05:44)
But we lived in our first family house for 14 years, moved into a, then moved to North Carolina, moved in a second family
house for 14 years. And then that's in 2024, we sold our family house because the kids were all grown. We're like, we don't need this big house. Let's downsize. The market was good.
And we found that we wanted to be in a different neighborhood. were in West Cary. We're like, let's do something different. We've lived in Cary, we've lived in Raleigh Triangle, whatever, 14 and a half years, and in the same neighborhood for that amount of time. We're like, let's do something different. So we looked into Raleigh, found this beautiful neighborhood that we love. Small homes, perfect for us, empty nesters. And this is an inside wave.
Sara Abernethy (06:01)
And we found that we wanted to be in different neighborhood. were in West Caryland. We're like, let's do something different. We've lived in Cary, we've lived in Raleigh Triangle, 14 and a half years, and in the same neighborhood for that amount of time. We're like, let's do something different. So we looked into Raleigh, found this beautiful neighborhood that we love. Small homes, perfect for us empty nesters. And. Where was that? This is an inside way.
Andia Xouris (06:26)
which I really really love because it has a whole variety of ages.
Sara Abernethy (06:27)
really really love because it has a whole variety of ages.
It's not all young people, it's not all old people, it's like all people from all walks of life with all stages of life and it feels really fun you know and the houses are smaller than I came from so it's very manageable. But that's probably what you want. It's what I want. Right now. There's nothing for sale. So we rented a year ago when we sold our big house and like that's okay this is the neighbor we love we'll rent for a year and then we'll just buy.
Andia Xouris (06:31)
It's not all young people. It's not all old people. It's like all people from all walks of life with all stages of life. And it feels really fun, you know? And the houses are smaller than I came from, so it's very manageable. But that's probably what you want. It's what I want. But there's nothing for sale. So we rented a year ago when we sold our big house and like, that's OK. This is the neighbor we love. We'll rent for a year and then we'll just buy.
And the year was up.
Sara Abernethy (06:56)
and the year was up
and there was nothing available and so we're renting a different house now. With the vision, we were absolutely going to buy it, no doubt. The right house will appear. It just sometimes feels tiring when you're in the chaos of boxes and moving and dogs that don't let you sleep, you know? Yes, we moved, when we moved here, we landed in Durham at first. Okay, from LA? No. Well, from San, so when we moved here from San Diego,
Andia Xouris (06:58)
and there was nothing available. And so we're renting a different house now. With the vision, we were absolutely going to buy it, no doubt. The house, the right house will appear. ⁓ It just sometimes feels tiring when you're in the chaos of boxes and moving and dogs that don't let you sleep, you know. Yes, we moved, when we moved here, we landed in Durham at first. Okay. From LA? No. Well, from San, so when we moved here from San Diego,
no, San Diego, okay.
Sara Abernethy (07:27)
I was like, why
don't you wanna move somewhere, honey, where you could afford to buy a house someday? And I definitely manipulated the situation, because I brought him to Durham in the fall. And Durham is, to me, so different from Raleigh, and it feels like small town, but like little city, and there was vegan food, and there, you know.
Andia Xouris (07:31)
somewhere honey where you could afford to buy a house someday. Yep. And definitely manipulated the situation because I brought him to Durham in the fall. my gosh. And Durham is to me so different from Raleigh. Yes. like small town but like little city. Yeah. And there was vegan food. You know. It's a fun
vibe for sure. was fun. And I had never lived in Durham. I grew up in Raleigh.
Sara Abernethy (07:55)
It was fun. I had never lived in Durham. I grew up in Raleigh and
then I went to school in Chapel Hill, but Durham was a part of the triangle I had never really spent any time in. We loved that house. We got married in the front yard of that house. when we bought that house, I was like, this is it. This is a family home. This is where we're going to be for the next 20 years. And we moved three other times, like.
Andia Xouris (07:59)
went to school in Chapel Hill, but Durham was a part of the triangle I had never really spent any time in. We loved that house. We got married in the front yard of that house. Oh oh wow, that's we bought that house, I was like, is it, this is the family home, this is where we're gonna be for the next 20 years. And we moved three other times. Okay.
Sara Abernethy (08:18)
Because that,
Andia Xouris (08:18)
Because that...
Sara Abernethy (08:20)
living in Durham did not make sense when we ultimately then had a restaurant in downtown Raleigh and we're both driving.
Andia Xouris (08:20)
Living in Durham did not make sense when we ultimately then had a restaurant in downtown Raleigh and we both driving separately.
Sara Abernethy (08:28)
separately, sometimes multiple times a day back and forth. And that was still, I mean, you don't realize how bad it is until we house sat for my parents who do live five minutes from Y Hill. And we were like, my God, my God, this is like so different. So then we moved ⁓
Andia Xouris (08:29)
Sometimes multiple times a day back and forth. I getcha. mean, you don't realize how bad it is until we house sat for my parents who do live five minutes from Weigh Hill and they're like, oh my God, oh my God. It's true. So different. then we moved.
Sara Abernethy (08:47)
to like ⁓ a basement rental situation, which was truly like kind of a dungeon. But the rent was,
Andia Xouris (08:47)
to like a basement rental situation, was truly like kind of a dumb thing. But it was ridiculous.
Sara Abernethy (08:57)
And so we were moving in there, we're like, all right, we're gonna buy a house in Raleigh, we're gonna rent this little tiny little hole, and we're gonna save our money. And then that's when COVID happened.
Andia Xouris (08:58)
So we're moving in there. like, all right, we're going to buy a house in Raleigh. We're going to have this little tiny little hole. Yeah. And we're going to save our money. And then that's when COVID.
Sara Abernethy (09:06)
And so we were like in the Yeah, during COVID, but we were so close to the restaurant and we were still in the restaurant every day at that time.
So like, I get it, I get it. And Chris has been like, will you stop? Like, when will you stop? But this is it. This was the reason why we went through all of that. And I really do think that this is the house that kids will graduate high school at.
Andia Xouris (09:14)
so you do get it, okay Chris has been like, will you stop? Like when will you stop? But this is it. This was reason why we went through all of that. And I really do think that this is the house that kids will graduate in high school.
I love it. And you are right.
That's a great reminder of you have to take steps. Sometimes you can't go from point A to point D. Well, you never go from point A to point D, I think, without going through B and C. Sometimes you could kind of leap over them, but typically you have to take the next step.
Sara Abernethy (09:35)
Yes.
But B and C can feel like what the hell am I doing?
Andia Xouris (09:47)
be in secret for some reason. No, exactly. and,
I, know, we have to, I have to be aware of my words because I preach all the time about, you know, positive mindset and, you know, manifesting and really truly following your vision. I do believe all that, but I'm also human. And some days I break and some days my dogs like today, like I told you, they've had me up since 6am. They were terribly behaved. They were horrible. I love them. They're wonderful, but they were
Sara Abernethy (09:54)
And when that's old, good old doggy doggy
Andia Xouris (10:17)
Very tough. Yeah, we have an old old lady. Yeah, an old old lady. And then a little guy who just has way too much
Sara Abernethy (10:18)
and sushi.
Andia Xouris (10:24)
energy and is living in a townhouse and it's pouring rain today. Although I took him out in the rain. I mean, I tried. I tried many times, many times. I always wanted a teeny tiny dog. I always wanted like a tiny tiny toy dog. Yeah. And then I imagined that we would have a teeny tiny toy dog and then also like a great date.
Sara Abernethy (10:28)
So they couldn't be bothered to go outside and pee. I always wanted a teeny tiny dog. I always wanted like a teeny tiny toy. And then I imagined that we would have a teeny tiny toy dog and then also like a Great Dane.
Andia Xouris (10:46)
Yep. I love, I love dogs. I'm not a dog person. We're just in a moment right now. You have two kids, two babies. Yeah. had one that we had this fence for and we sadly lost him. I'm sorry. Then it's just, it just doesn't make sense to that layer of complexity. A hundred percent. That's exactly what it is. A layer of complexity.
Sara Abernethy (10:46)
I love dogs, I love dogs, I'm a dog person. just in a moment right now where we... You have two kids. Yeah, yeah. We had one that we built this fence for and we sadly lost him and then it's just not, it just doesn't make sense to add that layer of complexity onto life. That's exactly what it is, a layer of complexity. Yeah.
So I always
Andia Xouris (11:10)
So I always.
Sara Abernethy (11:12)
thought ⁓ Ever since you came into my orbit, I assumed that you were Greek. And I think you do identify as culturally Greek. But I found out professionally stalking you that you're actually from Cyprus. Yes. And so that's where you were born and lived until you were six. And do you remember that?
Andia Xouris (11:12)
Thought ever since you came into my orbit I assumed that you were Greek and I think you do identify as culturally Greek but I found out professionally stalking you that you're actually from Cyprus Yeah, I'm a Greek Cypriot. Yes Greek Cypriot. And so that's where you were born. Yes until you were six. Mm-hmm. And do you remember? yeah.
Yeah very much so
It was a pretty fun childhood. I'm an only child and I lived in a tiny village with less than a thousand people in the whole village and my mom is one of seven siblings so the three of the seven had houses right next to each other. So we had dinner together every night and my grandmother lived around the corner and...
