My Story and Mission

My Story - Meet the Founder,

Nefelie Kalavrezou

I have always been driven by an insatiable curiosity for people, cultures, food, and the world. From a young age, I spent hours immersed in National Geographic, captivated by the diversity of life on Earth.

My upbringing was shaped by two distinct yet equally meaningful environments — London, a vibrant city by the water, and Athens, a coastal city that introduced me to the serene beauty of the sea, life in the mountains, and growing our own food. These contrasting experiences sparked a lifelong appreciation for the energy of big cities and the peacefulness of coastal towns, with nourishing local food at the heart of it all — essentially, anywhere by the water or where food was grown in the garden became my sanctuary.

During my university year abroad in Toronto, Canada, everything clicked. While studying International Relations & Global Studies, I explored remote landscapes, wildlife sanctuaries, and Indigenous communities, gaining invaluable insights. A defining moment came when I witnessed a melting glacier firsthand — a powerful reminder of humanity’s impact on the planet, igniting my passion for sustainability.

Determined to pursue a career in sustainability and live abroad again, I stepped out of my comfort zone. However, just as opportunities were beginning to take shape, the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted plans. After countless applications and setbacks, I eventually moved to Hong Kong — one of the few places still open for work. It was a difficult time, with strict lockdowns and three mandatory quarantines in less than a year. Yet, despite the challenges, I thrived — fully embracing life, immersing myself in the city's rhythms, and experiencing the country in a way that only living and working there could offer.

In Hong Kong, I worked at a food sustainability consultancy, collaborating with chefs, restaurants, and hotels to drive meaningful change in the industry. This experience deepened my understanding of sustainability in hospitality and strengthened my commitment to responsible travel. But as much as I loved the experience, the absence of family for so long took its toll, leading me to make the difficult decision to return home.

Back in Europe, I continued my work in sustainability, joining a remote Ed-Tech AI & Sustainability venture while furthering my expertise with studies in Business Sustainability Management and Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism. My work took me to Colombia and Bali, where I consulted for eco-luxury retreats, once again embracing the chance to experience places through a local lens — understanding culture, challenges, and sustainability efforts from within.

In 2024, I founded Eco Travel Inspo, combining my multicultural background, love for slow travel, and expertise in sustainable hospitality to offer a unique, deeper travel experience. Through this platform, I share the insights I’ve gained from living in diverse locations, bringing an authentic, local perspective to every destination.

I also love working with impact-driven organisations, which allows me to travel and collaborate with medical organisations like EACMFS, as well as write for publications - combining purpose, learning and travel in meaningful ways.

To read more about my other work, Click Here.