Happy birthday to Katerina Paraschou from Yialoussa who celebrated her 90th birthday.
Katerina was one of the first UK Cypriot women to run business
She came over in 1946 to join her Father who came in 1936 and began work in the restaurant he owned in Grays Inn Road. She had two brothers and a sister.
Later on she studied and qualified as a designer at a fashion school in London and then opened her own dress manufacturing business with her husband Dimitros, starting in her mid twenties and as a a qualified fashion designer it helped and they grew from there.
They became one of the leading manufacturers in the industry.
She Started off with a factory in Green Lanes Newington Green. Then moved to Rosebury Avenue by Exmouth Market, then to Chalk Farm then a massive unit in King Cross. She also had 3 factories at the same time in Cyprus.
Her companies manufactured for many outlets. Some include Richard Shops, Wallis, Littlewoods, BHS, C + A, Alfred Young many more.
Katerina always supported their workers and helped many people in the industry. Many started off with or helped by them and went on to run their own successful fashion businesses.
Katerina now blessed with 2 sons, 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren had her birthday party at the Jolly Farmers in Oakwood her favourite place. Sons, daughter in law, grandchildren and cousins and life long friends were there.