Sara Abernethy (11:44)
Yeah. I'm an only child and I lived in a tiny village with less than a thousand people in the whole village and my mom is one of seven siblings so the three of the seven had houses right next to each other. So we had dinner together every night.
Andia Xouris (12:07)
My mom was a nurse in the regional hospital and my dad traveled for work. my grandmother had me every day along with my cousin, one of my cousins who's a year older than I am.
Sara Abernethy (12:18)
And then was it just your nuclear family unit that immigrated?
Andia Xouris (12:23)
Me and my parents only. You've got people still there. Yeah. My mom, well, my mom went back. So my dad, My dad died
Sara Abernethy (12:23)
As you've got people still there. I assume. she did.
Andia Xouris (12:31)
14 years ago, unfortunately, when we first moved to North Carolina. He died of pancreatic cancer. Thank you. And she decided that home for her was Cyprus, which I completely get. It's her native language. Her family's still there. So she moved back. ⁓
And yeah, but my aunt's are still there. All my grandparents have passed, but aunt's cousins are there.
And now my mom. So when you were growing up there, did you also learn a little English and Greek or it was just you just spoke Greek? I just spoke Greek. I actually went to a private Catholic. I think it was Catholic school in Cyprus. was an Italian school, Roman Catholic. Yeah, I don't. But the school taught you. So I did kindergarten, first grade there. So they were like and they were all nun teachers and the teachers were all nuns. And all my cousins went there. It was kind of fun. It was like a great memory from childhood.
Sara Abernethy (12:57)
So when you were growing up there, did you also learn a little English and Greek or it was just you just spoke Greek?
you speak Italian? ⁓
Andia Xouris (13:25)
where all my cousins, even the ones in high school, because I was the youngest girl, we were all on the same bus riding to school together in our little uniforms and they always, you know, took care of me, protected me. Those good memories. What is it like there? I mean, is it a dreamy Mediterranean oasis? It's very dry. So it's a beautiful country. The Mediterranean Sea is stunning, but it is a very, very dry.
Sara Abernethy (13:36)
What is it like there? mean, is it a dreamy Mediterranean oasis? what? a very dry, so it's a beautiful country. The Mediterranean Sea is stunning, but it is a very, very dry
landscape. We have a lot of limestone, so a lot of white, rocky mountains.
Andia Xouris (13:52)
landscape. We have a lot of limestone, so a lot of rocky mountains,
guess you'd call them, hills. I don't know, really mountains, hills. A lot of white. ⁓ And then we have a lot of olive trees and just dark green, if there's any greenery, it's just dark. We do have some tall...
Cyprus tree. They're not actually Cyprus from Cyprus, but tall skinny pine trees or evergreens. Yeah, right. Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. Yeah. We do. Yes, we have great. Yes. Yeah. There's a good Greek Greek good white wine. We have seen a steady, which I think is one of our good Greek ⁓ white wines in Cyprus. But the red wines we have like that at Sina, I
Sara Abernethy (14:15)
They're not actually cypress from cypress, but tall, skinny pine trees. Yeah, like you think of in Tuscany or whatever. Like I call them like little Tim Burton trees because yes. And don't they grow grapes there? Isn't there some yummy, yummy wine? There's a good Greek white wine. have some Steady, which I think is one of our good white wines in Cypress. But the red wines we have.
Andia Xouris (14:45)
which is like a red sweeter wine maybe? They're not my favorite. Can I say that out loud? you say anything you want. Yeah, mean I prefer Italian wines. That's terrible to say. yeah, actually my son Alex loves the Cypriot Greek wine. That's what I heard. Okay, when I was like putting this together, I'm like, someone said to me that they recently discovered or like four
Sara Abernethy (14:50)
I mean, yeah, you can say anything you want. Yeah, I prefer Italian wines. Hey. But yeah, actually, my son Alex loves the so-called... That's who I heard it. OK, when I was like putting this together, I'm like, someone said to me that they recently discovered or like we're talking
about wines from Cyprus, but they couldn't get them here. And I can't remember that was. And it was your son. That's what it was.
Andia Xouris (15:09)
wines from Cyprus, but they couldn't get them here and I can't remember where wine It's Alex.
And our friend Doreen, who does wines also, she's the one that told us that I think Cyprus has some of the better this white Xynosteite wine, know, which is like a almost like like a Samoan. It's very, very tart and acidic. And I would imagine it's probably very dry, very
Sara Abernethy (15:31)
It's very, very tart and acidic. I would imagine it's probably very dry, very
mineral, but maybe like medium body. know, that's what I would would guess. mean, I'd love to try it someday. Yes, there's very few places to get it from here, but we did recently discover a restaurant that's exciting. OK, so you land here with your family when you're six in the north. So we landed in Maryland.
Andia Xouris (15:38)
Yeah.
Yeah. Yes, there's very few places to get it from here, but we did recently discover a restaurant that sells it. Yeah. OK, so you land here with your family when you're six in the north. So we landed in Maryland.
We moved to we landed at.
this airport in 1980. I do. It was very traumatic time. Very, very, very traumatic time. So basically one day I'm living my wonderful, happy life with all my family and friends and my dad.
Sara Abernethy (16:05)
airport in 1980. Like do you remember that? I do. was a very traumatic time. Oh. Very, very, very traumatic time. So basically one day...
Andia Xouris (16:18)
comes home and says, we're moving. So it was very traumatic. mean, and they didn't mean any harm by it. And of course today I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity. But when you're six and you don't speak a foreign language and you're an only child, you're, you know, it was not something I was looking forward to. It was very, very, very scary. I imagine, I'm just like imagining.
Sara Abernethy (16:39)
I imagine I was like imagining
you as a six-year-old Starting a new school not knowing anybody and I was wondering it did she speak any English when she came here? I know you didn't you had to learn all from scratch Yeah So we moved to Virginia, technically Dallas airport, we stayed with friends of my parents in Rockville Maryland. We lived there with them for a few months.
Andia Xouris (16:42)
Yeah. I didn't. No. My parents barely spoke English. Barely. So we moved to, we flew into, not New York, sorry, into Virginia, technically Dallas Airport, but we stayed with friends of my parents in Rockville, Maryland. We lived there with them for a few months
and then until we got, you know, we basically had nothing and we had to
Find our way around my dad was incredible. He was my favorite human and he found Opportunities he basically just kept finding opportunities and we just kept moving so The first year I repeated first grade so I had done first grade in Cyprus but because I didn't speak the language of teachers here decided to have me repeat first grade and My first grade teacher in Maryland was wonderful and she spent the summer months because we moved July
of 1980, she spent the summer tutoring me to get me ready for school. But it was very hard. Yeah, good.
So, and then just when I thought I was getting a little settled, my parents decided to move me. And so in second grade, I went to a new school with new kids and then they did it again in third grade and then again in fourth grade. So I never grew up having roots. It was horrible. Yeah. But worse because it was traumatic every time I still didn't, it took me years to speak the language. You know, I mean, it was just shitty.
Sara Abernethy (18:07)
I was like a military kid in a way.
It was traumatic every time. It took me years to speak the language.
So where did you meet George? Your husband. ⁓
Andia Xouris (18:20)
So where did you meet George So My wonderful soul me ⁓
So I met George at a Greek festival. So here's a little backstory of that So because I grew up moving so much I went to three different high schools alone. I was just seven different schools growing up
So my junior year of high school, we were living in Maryland. We had moved from New York, from Maryland to different parts of Maryland, then to New York, then to New Jersey, then to Maryland. Then I was in Maryland in high school. I started in New Jersey, then I went to Maryland. And when I was a junior in high school, I had a boyfriend and I was starting to like feel a little settled. And my parents wanted to move back to New Jersey.
And for the first time in my life, I stood up to them and I'm like, no, I have a boyfriend. Like I want to, you know, graduate from a school that I know people at. I finally have friends and this is not, this is before cell phones. wasn't like, let me text my friend that I knew in New Jersey. You know, like it didn't happen. So the deal was
that I moved in with one of my friends and her family and my parents like paid rent to them. My parents left and they went to New Jersey. I stayed in Maryland. The deal was when I graduated high school, I'm moving home and I'm gonna go to like community college in New Jersey where my parents were.
So fast forward 1992, I graduated high school. I moved back to New Jersey and
Sara Abernethy (19:42)
I graduated high school, I moved back to New Jersey, and
two weeks into college, we went to a Greek festival. I had just started college. Two weeks later, we go into Greek festival with my parents and my best friend, and George was a drummer. He was on stage, black, curly hair, tall, handsome.
Andia Xouris (19:46)
Two weeks into college, we went to a Greek festival. I just started college. Two weeks later, we go into Greek festival with my parents and my best friend. And George was a drummer playing on stage, black curly hair, tall, handsome,
very tan Greek man. And I swore, by the way, I would never even date a Greek man because my dad was so stubborn. so I loved him, but he was, know, Greek men are not exactly, you know, sometimes the most easygoing. So and they have a lot of judgments on women and things. I'm like, that's not what I wanted for my future.
Sara Abernethy (20:01)
Very tan Greek man. And I swore by the way, would never even date a Greek man because my dad was so stubborn and so I loved him, but was, know, Greek men are not exactly, you know, sometimes the most easygoing. So. Sure. And they have a lot of judgments on women and things like that. Sure.
