We chatted to Cyprus based Stephania Mitsides about her practice as a recipe developer and content creator and about her perspective on jewellery...
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you first fell in love with cooking?
I've always loved good comfort food. When I was a young girl, my afternoon snack was never a sandwich — I'd head straight to the kitchen and make myself a risotto! It took time, patience, and a lot of stirring, but it was always worth it. Looking back, I think that's where my love for cooking really began.
Who influenced your cooking style the most growing up?
My mother influenced my love for hosting. My parents were always entertaining, and on the day of a dinner party our kitchen was as busy and loud as an airport! I grew up surrounded by laughter, good food, and people enjoying themselves, and that stayed with me.
My grandmother was an incredible cook, and every Saturday we would have lunch at her house. Her food was the definition of comfort, and if there's one thing I'd love my family and friends to say about my cooking, it's that it makes them feel at home.
How did your journey into content creation begin? Was it planned or spontaneous?
I work in our family business, which specialises in pasta and flour production. As Sales Manager, my day-to-day life is all about strategy, analysis, and negotiation. At some point, I realised my creative side needed waking up again, so I became involved in the company's social media and advertising.
Over time, that evolved into creating my own Instagram account, Simply Stephanjia, where I share the colourful side of my personality — cooking, hosting, decorating, travelling, and all the little things that bring me joy. It wasn't planned at all; it happened very naturally.
What challenges did you face when starting out, and what did they teach you?
There were definitely challenges when I joined the family business. I had worked abroad for several years, so coming back and finding my place within the company took time. I had to understand the culture, learn the business from the inside out, and prove myself.
With Simply Stephanjia, however, things felt very different. I never started it with a goal, a strategy, or any expectations. I post when I have something to share, whether that's a recipe, a table setting, a family moment, or travel inspiration. I don't treat it as a job and I think people connect with that. The content is natural, unfiltered, and very much me. It gives me the freedom to be creative whenever inspiration strikes.
Outside the kitchen, what inspires you creatively?
Travel inspires me enormously, as do my friends and the people around me. I can happily spend hours scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram looking at recipes, interiors, and beautiful table settings.
My children are also a huge source of inspiration, especially when it comes to creating healthy recipes. I'm constantly trying to sneak vegetables and pulses into their meals. Sometimes it works brilliantly because they have absolutely no idea what's in there. Other times they discover the brownies contain chickpeas and I never hear the end of it!
Good-quality olive oil and flaky sea salt. Together, they can make almost anything taste amazing.
All three! I'm a serious foodie, and if I miss a meal, I become as grumpy as the dwarf from Snow White.
Is there a piece you own that holds deep sentimental value?
I'm lucky enough to own several pieces gifted to me by my mother, grandmother, husband, and closest friends. Each one marks an important milestone in my life — graduations, the birth of my children, birthdays, and special moments shared with loved ones. They all hold a very special place in both my heart and my jewellery box.
Do you feel that jewellery expresses something about your personality?
Absolutely. You won't find much plain jewellery in my collection — it simply doesn't reflect who I am. Most of my pieces, especially my fashion jewellery, are colourful, bold, bright, and full of personality. Just like me!
Can you share a recipe that captures the essence of summer for you?
Sure! This summer rice bowl is one of my favourite go-to recipes for the warmer months:
Ingredients:
-1/2 cup Mitsides Wild Rice
-1 large can tuna in olive oil
-5-6 broccoli florets
-1/4 cup frozen beans mix
-1/4 cup carrot, coarsely grated
-2 Tbsp fresh mint, chopped
For the dressing:
-1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
-1 Tbsp soy sauce
-1 Tbsp peanut butter
-1 tsp grated ginger
-Salt and pepper
Method:
Boil the rice in plenty of salted boiling water. 2 minutes before it is ready add the broccoli and cover. Drain the rice from any excess water and run with cold water to cool.
Mix all the dressing ingredients together and season to taste. Add some cold water if you like it to be more runny.
In a large salad bowl add the rice, broccoli, tuna, beans, carrot, and fresh mint. Pour the dressing on top and mix well. Serve in bowls.
What name do you like to go by?
Steph
What is your ethnicity?
Greek Cypriot
Where are you living in the world?
Nicosia, Cyprus
What’s your star-sign?
Sagittarius
Favourite genre of music right now?
Anything that gets the hips moving!
Favourite time of day? - Sunrise, sunset, or midnight?
Sunrise. Although, if I'm being honest, I rarely wake up early enough to see it! There's something magical about the start of a new day — a fresh chapter waiting to be written.
Simply Stephanjia reminded me just how creative and passionate I am about all the good things in life — food, family, travel, hosting, and making everyday moments special.
The response from my followers has been incredibly encouraging. It has given me the confidence, motivation, and appetite to keep creating, sharing, and embracing the colourful side of life.