Nitsa Tsoumaris

A proud mother of two, entrepreneur Nitsa Tsoumaris is the backbone of Uniq Lifestyle Inc., a conglomerate of restaurants and niteclubs in Toronto. This sharp shooting Director of Operations, shares some of her best business secrets and experiences with MODWOMEN.

MODW: "How did you get into the entertainment industry?"

Nitsa: "I was introduced to the entertainment industry from a different perspective. I was working for a design firm that did some work with prominent bars and restaurants in the city. I developed a passion for it and worked on several restaurant and nightclub projects. I fell in love with the energy, curiosity, drive, the mystery--the whole night scene. I just developed a passion for it. Also, traveling around the world and being in the different bars and restaurants I was intrigued by how everything operated. How owners ran the business, the vibe, the music. My whole being would get into it, like I was in a trance and I didn't want to come out of it. It gave me a sense of freedom to be me or someone else sometimes wearing a mask--a different face."

MODW: "How do you define success?"

Nitsa: "I haven't found it yet. I'm still searching for it. I feel that there is still so much to be learned and to achieve, no matter how many things I have been exposed to and the successes I have been a part of. I just don't feel that I've achieved success personally yet."

MODW: "What do you feel were the greatest obstacles to overcome in building your career?"

Nitsa: "Men. In the nightclub, restaurant and service industry there are very few women who are given the opportunity to get ahead. It's a man's world and they don't want to give women the opportunity. It's the male ego."

MODW: "Why are you so passionate about what you do?"

Nitsa: "Because I take pride in what I do. I always try to see my work from the perspective of the customer and what I would want as a customer. I love the drive, the action, seeing people having fun, letting go. I have a drive for it. I can't explain it. I love to see things grow and succeed. It's who I am. It's my core. I give 100%. There is no 50%. You have to go all the way."

MODW: "What's been your formula for success?"

Nitsa: "Hard work. Consistency. Picking yourself up every day and asking 'how can I make it better?' You have to be present in your business and invest the time - you can't be there to pick up the paycheque and go. You have to be there to see it, live it and always be thinking of ways to do better and do more."

MODW: "Do you think women can have it all today?"

Nitsa: "I think it's very difficult for a woman to have it all. There are so many facets to a woman's life: trying to juggle family, children, home, business, staying connected, having time for yourself, your hobbies and interests. It's almost impossible to have it all. There are only so many hours in a day. I just got a dog. Now I really don't have time for anything."

MODW: "What are your longterm personal goals?"

Nitsa: "I'd love to expand my business and get involved in new ventures, new projects...things I'm passionate about. I want to see projects through from inception to completion, from designs to location, marketing and operations. I love it all and I want to do more and keep moving forward."

MODW: "At what time in your life have you felt the happiest?"

Nitsa: "When I started to let go of the notion that I needed other people to validate me, when I was able to validate myself, and say 'Hey, you did pretty good today.' and not needing someone else to tell me that. That's when I finally came to peace with myself. That's what gave me the independence and courage to launch myself forward and say 'You can do this!'"