Andia Xouris (20:17)
So I swear I would never even go near a Greek man. And so I saw him on stage and I looked at my best friend who was with me and I honestly, and I know now like I have a lot of intuitive senses in me. I didn't know at the time, but I looked at my best friend who was with me and I said literally word for word, my God, that's the man I'm gonna marry.
And she's like, oh, you're so crazy. She started laughing. I'm like, I don't know what it is. I just knew. I have goosebumps. This is 34 years later I'm saying this. I just knew. I don't know how. just knew. I heard it in my head. That's the man you're going to marry. I had the same experience. You did? That's crazy. Chris was not a drummer. And we were not at a Greek festival. I mean, very quickly after meeting, I.
Sara Abernethy (20:36)
I had the same experience. You did? Yes. Chris was not a drummer and we were not at a Greek festival but I mean...
very quickly after meeting. I've
Andia Xouris (21:02)
And I've never heard anybody else really describe it in the same way, but it was just sort of this like something clicked and this inner knowing said, this is it. Yeah. Wow. You found him. Yeah. This is it.
Sara Abernethy (21:02)
never heard anybody else really describe it in the same way, but it was just sort of this like something clicked and this inner knowing said, this is it. You found him. This is it.
Andia Xouris (21:13)
That's so cool. And he drives me cuckoo bananas. He did then and he does now. But I mean, I was I was sold. Yeah. Instantly. And then I just never really worried about.
Sara Abernethy (21:14)
and he drives me cuckoo bananas. He did then and he does now. But I mean, was sold instantly. And then I just never really worried about,
Andia Xouris (21:27)
As a young person, remember feeling so stressed about wanting to be chosen in a number of different ways. And that was really exacerbated in the performing ecosystem.
Sara Abernethy (21:27)
as a young person, I remember feeling so stressed about wanting to be chosen in a number of different ways. And that was really exacerbated in the performing ecosystem.
but also romantically, just dying to be chosen. Yeah, and then met that guy and then never thought about it again. Yeah,
Andia Xouris (21:42)
But also romantically, just dying to be chosen. Sure. Yeah. And then met that guy and then never thought about it Wow. Yeah.
Sara Abernethy (21:51)
it's pretty magical.
Andia Xouris (21:51)
And you release it. Yeah, it is. like you
recognize it, then you release it, and that's when you attract it to you even more. So who talked to who? Did he come to talk to you? So during his break, he took a break, obviously. And I saw my mom talking to him, because my mom's best friend, who also was at that church, knew his family. And so I saw them. And my mom's like, oh, come over. Come meet George. And so.
Sara Abernethy (21:59)
So who talked to who? Did he come to talk to you?
Andia Xouris (22:19)
when I met George and I was incredibly shy and very introverted and very quiet, but I don't know honestly where that courage came from. And just started talking to him and you know, somehow he asked me for my phone number and we didn't have anything to write it on. And so he took a dollar bill out of his pocket that he had and wrote it on with a pen on like the side of the dollar bill. We still have it framed at home. Yeah.
Sara Abernethy (22:46)
You were like it's off the table
Andia Xouris (22:47)
And then we, he called me and we spoke on the phone for like two hours. And I think before that, before I actually spoke to him for the first time, I found that he was 14 years older than me. And I was like devastated because I'm like, there's, he was 32 and I was 18. So I like, there's no way, yeah, there's no way this man is going to want to go out with me. And I was very like, I didn't know how I felt about a 32 year old man, you
know, but.
When I spoke to my parents, because our families knew each other, we had mutual friends, and they're like, George is a really good man, like he comes from a really great family, that made you feel safer. It's not like you were dating like a, you know, a 32 year old man that you have no idea who they were or what they were doing. So that helped. But it was so crazy because whenever we were together, it did not feel like we had a 14 year age difference. didn't, you know, and to this day, like it's just like.
We're completely different generations. Like he's actually a boomer. He's at the end of the tail of the boomers. And I'm a Gen X. Yeah. So very different and grew up in very different households. Like both Greek, but very different. And like we just...
Sara Abernethy (23:48)
He's a boomer and your gen X. Yeah. Wow.
Andia Xouris (24:03)
He's the greatest. I'm not saying like there hasn't been 34 years of pure bliss. Yeah, no, because that would be, exactly. would not, But he's absolutely my soulmate. We dated three months and got engaged. And then, yeah.
Sara Abernethy (24:04)
I'm not saying it hasn't been 34 years of cure. Bliss. Well, no, that doesn't exist. Exactly.
Andia Xouris (24:18)
So we met in 92 got married in 94 and this was in New Jersey We met at a Staten Island festival on Staten Island, New York, but then he lived on Staten Island I lived in New Jersey and then we three months later I moved in with him and he because he was a grown man. He had a two-family house So I moved in with him and
Sara Abernethy (24:21)
this was in New Jersey where you met?
How to life
Andia Xouris (24:38)
So you got married?
Sara Abernethy (24:38)
So you got married
New Jersey.
And then what made you decide to move to North Carolina? You know the joke, Cary, central area of relocated
Andia Xouris (24:43)
Decide to move to North Carolina. You know the joke Cary central area relocated.
Sara Abernethy (24:49)
I mean, that was you. Right?
Andia Xouris (24:50)
that's
Sara Abernethy (24:52)
Like,
brought you down here?
Andia Xouris (24:54)
Yeah
Sara Abernethy (24:57)
So...
Andia Xouris (24:56)
So
Gosh so much of the story ⁓ One of the things that drew George and me together was this love of entrepreneurship like when we were dating we knew someday we'd be entrepreneurs and my dad was an entrepreneur and I watched him build an amazing company and so
This was like our, we knew that was what our drive was, our hunger for more. And when we were in New Jersey, George ⁓ worked for different companies, but basically in the financial software world. And then in 2010, his whole world, our whole world fell apart because every deal he was working on, you know, fell apart because of the economy and everything that was going on in the world.
And we had a very, very, very big house with a very, very big mortgage and crazy property taxes in New Jersey.
for an entire year, we were holding on. like, we can do it. We have savings. Thank God we have savings. We're going to be fine. We're going to get better. He's going to find a job. And it wasn't getting better. And he kept coming back to me and saying, we got to get out of here. We can't afford New Jersey. We got to get out of here. And I'm like, where the hell are we going to go? So we considered Northern Virginia, because his sister, who's one of my closest friends, lives in Northern Virginia. But honestly, NOVA is just as expensive as New Jersey was. So it didn't make sense to go there. Totally.
Sara Abernethy (26:02)
considered Northern Virginia because his sister, who's one of my closest friends, lives in Northern Virginia. But honestly, Nova's just...
Totally, right
near DC? Yeah, absolutely.
Andia Xouris (26:12)
DC? yeah, it was crazy expensive. So we didn't know where to go.
And George suggested North Carolina because he'd visited, has aunts who, know, an aunt who lives here and he's like, it's a really beautiful state. They have a lot of public universities. Like it's a great place, more affordable. So basically one day out of desperation, I Googled best places to raise families in North Carolina and Cary came up. Cary, Green Hope High School, think, was like the number one high school in all of North Carolina. And Alyssa, my daughter,
my older one was starting high school and so
We moved with the kids and we did things very differently. And I learned from my childhood what I did want and what I didn't want to repeat. Right. And one of the things I was not going to repeat was this plucking you up because it traumatized me so much to have no stability in my childhood. So we sat our kids down and my kids knew, you know, dad had lost his job. Like things were tight for sure. I wasn't working at the time. And so we sat them down and said, okay, guys, we have this opportunity.
Sara Abernethy (26:46)
So you moved with the kids. We were with the kids and we did things very differently and I learned from my childhood what I did want and what I didn't want to repeat. One the things I was not going to repeat was this plucking you up because it traumatized me so much to have no stability in my childhood. we sat our kids down and my kids knew that Dad had lost his job, things were tight for sure. wasn't working at
And so we sat them down and said, okay guys, we have this opportunity.
We're gonna go check out this area. What do you guys think? And we decided as a family, and the kids were amazing kids, and our son Alex was starting middle school, he was starting sixth grade, and Alyssa was starting ninth grade.
Andia Xouris (27:15)
We're going to go check out this area. What do you guys think? And we decided as a family and the kids were amazing kids. And our son, Alex was starting middle school. He was starting sixth grade. Alyssa was starting ninth grade
Sara Abernethy (27:26)
And
Literally within two months of driving down and checking out the area, we just said, let's do it. And we made the move.
Andia Xouris (27:27)
Literally within two months of driving down and checking out the area, we just said, let's do it. And we made the
Sara Abernethy (27:34)
Amazing. Were you in Cary near Green Hope?
Andia Xouris (27:34)
Amazing. Were you in Cary near Greenville?
Sara Abernethy (27:37)
We did, yeah.
Andia Xouris (27:37)
We did. Yeah, we
Sara Abernethy (27:38)
in
Andia Xouris (27:38)
in West
Sara Abernethy (27:39)
Yep, I was someone to Green Hope High School, Allison, with Davis Drive Middle School. OK.
Andia Xouris (27:39)
Yep. Alyssa went to Green Hope High School. Alex went to Davis Drive Middle School. Okay.
