Hamazi is a one-of-a-kind boutique in Nicosia that celebrates words and individuality. Owner Marianna Kofterou’s vibrant spirit and passion for relentless experimentation and resilience are reflected in this community hub, which offers second-hand books, unique gift items, and a welcoming atmosphere for cultural exchange and creativity.
What is the essence of Hamazi, the boutique in Nicosia?
Hamazi is a unique boutique in Nicosia that celebrates words and individuality. It’s a place where second-hand books, curious gift items, and the vibrant spirit of owner Marianna Kofterou converge. This shop is not just a commercial space, but a hub for community, creativity, and cultural exchange, reflecting the owner’s passions and life’s philosophy of relentless experimentation and resilience.
A Haven of Quotes and Curiosities
Nestled in the historical heart of old Nicosia, a stone’s throw away from the bustling Ledra Street, lies ‘Hamazi’—a quaint boutique that’s a treasure trove for lovers of words and whimsy. The store’s name itself is a clever linguistic twist, reversing the Cypriot ‘mahazi’ which means ‘shop.’ It’s here, amid a cozy assemblage of second-hand books, comics, and an array of gift items, that the personality of the shop’s owner, Marianna Kofterou, shines through the most vividly.
Marianna is not just the proprietor of this unique establishment, but also the soul behind its concept. Her shop isn’t your typical commercial venture; it’s a microcosm of her passions, a physical manifestation of her vibrant spirit. Hamazi is a celebration of words, from the thought-provoking quotes adorning mugs and wall signs to the storied spines of used books that beckon readers with tales of adventure and wisdom.
The Heartbeat of Hamazi
The heartbeat of Hamazi is undoubtedly its multifaceted owner. Marianna Kofterou embodies the essence of a perky pragmatist, a term she cherishes so much that she named her band ‘Another Perky Pragmatist.’ With an EP on the horizon titled ‘Tackling the Western Male,’ Marianna pours her creative spirit into music as well, exemplified by her song ‘Cowboy,’ available for the world to hear on YouTube. Her lyrics encapsulate a wanderlust, a constant yearning for change—a theme that resonates with her life’s trajectory.
Before Hamazi came into existence in December 2020, Marianna juggled multiple roles. She taught English, practiced psychology, and performed with bands, but her true aspiration lay in creating a space of her own. Her entrepreneurial journey echoes the shop’s dedication to the saying, “Life is trying things to see if they work.” It was this philosophy that emboldened her to take the leap at the crossroads of turning 40.
A Dream Realized
Marianna’s connection to the location of Hamazi is deeply personal. The store occupies half of her father’s old workshop, a place where she spent many of her formative years. As a child, she would scribble on the walls, interact with neighbors, and immerse herself in the creativity that permeated the space. These early experiences weren’t just fleeting childhood memories; they were prophetic dreams that foreshadowed her future.
Today, Hamazi is more than just a store. It’s a hub for community interaction and cultural exchange. The shop attracts a diverse crowd—from inquisitive tourists to local university students seeking affordable textbooks. Documentaries play on a TV above the counter, inviting customers to pause and watch, while Marianna fosters connections with every person who walks through her door, making the shop a living extension of her own narrative.
A Reflection of Individuality
Marianna’s journey with Hamazi is one of resilience and adaptation. She has weathered the challenges of entrepreneurship without capital, the uncertainties of starting a new business, and the personal trials that come with trying to bring a dream to life. Just like the cowboys she sings about, she’s had to relocate and reinvent herself repeatedly.
Yet, through it all, Hamazi stands out as a beacon of individuality in a city where change is the only constant. It’s not just a store but a stage for Marianna’s performance, showcasing her personality—playful, perky, and unapologetically unique. With every book and artifact carrying a piece of history or inspiration, Hamazi invites visitors to partake in a world where every word counts and every item has a story.
In Marianna’s own words, which echo through the very essence of Hamazi, “You’re socially hopeless unless you can play.” And play she does, with the creativity and resilience that make both her and her shop a remarkable chapter in the story of Nicosia.
1. What is the essence of Hamazi, the boutique in Nicosia?
Hamazi is a unique boutique in Nicosia that celebrates words and individuality. It’s a place where second-hand books, curious gift items, and the vibrant spirit of owner Marianna Kofterou converge. This shop is not just a commercial space, but a hub for community, creativity, and cultural exchange, reflecting the owner’s passions and life’s philosophy of relentless experimentation and resilience.
2. What can I find at Hamazi?
At Hamazi, you can find a collection of second-hand books, comics, and a variety of gift items. The shop offers a treasure trove for lovers of words and whimsy. The shelves are adorned with thought-provoking quotes that can be found on mugs and wall signs. The used books have storied spines that beckon readers with tales of adventure and wisdom.
3. Who is the owner of Hamazi and what is her story?
The owner of Hamazi is Marianna Kofterou. She is not just the proprietor of the boutique but also the soul behind its concept. Marianna is a perky pragmatist who has poured her creative spirit into music as well. She even has her own band called ‘Another Perky Pragmatist’ and has released a song called ‘Cowboy.’ Before opening Hamazi, Marianna juggled multiple roles, including teaching English and practicing psychology. Her true aspiration was to create a space of her own, which led to the establishment of Hamazi.
4. What makes Hamazi unique and special?
Hamazi is more than just a store; it is a hub for community interaction and cultural exchange. It attracts a diverse crowd, from curious tourists to local university students seeking affordable textbooks. The shop is a reflection of Marianna’s personality, playful, perky, and unapologetically unique. Hamazi stands out as a beacon of individuality in a city where change is constant. With every book and artifact carrying a piece of history or inspiration, Hamazi invites visitors to partake in a world where every word counts and every item has a story.
