OUR MISSION

Our mission here at Dahlia is to celebrate and honor the traditions of Orthodox Weddings and Baptisms while approaching our products and designs in a fresh and modern way. The Dahlia Team is dedicated to delivering unique and contemporary approaches to Orthodox Products, ensuring that each item we offer is of the highest quality while radiating elegance. We are committed to providing our customers with products they can cherish and take pride in for years to come.

Terry - Founder, CEO, Designer

Terry (Eleftheria or Ελευθερἰα) was born and raised in Hania, a seaside town on the Greek island of Crete. As a teen, she moved to the United States on her own and started a new life. With many close family members and ties still in Greece, she is very attuned to Greek Orthodox culture and traditions. With her husband she has raised four children, now all young adults.

She started her career as a surgical nurse, practicing for 20 years. Later finding herself drawn to more artistic pursuits, she worked as an interior decorator, silk-flower designer, and faux-finish and mural artist.

Fatima - Seamstress, Designer

Fatima has a passion for sewing, and is our head "sewist"; She sews both expertly and artistically! At an age of 8, her older sister began teaching her to sew. At 12, she began formal seamstress training under the direction of a neighborhood friend. She has sewn as a hobby all her life and makes some of her own clothes. She also loves expressing her creativity and craftiness through crocheting. We hope to employ more of Fatima's skills in our future products!

She was born and lived in Portugal where she was a high school math teacher for 15 years. In 2015, she moved with her husband and children to the US. Hobbies include biking, hiking and photography. She usually takes so many pictures of nature that she drives her family crazy. One of her favorite things about the US is the availability of volunteering work. With her fellow Portuguese speakers, she volunteers and raises money for a homeless shelter, the Hesed House. Fundraisers include selling homemade crafts, where she showcases all her crocheting jewelry!

Terry met Fatima when their daughters played together on the high school Ultimate Frisbee team.

Hope - Shipping & Operations

Hope keeps our shop running smoothly, dealing with the day-to-day details of new orders, incoming supplies, and outgoing shipments. She helps in getting our processes documented and running smoothly, so we can consistently make high-quality products. And she pushes us to stay organized and efficient!

After growing up in Illinois, she studied German Language and International Studies in Ohio. Back in Illinois with us now, she enjoys crocheting and crafting; spending time with family and friends; and traveling and baking. About the job, she says, "I learn something new everyday at Dahlia and am very happy with the job and the people I have met."

Sofia - Senior Designer

With a degree in fashion design (specialized in textile design), a strong business sense, and a love of crafts, we are lucky to have Sofia on the Dahlia team. She makes and designs many of our products, and is always contributing new ideas and methods.

Sofia speaks 4 languages and has lived around the world. Even though she loves taking trips a couple times a year to visit family in Portugal, the USA is her favorite place to live.

Marcia - Designer

Our newest team member, Marcia is quickly learning to make all the core products including candles and boubonieres. She has always enjoyed doing crafty projects including painting, decoupage and stainless-steel projects.

Born and raised in Brazil, Marcia moved here just 4 years ago and Dahlia is her first job in the US. In Brazil, she studied interior design and ran a dry-cleaning business. With her fellow Portuguese speakers, she volunteers to raise money and cook for the families of a homeless shelter, the Hesed House.

Steve - Finance & Accounting; Operations

Steve, manages the finances of the business, keeping close tabs on all revenue, expenses and capital investments. He also assists on operations, building tools and stations to assist in the production process.

Scott - Chief Technology Officer

Scott brings years of experience in the high tech world of semiconductors, computers and consumer electronics. He is focused on getting our products in front of more potential customers and making the buying experience more pleasant and frictionless.