So
Sara Abernethy (27:43)
so
Andia Xouris (27:43)
I know that you as a family made the decision that you would be at home while George pursued a career.
Sara Abernethy (27:43)
I know that you, as a family, made the decision that you would be at home while George pursued a career.
And I also know that you were really itchy during that time. But can you talk a little bit about how you guys approached that? How did you come to that decision that he would go slay dragons, as Michelle Obama says, and that you would tend the nest?
Andia Xouris (27:52)
And I also know that you were really itchy during that time. But can you talk a little bit about how you guys approached that? How did you come to that decision that he would go slay dragons, as Michelle Obama says, and that you would tend the nest?
Well, that's a tough one because it was never a one. It was not one conversation where it was, okay, this is how we're going to do things. It was, I'm in love with you. I know you're the one for me. And I also recognize that you're 34 when we got married. He was 34 and I was 20 and, um, he loved me and respected me I was in college and I was trying to do that. And I stayed in college for a while. Um, but
I also know he was more of a hurry to have kids than I was obviously, because he was getting a little bit older. He didn't want to be like an old dad. I understand that. And so we talked about having kids and kind of settling down. And he always knew I was very, very vocal. And I share my story today with whoever I speak with. And too, I always say, share your truth with your partner. And I always shared my truth. He knew I wanted more.
And even when I got pregnant with Alyssa and I had to quit working, I mean, I had to quit school because I had to now get a job and help out a little bit for a little bit, not for long, but.
I was very vocal to him, like, I'm going to go back to college someday. There's more in me. Like I would always say that I'm going go back to college. And he never said no, but it was like, Andia, don't worry. Like I've got this. You stay home with the kids. I'll, you know, he made good money. Yeah, exactly. And you know what? That's remember I said, I didn't want to Greek.
Sara Abernethy (29:27)
I'll provide. Yeah. And you know, remember I said I didn't want a
guy? Like he grew up in a very traditional Greek home and that's what he knew. And he thought he was like being my superhero by being the provider.
Andia Xouris (29:33)
guy like it was very like he grew up in a very traditional greek home and that's what he knew and he thought he was like being my superhero by being the provider
and providing a wonderful life for us
Sara Abernethy (29:45)
think a lot of
men, even if they're feminist men, feel that way. And that's where they glean a lot of their self-worth is their ability to provide the nest. I really do. It's hard to ignore that.
Andia Xouris (29:49)
Yeah, yes, and that's where they glean a lot of their self-worth. Yes their ability to Provide the nest. Yes. I really do. It's it's Hard to ignore. Yes, it's an innate, you know sense in him too. I think that's 100 % right he Wasn't
trying to take away from my worth, but he was trying to
prove his worth right and that's how that's what he thought at the time now he says he has regrets i'm like don't have regrets because everything happens the way it's meant to but he thought that's how he was providing his worth for his
Sara Abernethy (30:23)
but he thought that's how he was providing his work for his family.
Andia Xouris (30:28)
chris has never spoken this aloud but i i really think he feels the same way and i also think that as a result when the business is in times of
Sara Abernethy (30:28)
Chris has never spoken this aloud, but I really think he feels the same way. And I also think that as a result, when the business is in times of...
or when the business is financially stretched, it really weighs on him, and I think that's part of it, because he just wants to be a pillar that holds the family up. But we never had that conversation, and I always assumed that after kids coming back into the business that we would come to this decision together and have...
Andia Xouris (30:39)
Famine yeah, you know or when the business is financially stretched it really weighs on him and think that's part of it yes, he just wants he wants to be a Pillar that holds the family exactly. Yeah, but we never had that conversation and I always assumed that after kids coming back into the business that we would like come to this decision together and have
Mutual discussion about it. Yeah
Sara Abernethy (31:05)
a mutual discussion about it and it just never happened that
Andia Xouris (31:10)
and now I've become the default parent which I don't I'm not mad about but I would be lying if I said I didn't grapple with resentment about it because I always thought it would be a Shared endeavor like yes, this was a shared endeavor and that family life. Yes
Sara Abernethy (31:10)
now I've become the default parent, which I don't, I'm not mad about, but I would be lying if I said I didn't grapple with resentment about it because I always thought it would be a.
a shared endeavor, like the business was a shared endeavor and that family life would be a shared endeavor,
but it's just not worked out that
It's like so much easier for him to drive the business and me to ride shotgun where it is for me to drive home and him to ride shotgun. And I resent that at
Andia Xouris (31:32)
it's like so much easier for him to drive the business and me to ride shotgun where it is for me to drive home and him to ride shotgun. And I resent that.
Yes.
Sara Abernethy (31:45)
Did you feel that way?
Andia Xouris (31:45)
I did you feel that
Very
much so. A lot of resentment and a lot of pain and a lot of hurt. And and sometimes I'd be vocal. Sometimes I wasn't. And ⁓ now
I mean, George knows everything. I now if I don't speak my truth, like he's like, all right, what's up? You know, there's something going on with you,
⁓ and, and we have completely like made a complete turnaround, like a 180 turnaround between, our roles because George never did laundry. He never cooked. He never, you know, did anything to help clean. Cause we always had a house cleaner, right? And now when I, started growing this company and I realized that I was going to take like a bigger role. He does a laundry. He'll help with dinner and it's so amazing. And I love it. I love.
Having him do the things that I always used to do and I say to him like you see it's it's hard It's hard. It's hard to do it all. It's hard to clean. It's hard to cook It's hard to think about it's just hard to figure out what the heck you're gonna cook for dinner every friggin
Sara Abernethy (32:40)
to clean, hard to cook, it's hard to think about. It's just hard to figure out what the heck you're gonna cook for dinner every freaking
Every day. You have to feed these kids three times a day every
Andia Xouris (32:50)
it's hard
Sara Abernethy (32:49)
It's hard. And
like, I don't actually mind the cooking, it's just the
Andia Xouris (32:55)
Yeah, I agree. Yeah, I love cooking I love cooking but yes, and and and I don't know about your hubby, but mine
Sara Abernethy (32:55)
Yeah, I agree. I love cooking. I love cooking.
Andia Xouris (33:02)
heavy I said him what do you want he's like oh I don't care whatever you want like that doesn't help me that makes it right no give me an idea what do you what what should I go get exactly
Sara Abernethy (33:06)
And that doesn't help me. Whatever you want. No. Give me a lane.
Andia Xouris (33:16)
It
Sara Abernethy (33:17)
is very easy to feel resentful of taking on all of these domestic tasks when you yourself have a very busy
Andia Xouris (33:17)
is very easy to feel resentful of taking on all of these domestic tasks when you yourself have a very busy
Yeah.
Sara Abernethy (33:27)
and an instinct to create things. Then not nurturing that part of yourself and only doing the maintenance of life
Andia Xouris (33:27)
And an instinct to create things. Yeah. Then not nurturing that part of yourself and only doing the maintenance of life.
Yeah.
is miserable.
Sara Abernethy (33:38)
is miserable.
Andia Xouris (33:40)
Yeah. Do know what I mean? then it's complicated because it's not that you don't love your family. Right. my family. I'm so grateful for them and I'm grateful for their health and I'm grateful they're here and I have this home that we did you ever wrestle with that
Sara Abernethy (33:41)
Do you know what I mean? And then it's complicated because it's not that you don't love your family. I love my family. I'm so grateful for them. And I'm grateful for their health. And I'm grateful they're here. this home that we you ever wrestle with that
110%. And that's.
Andia Xouris (33:57)
110 % and that's
I I think every human should understand what we're talking about, but if they don't we'll explain it right? like humans are complicated like there's so many different parts of us right and so if you compartmentalize and you have your you know your home life and you have your career and you have your Your activities that you enjoy doing and you have your social like we we need all of these different things
You can't just be one thing. And I say this to my kids who are two of my very best adult friends, by the way. They're 30 and almost 27. we are incredibly close. And we're incredibly close with George, too. And now I have a wonderful son-in-law. And we're close with him. And I share my truth with them.
They know like when they were young and I was home and I did everything, Girl Scout leader, PTA, like I was so freaking involved because I needed more. Like what else am I gonna do? Like, yeah, what else can I do besides be home and cook and do laundry all day when the kids are in school? And I mean, I have no regrets and I'm so grateful for that part of my life and I got to spend my time with them and I was there to raise them, which is amazing. But it's okay that there's a part of me that was still missing.
Sara Abernethy (34:45)
Stimulation.
Andia Xouris (35:06)
And I think that's what women need permission to, you know, be okay with themselves on. Like, it's almost as if we're not allowed to give ourselves permission to feel something more than we're feeling. And when Alex started kindergarten...
One of my local friends, her husband worked at an insurance agency and he like kind of recruited me. He's like, you gotta come, you could do this, you know, whatever. And I got into it. And for a year and a half, I was killing it in, you know, this world of life insurance. And I loved it because I was working with families and teaching them about the importance of life insurance. And at that same time, my home life completely suffered because my family was used to me being around all the time.
But my meetings were nights and weekends. mean, I was selling insurance. Like you're meeting with families. And so that made it even harder because I finally had this other part of me that I was desperately seeking. And I was feeling very fulfilled and I felt like I was balancing everything. But my husband and kids didn't feel that. They missed mom and they missed Andia and they missed having me there for dinner. And so I let that go. And that made me even more resentful.
