You don’t have to look very far to find business founders from almost every continent flourishing in Larnaca.
Their new-found home offers warmth, stability and success, and while they had to make it happen first, in recent years, the Municipality has been helping by implementing a major project to regenerate and beautify the city’s traditional commercial centre.
This is already bearing fruit in the shape of new businesses being set up there by enterprising non-Cypriots, attracted by the lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere of Larnaca’s older, more authentic areas, which lie hidden behind the city’s bustling seafront promenade. Here we explore how a number of young business owners have found fertile ground in which to plant new roots and how they are offering something new and exciting to local residents, who are rediscovering a thriving new – yet historical – neighbourhood.
ArtiFlair & Funky Media Studios
Seila Ay and her partner Sven Umlauf believe that everyone has an inner artist – many just haven’t tapped into it yet. They may need a helping hand, an inspiring setting or simply the right tools. And that’s what the couple have been providing to hundreds of artists since their creative space – ArtiFlair & Funky Media Studios – was launched in 2024, just three years after they moved to Larnaca from Germany.
“The response has been very positive,” Ay tells GOLD, highlighting the social aspect of their business. “What I love most is that people stay, talk and meet others,” she adds.
ArtiFlair Studio hosts painting workshops and team-building events, with the aim of proving that everyone can be creative. “It’s a place to slow down, connect and create,” Ay explains, adding that people are welcome to come alone and make friends at the studio or with a group.
And that creativity can be channelled in various forms, not just on canvas. Upstairs is Funky Media, where Umlauf’s focus is on video production, podcasts and photoshoots.
“I’ve always been a creative person and, together with my partner, I wanted us to build something of our own, even in a new country,” Ay explains. And what a setting they chose: downtown Larnaca, surrounded by fresh and flourishing businesses – from authentic Italian pizza restaurants to art galleries and cafes, all just a 500-metre walk from the Phinikoudes seafront promenade.
The positive energy of potential and realisation has inspired both the couple and their patrons: “People are open and curious, and they like the idea of a creative space,” Ay emphasises.
As Larnaca continues to embrace innovators from abroad, she has some good advice for future business founders: “Be open and give yourself time. Starting something in a new country is always a process,” she says, adding that it requires patience.
“But that’s OK. You learn to be more flexible and to really connect with people. Just stay in love with your idea and things will come together step by step. Good things take time.”
Filomena Pizzeria Napoletana
Cypriots have long favoured weekend jaunts to Italy – often fuelled by the tantalising tastes – but that trip has recently become a lot shorter. In fact, you can find authentic Neapolitan pizza just 500 metres from the Phinikoudes seafront promenade in Larnaca.
“My journey to Cyprus began with a desire to bring Neapolitan pizza to a place that appreciates quality, simplicity and hospitality – values that are deeply rooted both in Italian and Cypriot culture,” Daniele Romano tells GOLD.
Romano, owner of Filomena Pizzeria Napoletana, has won the heart of Larnaca residents with his business boasting a staggering 4.9/5 stars in almost 500 online reviews. Of course, when a restaurant specialising in a niche dish tries to break into a local market loyal to its own cuisine, success isn’t automatically guaranteed. But, while pizza is hardly an obscure dish, the Neapolitan variety – and its stringent specifications – is a world away from what most of us are accustomed to in Cyprus.
“I saw an opportunity to create something genuine: not just a restaurant, but a place where people could experience a true slice of Naples,” he emphasises.
Romano admits that there have been some logistical and operational hurdles, especially when trying to maintain strict authenticity with imported ingredients from Italy and utilising traditional methods.
“But those challenges are part of the journey and have helped us become more adaptable and resilient,” he says.
In Larnaca, Romano has found a home away from home. He explains how the city stands out for its relaxed atmosphere, growing food scene and its openness to new concepts. Indeed, a common theme in our conversations with business owners from abroad is the openness they’ve found in Larnaca and Romano agrees: “There is a strong sense of community here, and word-of-mouth travels fast, which has been incredibly valuable.”
As the city evolves and continues to attract international interest and investment, local knowledge is key in helping future business owners establish themselves. For those seeking to follow a similar path to Romano’s, his advice is clear: “Surround yourself with good local partners and people who understand the market. Relationships here matter and they can make all the difference in the long-term success of your business. Don’t underestimate the importance of community.”
Potpourri
Most people will never run a single business, let alone two, but Ani Bogosian has already made a couple of her dreams come true: owning a jazz cocktail bar and now a restaurant – or as she describes it, an open concept kitchen. Seeing her passion and positivity, it’s no surprise that she has succeeded. Her remarkable energy fuels the hearty meals she serves at Potpourri in Larnaca’s revitalised historical city centre, based on the guiding principle of providing what she describes as “simply homemade cooking.” Her meals range from Korean chicken-kimchi sandwiches to shakshuka and vegan salads, washed down with kombucha.
“I love the hospitality industry,” she says. “It’s like the university of life. You get to understand other people and yourself. It’s real ‘people practice’: communication and the exchange of ideas.”
An Armenian, born and raised in Greece and having also worked in Turkey, Bogosian moved to Cyprus in 2011. She’s a part of a growing community in Larnaca of internationals drawn to the quality of life that the city offers.
“Positivity and calmness are everywhere, in nature, the atmosphere and the water – of course that means the people too,” she tells GOLD.
She explains that the team at Potpourri reflects the growing community in Larnaca: a mixture of locals and internationals with youthful energy.
“How it all comes together is truly amazing!” she enthuses. “What people are building here is incredible.”
Openness and communication are important, not only for personal wellbeing, she explains, but also from a business point of view as they lead to support and suggestions, with customer feedback leading to further growth.
It can be daunting to start something new in a different country but Ani Bogosian’s advice to other internationals seeking to launch a business in Larnaca is to ignore any fears: “If you believe you have a great idea then go for it. Don’t stop, don’t ask, just jump in!”
As the many happy customers of Potpourri will attest, hers is a proven successful example to follow.
These interviews first appeared in the April edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view them.
