Tell us what you do?
I am a 41-year-old Greek woman who has called Hong Kong home for the past three years. Back in Greece, my career was in corporate banking, but upon moving here, I made a conscious decision to step away from working so as to focus on starting a family. Now, as a new mother to a four-month-old baby, my “work” has taken on a new and deeply personal meaning. I am an ambassador for the Women of Hong Kong community, where I am running the first dedicated TTC and IVF support group. I also serve as an ambassador for OVUL Concierge, a fertility concierge service that supports and guides couples on their path to parenthood. Furthermore, I run an Instagram account dedicated to my IVF journey. It’s a place where I offer advice, run challenges, and talk openly about my experience, in an effort to help make IVF less of a mystery and more of a shared conversation.
What makes talking about IVF and the journey so important?
Infertility remains a silent struggle for many, something that is often kept private due to feelings of shame or embarrassment. This silence can be incredibly isolating. I found that when I began speaking openly about my struggle to conceive, it not only built an incredible support system around me but also gave me the strength and confidence to continue. While I made practical changes to my lifestyle, it was the act of sharing my story that truly transformed my mindset. This shift in perspective was crucial, and I believe it played a major role in leading to my successful outcome. At the same time, by documenting my final IVF cycle in real-time within our community, I saw its direct impact. After I shared my positive result, several women who had felt hopeless began to consider treatment themselves. One of them is now pregnant! That is precisely why this conversation is so vital, it replaces isolation with hope and community.
How did you come to terms with your own IVF journey?
I began with great optimism. Since all our medical tests were normal, I was convinced it would work immediately. The reality, however, was an emotional rollercoaster. It was a storm of emotions, high hopes and crushing disappointments, great expectations and indescribable sadness. There were moments of anger and even jealousy, all while my body was exhausted from the medication. Coming to terms with it wasn’t a single moment, but a process of accepting that this journey was not a straight line. You have to grieve the failed cycles. But when you finally receive that good news, every injection, every tear, every moment of doubt suddenly feels worth it. The joy you feel at the end makes all the struggle fade away.
What was the most challenging time in your life?
Without a doubt, it was leaving my life in Greece to start anew in Hong Kong. I was a dedicated professional, and my career was a huge part of my identity. I was also deeply connected to my family, particularly my twin sister, who is quite simply, my other half. To leave my fulfilling career, my parents, and my sister to move literally to the other side of the world felt like a huge sacrifice. I was not just changing countries, I was leaving behind a core part of myself to embrace the unknown, all for the dream of growing our family. That period of starting over tested me in ways I never expected.
What is your vision for the future?
My immediate vision is to raise a healthy, happy child and build a beautiful life for our family here in Hong Kong. In the longer term, I hope to return to the professional world and, of course, continue the deeply meaningful work of normalizing conversations around infertility. I want to see a future where no woman feels alone or stigmatized on her path to motherhood. My greatest hope is that by sharing our stories, we can create a powerful ripple effect, empowering more women to speak their truth and access the support they need. I want our community to be a source of hope, showing that while the journey may be difficult, it is one you do not have to walk alone.
What is the most important piece of advice you would offer to women considering embarking on the IVF journey?
My most important piece of advice is to be kind to yourself and to be surrounded by people who will be there for you, no matter what. This journey is not only a physical process but also an emotional and mental one. Allow yourself to feel every emotion without judgment. And remember to be proud of every step you take, whether it leads to victory or not, because it shows your incredible dedication to your dream of becoming a mother. Let your journey inspire others, don’t be afraid to speak openly, share your story, and become the role model for other women to follow.
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