Sara Abernethy (35:50)
Totally.
Andia Xouris (36:15)
because now I finally found what I was seeking and then, and I was thriving and I was doing great. And when I finally had to quit, my friend who was my boss is like, why, why are you doing so great? I'm like, because my family has to come first. And so, and it was always like, I'm going to find it. It's going to happen. The timing is going to be right. And
I could have never pegged this path that I've created, but here we are and it's been pretty
Sara Abernethy (36:46)
kids are exactly like my kids.
Andia Xouris (36:48)
three Yeah
Sara Abernethy (36:49)
with a girl first and a boy
It's just so amazing because they, I kind of meant to get into this later, but they clearly love each other. It's gonna make me cry. They love each other and to see.
Andia Xouris (36:57)
love each other. They love each other and to see
Sara Abernethy (37:04)
An example of grown kids that are so close and work together and work in a family business. It's like showing me that that even though we make a lot of sacrifices right now that that is an option that could be our
Andia Xouris (37:04)
an example of grown kids that are so close and work together and work in a family business, it's like showing me that even though we make a lot of sacrifices right now, that that is an That could be. Absolutely. That's amazing.
25 years and it's just it's very special to see what they
Sara Abernethy (37:26)
In. 25 years and it's just it's very special to see what they
Sara Abernethy (37:36)
Just a quick break in today's conversation to extend an invitation to you. Your listenership and your support of the podcast truly, truly means the world to me. And it does take a significant amount of resources to produce this podcast. So if you have enjoyed these conversations,
If you want to help continue ensuring that these conversations and this visibility are available to the women in our community and the people who need it most, I invite you to join our Her Seat at the Table Patreon community. You can join for as little as $3 a month, which is basically like buying me a cup of coffee, which would be very appreciated.
And I do have some cute perks in there, everything from doing a live shout out of your name on an upcoming episode, all the way to an invitation to the upcoming Her Seat at the Table dinner party, which I host in the fall of each year in Raleigh, North Carolina. So thank you for considering. Thank you for listening. And let's jump back into our conversation.
Andia Xouris (38:44)
all that to say.
Sara Abernethy (38:41)
Woo! Anyway, all that to say,
Andia Xouris (38:46)
2014 Alyssa's graduating high school. You're about to start this next I started it. Yeah, and
Sara Abernethy (38:46)
2014, Alyssa's graduating high school. You're about to start this next era, and that is when you opened your first store?
Andia Xouris (38:54)
No, so we started the business in 2014 when Alyssa was graduating high school But for the first three years of the business, we were just doing wholesale and catering
Sara Abernethy (38:54)
No, so we started the business in 2014 when Alyssa was graduating high but for the first three years of the business, we were just doing wholesale catering.
Andia Xouris (39:03)
So I made like custom flavors for lots of local restaurants and we were doing farmers markets and we started doing like ice cream socials at offices and George kept his full-time job
Sara Abernethy (39:14)
two questions. Why ice cream?
Andia Xouris (39:14)
Two questions. Why?
That's a great question. That's all George 100 % George ⁓ and this is why I know we are soulmates because we complement each other in so many ways if it weren't for him coming up with the idea which I'll share how and also pushing me to keep going we wouldn't be where we are today honestly 100 % it's all him I'm gonna cry now but ⁓ I know like he's that's he's absolutely my soulmate I love him so much and he drives me crazy too I
Sara Abernethy (39:38)
you
Andia Xouris (39:41)
I get it
Sara Abernethy (39:42)
And I get it.
Andia Xouris (39:43)
you know I love him so much but so when we were in New Jersey
There was a
little ice cream shop that we would visit and it was in our little town and it was a gold mine and it was always busy and it always brought people together and every time we would go George is like we need to buy this place. We need to buy this place. He'd strategize. I told you earlier when we were dating we always talked about someday doing something
Well I'm sure both of you throughout your entire lives you're like business opportunity, business opportunity. do it, Chris and I do it too. We can't help
Sara Abernethy (40:04)
Well in a biz I'm sure both of you throughout your entire lives you're like business opportunity business opportunity you I do it Chris and I do it too we can't help
Andia Xouris (40:11)
it. Yeah. When we were in New Jersey though and I'm so grateful that things have changed but
we could never afford anything because it was just so darn expensive and our lifestyle was very expensive. George made great money, but it was a big house, big prop, like all the things. It's just expensive. It makes it very hard to start for us anyway, to start anything there. but we always had the vision. So when we moved to North Carolina in 2010, because he lost his job, we moved down with no job by the way, like, you know, it was a big leap of faith, did not know a soul here, but chose it and decided, okay, we're going to make this work.
like literally two months in, he said to me, know that little ice cream shop, was called, ⁓ polar cub. And some people, it's funny because there are people in Cary who are from New Jersey and they know polar cup. It's a teeny weeny little bit. still there. And, that was what inspired us. So
He said to me, you know, that little polar cub, like we should, let's open, let's go into the ice cream business. And I thought he was crazy. And before he came to me, he, my husband is absolutely a, ⁓ a researcher. He's very, very anal and he did all his research and he came with facts and he said, listen, there's an ice cream association and they have their national convention coming up. It's in Jacksonville, Florida. We can drive down. Let's go check it out. And I couldn't argue. like, okay, all right, well you got it. You know, let's go look. thought you're, I thought he was crazy.
Sara Abernethy (41:03)
He said to me, you know that little pull-up cup, let's go into the ice cream business. And I thought he was crazy. And before he came to me, my husband is absolutely a researcher. He's very, very anal.
We
Andia Xouris (41:33)
We went to the convention.
Sara Abernethy (41:33)
went to the convention just to do research and it was the friendliest, nicest group of humans.
Andia Xouris (41:35)
just to do research. And it was the friendliest, nicest group of humans
ever. The happiest group. Ice cream is a happy business. People in the ice cream business are pretty happy. And we just met a bunch of people and started, you know, asking them like, can we come visit you? And we made friends who are now mentors and just, it's a fun, incredible world. And that's how it all began because of him. And I, and like the first few years were very challenging, just finding dairy in this area. Like there's not a lot of dairy here and finding everything.
Figuring it all out and how we're gonna make it and all the things if George didn't keep pushing I would have I would have quit I would have quit so it's all because of him.
Yeah
Sara Abernethy (42:13)
Why would you have quit?
mean, as someone who said,
quitting many times.
Andia Xouris (42:20)
never
I mean, if you think, if you analyze my life, I grew up doing nothing but moving, never feeling settled, never like, I remember my mom taking me out of Brownies because she just couldn't, you know, I was, we were just immigrants, like we're in the country for two years and I joined Brownies and I was so excited. She's like, no, I can't take you to the meetings because she was working and I had to quit. Like, I don't think I ever stuck to anything in my life besides my marriage, which is great. But I'm glad that's the one thing I decided to stick to.
I don't think I had it in me to just keep going because it got hard. And I think that's is nice to have a business partner who's also your life partner. You know that like, cause Jordan, even to this day, all these years later in business, like we both have good days and we both have bad days. Luckily it's not usually on the same day and we remind each other why we're doing this, you know? So
is the
Sara Abernethy (43:13)
Is the, I
feel like with ice cream, there's this romanticizing of just simple pleasures. that part of it?
Andia Xouris (43:15)
I feel like with ice cream, there's this romanticizing of just simple pleasures. that part of
Sara Abernethy (43:22)
Would you say for some of these ice cream, you ice cream
Andia Xouris (43:22)
you say for some of these ice cream... 110%. You ice
Sara Abernethy (43:25)
are a tribe,
Andia Xouris (43:25)
folk are a tribe.
Sara Abernethy (43:27)
right? You are a tribe.
Andia Xouris (43:27)
Yes, we You are a tribe.
Sara Abernethy (43:29)
And I've met several ice cream people that you also know, and I love them. But that's part of it for you.
Andia Xouris (43:29)
I've met several ice cream people that you also know and I just love them. Yeah, yeah. But that's part of it for you.
Sara Abernethy (43:38)
Yes, it is a sexy, fun, wild.
Andia Xouris (43:39)
Yes, it is a sexy, fun, wild,
it's the perfect business for somebody who's creative like me. And we didn't cover this, but I grew up in a very culinary minded family. were very, my grandmother was the personal chef to the president of the country that I came from.
My mom and my aunt's my mom had all her sisters were phenomenal cooks and my grandmother's and so and my godmother You know like all of the women in my life were phenomenal cooks and that was my passion. It's still my passion That's why I do love to cook if only George would give me ideas for what to make for dinner But I do love to cook
And ice cream is very creative
Sara Abernethy (44:15)
I want you to come,
Andia Xouris (44:16)
Did you make ice cream for fun with the fam before George came to you with this what sounds like a rock-solid sales pitch? yeah,
Sara Abernethy (44:16)
Did you make ice cream for fun with the fam before George came to you with this, what sounds like a rock solid sales pitch, quite frankly?
Andia Xouris (44:25)
no, no and no I because I just cooked I never I never even really baked too much Yeah, I was always very aware of what my family was eating. So we didn't do a lot of sugars or whatever ironically,
Sara Abernethy (44:25)
No.
Yeah.
Yeah, yeah.
Andia Xouris (44:35)
but
No, no, and it was very very scary and I think once we started learning it we went to the convention we went to three conventions before even starting a business which is funny because we have like we we we you know Say we have the reputation for you know being the ones that go to most conventions without having an actual business But it was fun. We got
know a lot of people Yeah,
Sara Abernethy (44:54)
I don't think that's silly. I actually think that's very smart
Andia Xouris (44:58)
get a sense for what is the tone of this industry? are the players in it? What are they talking about? And if you're going
Sara Abernethy (44:58)
to get a sense for what is the tone of this industry? Who are the players in it? What are they talking about? And if you're going
to conventions, you're probably eavesdropping on what challenges people are having in the field already, right? And getting ideas about like, I resonate with that. I don't resonate with that. I think that's really
Andia Xouris (45:05)
to conventions you're probably eavesdropping on what challenges people are having in the field already, right? Yeah, yeah. Getting ideas about like, I resonate with that, I don't resonate with that. I think that's really
Sara Abernethy (45:15)
I wish there was something like that
Andia Xouris (45:14)
Yeah. I wish there was something like that
Sara Abernethy (45:18)
for, well, I guess there's fab.
Andia Xouris (45:18)
for...
we love
Sara Abernethy (45:20)
Which,
you so excited to
Andia Xouris (45:23)
So excited about fab I am so grateful and can we talk about fab? So I learned about fab when I was doing the well program so I did as you did as well.
Sara Abernethy (45:23)
Yes.
Andia Xouris (45:34)
both did well ⁓
Sara Abernethy (45:33)
I think I've talked about the WELL program
and Fab in every single conversation so far. So it does track, yes.
Andia Xouris (45:36)
in every single conversation. So it does trick
you.
So one of my mentors from Well told me you got to go to Fab. It's like the greatest conference. I went four years ago and I took ⁓ part of my team and fell in love with Randy, who's the creator of Fab, fell in love with Fab, fell in with the women. Like it's so authentic, so real. I absolutely love it. And that first conference four years ago became my, I put it
the universe I will speak here someday. I just resonate so much with her message and just the culture and the environment she creates. And so when I was asked to speak this is my first year speaking I literally call Randy crying.
Yeah. I was so grateful and excited. Happy. call Randy thanking her. So I'm like beyond ecstatic. It is the biggest honor of my life. Truly. I
Sara Abernethy (46:22)
were you crying? Happy. Okay. Happy cries. my God.
Andia Xouris (46:32)
love I'm serious and I am serious. I'm so serious. I am so grateful to be a part of the speakers at fab because they so many of them have inspired me and my team and we've worked with several of them already and partnered with several of them already and just met incredible humans. And I hope that I can
Inspire, know some of the guests this
Sara Abernethy (46:53)
You some of the that happened this
Andia Xouris (46:56)
and it's not a question. Thank you.
Sara Abernethy (46:56)
It's not a question. Thank you. You will.
Andia Xouris (46:58)
you. I just so excited Yeah, thank you.
Sara Abernethy (46:59)
By just being you. Thank Yes, you will.
Andia Xouris (47:03)
you. I was gonna get into this a little bit later, but I Have speaking of you inspiring people I have a little Instagram album of saved posts for like I like how this person did this thing or I want to make a piece of content like this for later
Sara Abernethy (47:03)
I was gonna get into this a little bit later, but I...
have, speaking of you inspiring people, I have a little Instagram album of saved posts for like, I like how this person did this thing, or I want to make a piece of content like this for later. And you know, I have
your content saved in my little album before I'd ever met you.
Andia Xouris (47:21)
saved in my little album before I'd ever met you.
my god that's crazy.
Sara Abernethy (47:26)
Of just like how you hold yourself and I'm doing this video at home with ice cream and I'm making a cocktail or I'm doing this format in this episode. And then and then we met each other. And so it was like meant to be I know, I just want to tell you that I thought that might make you
Andia Xouris (47:26)
That's crazy. just like how you hold yourself and I'm doing this video at home with ice cream and I'm making a cocktail. Yeah. Or I'm doing this format in this episode. That's crazy. And then we met each other. That's crazy. I know I just wanted to tell you that. thought that make you
Sara Abernethy (47:38)
feel
Andia Xouris (47:38)
feel good.
you. I appreciate that.
Sara Abernethy (47:41)
so you will inspire people for
Andia Xouris (47:41)
so you will inspire people
Thank you.
I think because I had such a late start with career and all the things that are like who I
am as a woman and as a leader, you know, I am just doing the scariest things ever. I'm just, I'm not going to stop doing scary things. And that is so scary to me. It's so scary. Well, just everything, like putting myself out. I've never wanted to be seen before. Like I've, I've
Sara Abernethy (47:58)
the scariest things ever and I'm I'm not gonna stop doing scary things and that is so scary to me. Speaking? Well, just everything, like putting myself out, I've never wanted to be seen before. Like I've
always been like a behind the scenes kind of person. Even though I'm such a stranger, I'm such a leader, I've always been a strong personality as far as being a leader.
Andia Xouris (48:11)
I've always been like a behind the scenes kind of person even though it's such a strange because I'm such a leader I am I've always been a strong personality like as far as being a leader,
Sara Abernethy (48:19)
you also seem that
Andia Xouris (48:19)
I've never wanted to be
Sara Abernethy (48:21)
very clear on, this is what I want.
Andia Xouris (48:21)
Now
Sara Abernethy (48:24)
Now I am, yes. And this is what I don't want. Yes.
Andia Xouris (48:24)
am yes now yes, but
I'm 52 years old and I think that comes with a lot of experience a lot of
experiencing things that I know I don't want and experiencing things or like having a taste of the things that I want and maybe like that feeling of like I love how I feel right now I want to feel this all the time how do I yes how do I keep that feeling going and that comes with mentoring others like sharing my story like that's like it's an intoxicating feeling of my gosh I'm
Feel good about myself and I'm I think other people feel good around me and I'm inspiring them and And it's just so cool. It's the most incredible
I get
Sara Abernethy (49:11)
I get it.
Andia Xouris (49:12)
Okay, you have four
Sara Abernethy (49:11)
Okay, you have four
Andia Xouris (49:15)
so The worst thing I've ever done was go from one to two
Sara Abernethy (49:15)
So the worst thing I've ever done was go from one to two restaurants.
Andia Xouris (49:22)
So I am curious for you what your experience was like
Sara Abernethy (49:22)
So I am curious for you what your experience was like
going from one to two. Mine was obviously different because they were completely different concepts.
Andia Xouris (49:27)
going from one to two, mine was obviously different because they were completely different
Sara Abernethy (49:32)
And it was at the height of
Andia Xouris (49:32)
And it was at the height of
Sara Abernethy (49:34)
because
Andia Xouris (49:35)
Us too,
Because I'm
Sara Abernethy (49:37)
But for you, what was that like, one to two?
Andia Xouris (49:37)
But for you, what was that like, one to two?
Sara Abernethy (49:41)
And then how did you know you were ready for number two?
Andia Xouris (49:41)
And then how did you know you were ready for number two?
Great question. First of all, we're all so insane because we also opened up number two during the pandemic. and I mean, obviously nobody could have ever timed that. So, but everything happens for a crazy reason,
And it's still there.
Sara Abernethy (49:54)
And it's still there.
Andia Xouris (49:55)
it's still there. ⁓ We learned so many lessons with every single shop and all different lessons, which is how funny, like how many, how many lessons do I need to learn to get, you know, to figure this out, right? But whatever it takes, takes.
So from one to two was incredibly different. Number one, George and I were the only managers and we opened up our first location and we basically took shifts. Heat open, I'd close, I'd open, he'd close, I'd go home, cook dinner. We ate at 11 o'clock every night. It was just how it was.
we didn't know we were ready for number two. We were approached by somebody who said, Hey, you know what? This is an open location. It will make a great Andia's ice cream. It's next to a kid's indoor play place. you consider? And we're like, Ooh, okay. Let's go check it out. I'm like, this could be good. There's a restaurant next door. It could be good. and we signed a lease.
Sara Abernethy (50:31)
would you consider
Andia Xouris (50:49)
before doing enough of our due diligence. And there were a lot of plumbing issues that cost us a fortune. So that was a big mistake. But we learned from it and we'll never do it again. then finally, because of all the plumbing problems, was delayed, delayed, delayed. And then finally, when it was ready to open, it was ready to open the week after the pandemic hit. So then we didn't open. And when it did open,
I honestly felt so confident that it was going to be a huge hit from day one. And that was also a very humbling moment because I just thought everybody everywhere knew Andia's ice cream. And even though we're on the other side of Cary was very different. It's a very different demographic, very, very different demographic. and that made a very big difference in the instant success of it.
The people who came out to support us were people who knew us from our West Cary location. It wasn't instant that we started getting known in that area. And it wasn't until we started doing a lot of marketing, a lot, a lot of marketing and started pulling people from Raleigh. we were very, very fortunate. A few of our tick tocks went viral and that
Believe it or not, like TikTok, TikTok makes money. It absolutely does help you make money. People are like, I can't believe that. I didn't think it could, but it absolutely does. And people are driving one to two hours at the time to come get our ice cream. Cause they saw us on TikTok. It's crazy. And they will come say, I just drove from Winston Salem. I just drove from Fay. You know, I, and I'm like, how do you, how did you find out about
Sara Abernethy (52:11)
Get out!
Andia Xouris (52:19)
you're not the first person that tells me. I want to talk to you more about that.
Sara Abernethy (52:19)
you are not the first person to tell this to me and I want to talk to you more about that.
That like get into TikTok because I've been so avoidant of it because I don't want to deal with another social media platform and I also don't want to start a new social media platform without really taking the time to think about why are we doing this? Who is our audience on this? What is our strategy? And
Andia Xouris (52:24)
that like get into Tik Tok because I've been so avoidant of it because I don't want to deal with another social media platform. And I also don't want to start a new social media platform without really taking the time to think about why are we doing this? Who is our audience on this? What is my strategy?
Sara Abernethy (52:41)
I don't have time to do that right now, you know?
Andia Xouris (52:41)
don't have time to
Yeah, it's
lot of work. Yeah.
Sara Abernethy (52:44)
Okay, so then one to two, humbling. Two to four, you said you had different lessons with each location, but did it get easier? Like, did you get more fine-tuned, at least on the criteria of like, this is what I know needs to be in place for this brick and mortar location to work?
Andia Xouris (52:44)
okay, so then one to two. like two to four. You said you had different lessons with each location, but did it get easier? Did you get more fine-tuned at least on the criteria of like, this is what I know needs to be in place for this brick and mortar location to
Yes. So number three was Ironworks and that taught me a lot of
That's our one.
Sara Abernethy (53:05)
That's our one that we go to.
Andia Xouris (53:07)
I love it. It's a phenomenal location.
It was our most expensive build out and was also the timing was rough too because we were ecstatic to be the second shop opening in all of Ironworks because it was a brand new construction zone, right? It was all new build.
again, very humbling because I'm like, I can carry us. No problem. And we carried ourselves for a few months. But then once it got dark, because we opened at the end of August. So once the schools opened up again and the time changed and it was getting dark by six o'clock, five o'clock, there were no lights because it was a construction zone and Google Maps couldn't find us. And it was just a very, very rough first winter. But we learned so much from it. And I've learned.
how to make better decisions and how to negotiate better. And now I have no regrets because without those painful lessons, we wouldn't know what we know and we wouldn't like make changes. Right? Sometimes if the lesson isn't painful enough, you're not willing to make a change. And boy, we've had so many painful lessons that it's like, yeah, we're not going to do that again.
don't really learn something like you can heed someone's advice, but you don't really learn it.
Sara Abernethy (54:10)
don't really learn something. Like, you can heed someone's advice.
But you don't really learn
until
Andia Xouris (54:18)
That's
Sara Abernethy (54:18)
you fuck up real bad.
I
Andia Xouris (54:20)
think about that with my own kids where I'm like don't stand on that back of that sofa Yeah, like fall. Yeah, and then they fell it hurt. Yes. Yeah hurt and maybe I wasn't as sympathetic as I could have been yeah, like I just told you but yeah
Sara Abernethy (54:20)
about that with my own kids where I'm like, don't stand on that back of that sofa because you might fall. And then they fell the other day and then they fell. Yeah, it hurt. Yeah, it hurt. And maybe I wasn't as sympathetic as I could have been because I was like, I mean, I just told you, but they have to go through that to learn it. ⁓
so rude.
Andia Xouris (54:46)
to be human damn it it's true emotions are not easy or fun
get into with you I've already sort of ⁓ premiered which is I really do admire how you position yourself professionally you have
Sara Abernethy (54:54)
So the last thing I wanna get into with you, I already sort of premiered, which is I really do admire how you position yourself professionally. You have.
your Andia professional brand and you have made an intentional decision to cultivate that separately from Andia ice cream. And it's so good. I know it's uncomfortable to do it. And I have looked to you as an example
Andia Xouris (55:10)
your Andia professional brand and you have made an intentional decision to cultivate that separately from Andia ice cream. Yeah. And it's so good. Thank you so much. know it's uncomfortable to do it. Thank you. I have
And I have looked to you as an
Sara Abernethy (55:27)
of how to do it in a way that feels authentic and not cringe and that also feeds, it's like the Andia, your personal brand versus the ice cream, they feed into each other.
Andia Xouris (55:27)
of how to do it in a way that feels authentic and not cringe and that also feeds, it's like the Andia, your personal brand versus the ice cream, they feed into each other. They lift
Sara Abernethy (55:40)
each other up and they go back and forth in this beautiful dance.
Andia Xouris (55:40)
each other up and they go back and forth in this beautiful dance.
Sara Abernethy (55:43)
So how did you decide to start doing that
Andia Xouris (55:43)
So how did you decide to start doing that?
Sara Abernethy (55:49)
and to start looking at your professional brand versus Andia's? How and why did you start to do that?
Andia Xouris (55:49)
and to start looking at your professional brand versus Andia's. How and why did you start to do that?
Sara Abernethy (55:58)
okay. I can get tissues. I'll do that.
Andia Xouris (55:56)
so now I'm really gonna cry because... Okay, I can get tissues. It is like, I think
okay, don't worry. Yeah, it
Because we're women and we have tears, which is All humans should have tears, not just women. Well...
I am trying to think of how it all started and why I decided to do this.
Somehow, and we were talking earlier about action, Like getting from A to D, like you have to go to B and then C and then D to get to that, to see that next opportunity or that next thing to appear for you. And for me, it was first,
I never even believed in how people liked my ice cream. Honest to God, talk about imposter syndrome. Like I just truly did not believe that this product was really that good. And so in order to like push myself out of my comfort zone, I'm very much about self growth and I never ever want to stop doing that. And so I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and started submitting my product for national competitions.
Sara Abernethy (56:49)
push myself out of my comfort zone. I'm very much about self growth.
Andia Xouris (57:01)
And we're very fortunate. we've won lots of awards at this point. When it's, when I started winning, I started realizing, my God, like really people actually like they see this product, you know, and it started helping build me like becoming a little bit more confident in what I'm doing. And I understand what I'm doing and I, know, all the things. And then I wanted to start sharing it, right. Educating others, like sharing my experience of how I grew myself to believe in myself basically. Right. And I'm still, believe me,
lots of times don't believe in myself, you know. And so when I turned 50 two years ago, it was, I was also going through
Sara Abernethy (57:34)
Life long journey.
Andia Xouris (57:41)
a really, really, really hard time in my life. like this was a 2023, end of 23. And it was the most stressful time in my marriage.
Sara Abernethy (57:45)
this was 2023, end of 23, and it was the most stressful time in my marriage.
Andia Xouris (57:52)
opening up Ironworks at the same time, which was the most expensive location, most financially strapped location. We were just at a really, really hard place. And going through this crisis, turning 50 is a major milestone, obviously. And
Sara Abernethy (57:52)
Opening up Ironworks at the same time, which was the most expensive location, most, like, know, financially strapped location. Like we were just at a really, really hard place. And going through this crisis, like turning 50 is like a major milestone, obviously. And...
Andia Xouris (58:10)
I think I just did an awful lot of self-reflection and who am I? Where am I? What am I doing here? Where am I going?
Sara Abernethy (58:10)
think that just did an awful lot of self-reflection. Who am I? What
Andia Xouris (58:20)
And I realized that there was so much more inside of me than creating flavors. I love Andia's ice cream and I love creating, but who was Andia Xouris as a person? And I knew the thing that scared me the most was to be seen. I didn't want to be seen.
And honestly, like, Andia's ice cream was never meant to be called Andia's ice cream. It was called the freezing point because I never wanted to be seen. It was never about my name. And I was forced to have it called Andia's ice cream because when we met with marketing people and they're like, okay, well, you got to, how are you going to connect with your local people? And it's like, okay, the person who makes the ice cream, that's how it became Andia's ice cream. It was never intended to be. And it taught me like,
to allow myself to feel so damn scared because others saw me and saw my name and you know, cause I grew up, remember my story, an immigrant who had no roots anywhere. I never had roots until I met George, you know, and so.
When I turned 50 and I knew I had to do something very, very scary and different, that's when I decided to put myself on Instagram because I hated social media. never shared any of who I was with anybody. If you were not a close friend, you didn't know anything about me. And that seemed like the scariest thing I could do.
Sara Abernethy (59:45)
And that led to, like, I don't know, Sarah, like, slowly, it's like, okay, can you write a book? And I started writing a book, you know, working on that. And can you come speak to these people? And I don't know, baby steps, right? And A led to B, to D, you know, whatever,
Andia Xouris (59:46)
And I started my Instagram account and that led to like, just, I don't know, Sarah, it's like slowly it's like, okay, can you write a book? And I started writing a book, you know, I'm working on that. And can you come speak to these people? And I don't know, baby steps, right? And a led to B to D, you know, whatever and all,
And
All of a sudden I realize how much power I still have inside of me that I want to share and how many women need the message to hear that it's not too late to speak your truth, that the best is yet to be and all these things that I've like that have become mantras in my own life. And so I am at this weird place where if it doesn't scare me, I'm not going to do it. And if it scares me, I freaking have to do
Sara Abernethy (1:00:05)
And so...
at this weird place where if it doesn't scare me, I'm not gonna do it. And if it scares me, I freaking have to do
That's like the great
light. Yeah. Like, does this frighten you? Yeah.
Andia Xouris (1:00:35)
Yeah. Does this frighten you? Yeah,
Sara Abernethy (1:00:40)
I, we talked about this a little bit on our coffee date, but it can feel very cringe to toot your own horn and put yourself out there. And I have often felt like
Andia Xouris (1:00:39)
know. We talked about this a little bit on our coffee date, but it can feel very cringe to toot your own horn. Yeah. And put yourself out there. Yeah. And I have often felt like
Sara Abernethy (1:00:56)
If I make certain content or if I put myself out there in this way, are people going to have the thought of, look at her trying to be an
Andia Xouris (1:00:56)
If I make certain content or if I put myself out there in this way, are people going to have the thought of, look at her trying to be an
Yes.
Sara Abernethy (1:01:05)
too. then I look at people whose content I really admire and respect who are doing that. And I don't think that at all. think, wow, look at her. Look at what she's doing. That's amazing.
Andia Xouris (1:01:05)
then I look at people whose content I really admire and respect who are doing that. And I don't think that at all. think, wow, look at her. Look at what she's doing. That's amazing.
Sara Abernethy (1:01:18)
So it's just like a crazy story we tell ourselves about what we deserve and how much space we deserve to take up.
Andia Xouris (1:01:18)
So it's just like a crazy story we tell ourselves about what we deserve and how much space we deserve to take up.
Well, I think, yes, I agree with you 100%. And I think
One of the lessons that I've learned and want to share part of my story is that
You could do and be and have anything you choose. And the more people that tell you, no, you can't do that. The more you need to do that. If you, that's what resonates with you, I can't tell you how many times I've had people say, you know, like,
Sara Abernethy (1:02:04)
You know nobody succeeds in what you're trying to do. Like, oh, you want to be a speaker, you want to be, you know, whatever. Nobody, you know, there's, it's 1%. I don't give a crap. Like, I'm just going to keep doing it because to me, it's my soul's desire. And if those people look at me on my Instagram and judge me and think, you know, what, does she think she is, that's okay. Because that makes me even braver to keep on going and speaking my truth.
Andia Xouris (1:02:04)
you know, nobody succeeds in what you're trying to do. Like, Oh, you want to be a speaker? You want to be, you know, whatever, nobody, you know, there's, it's 1%. I don't give a crap. Like, I'm just going to keep doing it because to me it's my soul's desire.
if those people look at me on my Instagram and Judge me and think you know what who does she think she is that's okay? Because that makes me even braver to keep on going and speaking my truth,
and I'm only speaking my truth that's that it you know it is my truth that's why I'm like you know what?
I don't know what the future holds. I have all these great aspirations and I think I know what it's going to turn out to be. But I know that I am divinely guided and I know that I constantly work on my mindset and my gratitude and if I don't speak my truth and what I want to create in my life, I can't expect it to happen. So if I'm brave enough to put my voice out there and
Say something that's scary. I think the universe is like, you know what? Yeah, you do mean it. Don't you? Cause you are scared and you're doing it anyway. yeah. Look
you know, you become what you believe. That's right. You that? Yes. You become what you believe. That's right.
Sara Abernethy (1:03:18)
You become what you believe. Have you heard that? You become what you believe.
Andia Xouris (1:03:25)
only you are the author of that. That's right. Anybody else? That's right.
Sara Abernethy (1:03:25)
And only you are the author of that, not anybody else.
Andia Xouris (1:03:29)
Yeah.
Sara Abernethy (1:03:30)
Well, I believe in you and I think your message is glorious. like I said, I mean, I've been a fangirl for long before we first DM'd each other on Instagram.
Andia Xouris (1:03:30)
Well, I believe in you. Thank you. think your message is glorious. like I said, I mean, I've been a fan girl for long before we first DM'd each other on Instagram.
Sara Abernethy (1:03:42)
You know,
Andia Xouris (1:03:41)
so funny.
Sara Abernethy (1:03:43)
know. like we don't,
Andia Xouris (1:03:43)
know. But like, we've been- So cool. Yeah.
Thank
Sara Abernethy (1:03:46)
don't know these things. It's helpful to hear these things, I think.
Andia Xouris (1:03:46)
Don't know these things. It's helpful to hear these things, I think.
Yes, it is. Thank you so much. I am
Sara Abernethy (1:03:52)
So your vision for what's next.
Andia Xouris (1:03:52)
So your vision for what's next?
You're writing a
Sara Abernethy (1:03:56)
You're writing a book?
Andia Xouris (1:03:57)
So yes.
Sara Abernethy (1:03:57)
Or you're writing a book proposal?
Andia Xouris (1:03:59)
I have a cookbook that I'm working on. Yes. It's an ice cream slash pastry
Sara Abernethy (1:04:02)
Yay!
Andia Xouris (1:04:06)
elevate my
And so
Sara Abernethy (1:04:07)
So that's happening.
Andia Xouris (1:04:08)
hope so. That's the plan. Yep. It's happening.
Sara Abernethy (1:04:09)
It is. No, no, it is.
Andia Xouris (1:04:11)
Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep.
Sara Abernethy (1:04:11)
say it is happening.
Andia Xouris (1:04:14)
I am.
Sara Abernethy (1:04:14)
And then it's up to the
to decide how it
Andia Xouris (1:04:18)
⁓ but I am, my vision is to speak and inspire and you know, I'm very, very fortunate. I've been asked to speak several times and I'm working on that. just getting better at public speaking and being able to.
share my story and of course I still lead my company. I'm the CEO of Andia's ice cream, which has lots of big plans in the future. And I'm very proud of my team and all that they do while I go out and travel and speak. I'm so grateful for them because they keep the show going. They keep the machine running. So
there comes a point that we're the highest and best use of you is that. Yeah. And then
Sara Abernethy (1:04:51)
feel like there comes a point though where the highest and best use of you is that and then
you know yes of course being there to steward the team and to guide the team yeah but then the team runs the ship and you have to go and be a brand ambassador for yourself for the company it is the highest best use of you
Andia Xouris (1:04:57)
You know, yes, of course being there to steward the team and to guide the team. Yeah, but then the team runs the ship and yeah, exactly. Go and be a brand ambassador for you. Yeah, for the company. It is the highest best use. Yeah, I hope
Sara Abernethy (1:05:12)
more stores
Andia Xouris (1:05:12)
More stores.
Sara Abernethy (1:05:13)
do you think okay
Andia Xouris (1:05:13)
Hopefully. Yes, I think so. I think there's going to be. Yeah, we just I want it to stabilize a little bit, you know, and
Four feels really, really good. There's always opportunity. We ship nationally. I mean, that's a huge thing for us. You know, of course, the catering department is killing it. lots of wonderful things happening. And I think, I think it's like you said, it feeds each other, you know, me sharing my story and women in women in business, entrepreneur, whatever, all the things immigrant, you know,
helps Andia's ice cream and then of course Andia's ice cream is a delicious product that helps me in my path as
It's my daughter's favorite thing.
Sara Abernethy (1:05:48)
It's my daughter's favorite thing,
Andia Xouris (1:05:52)
That's so cute. I have multiple pictures I can show you. so cute.
Sara Abernethy (1:05:51)
the ube. It's her favorite thing. I have multiple pictures I can show you when we're done with this,
but
sure.
Thank you so much for making the time to do this. really, I just appreciate you so much and I look up to you so much and I'm so glad to finally know you and have you in my orbit.
Andia Xouris (1:05:59)
Thank you so much for making time to do this. Thank you. I just appreciate you so much and I look up to you so much. Thank you. I'm so glad to finally know you. I know, same here. Same here. I think
we definitely were meant to meet,
Sara Abernethy (1:06:14)
Where can people find you? Instagram,
Andia Xouris (1:06:15)
Instagram, Andia
Sara Abernethy (1:06:15)
AndiaXO?
Andia Xouris (1:06:17)
So love Andia. Love
Sara Abernethy (1:06:18)
Love Andia.
Andia Xouris (1:06:19)
is the
handle. Is your personal. Yes. And then Andia's ice cream.
Sara Abernethy (1:06:21)
Is your personal, and then Andia's ice cream is?
Andia Xouris (1:06:25)
Yes.
I think that actually, you know what? I've got to look this up. I think my actual handle is love Andia
Yes. That's right. Love Andia X.
Sara Abernethy (1:06:31)
Yes, that's right. LoveondiaX, that's
Andia Xouris (1:06:34)
Love Andia X. Yeah.
Sara Abernethy (1:06:34)
LoveondiaX. Yes,
Andia Xouris (1:06:36)
Great. And of course, find their wonderful ice cream online
Sara Abernethy (1:06:36)
great. And of course, find their wonderful ice cream online
Andia Xouris (1:06:40)
Andiasicecream.com.
Sara Abernethy (1:06:40)
andiasicecream.com.
Andia Xouris (1:06:42)
Thank you so much for having me. I appreciate it.
Sara Abernethy (1:06:42)
Thank you so much for having me, I appreciate it.