There are moments that can completely change the course of our lives. Often, they come when we find ourselves just a breath away from death and in that space, we begin to truly understand what matters.

That’s exactly what happened in her case.

“It all began when I heard my doctor tell me I might not survive the next 24 hours. That moment turned my entire life upside down. I realized that life is not something to be taken for granted, and I started searching for ways to make my everyday life truly my own, just as I had always dreamed it could be.”

“True liberation lies in freedom, and we feel free when the life we live truly reflects who we are,” she shared in her interview with Reader.

Marietta Sarigiannidou is 31 years old.She was born and raised in the town of Kilkis, where from a young age she helped her family run their local hospitality businesses.

Later, she pursued studies in International and European Studies at the University of Macedonia, followed by an MBA with a specialization in Marketing.

“Even though I succeeded in working as a marketing manager in major multinational companies, I soon realized that the 9-to-5 routine didn’t truly express who I was,” she shares.

When she chose to change her path, she turned to event and festival organization seminars, searching for ways to create what she imagined as an “adult summer camp", a space of joy, creativity, and real connection.

“I Turned Transformational Travel into a Way of Life”

“I realized that true happiness and gratitude for life arise when you’re part of communities that share your goals and values. That’s why I decided to make this way of living not just my own daily reality, but one I could share with others.”

This is how Marietta Sarigiannidou describes the vision behind MYND Retreats, a concept born from her personal evolution, created to offer people a sense of family and belonging, while traveling to the world’s most dreamlike destinations… exactly when they need it most.

If you visit her Instagram page, you’ll be transported to every corner of the world, from Bali to Cuba, and Cappadocia to Iceland.

“It’s a sanctuary. A space where you can feel safe, surrender, and evolve into the highest version of yourself.”

MYND Retreats offers travel experiences in some of the world’s most remote and breathtaking places,  destinations you’ve always dreamed of visiting, using tools like yoga, meditation, coaching, and more to create experiences of personal growth and deep wellbeing.

“We explore the places we visit, immerse ourselves in the local culture, and stay in beautiful, handpicked accommodations. We collaborate with local guides who offer us the most authentic view of the place, not as tourists, but as welcomed guests.”

The MYND team is made up exclusively of women, a decision that wasn’t intentional but rather unfolded naturally. Through her work, Marietta observed firsthand the immeasurable value and strength of female collaboration and mutual support.

“Our retreats are designed for people with shared interests, people who are ready to transform, to observe, to love, and to care for themselves.”

What triggered the shift in your career? What gave you the courage to take a step most people don’t dare to make?

“I realized my purpose, to transform lives by going beyond the ordinary.”

“We now have partners in every corner of the world who offer us insights as if we’re close friends being hosted in their homes. I often collaborate with Greeks living abroad who help translate the experience through our cultural lens, sharing with us hidden gems only locals would know.”

“We visit the best restaurants, explore the most beautiful regions, and make sure everyone who travels with us has just one thing to focus on: enjoying the journey and witnessing their own transformation.”

“MYND Retreats are not simply trips, they are transformational experiences.”

As Marietta explains, the retreats they organize are designed for people who share a common intention, those who are ready to transform, observe, love, and care for themselves.

What inspired the shift in your career? What gave you the courage to take a step that most wouldn’t dare to?

“I realized my purpose, to transform lives by going beyond the ordinary.”

“We work with partners in every corner of the world, people who share insights with us as if we were close friends being hosted in their homes. I often collaborate with Greeks living abroad who provide us with local knowledge in our native language, offering a glimpse into places only a true local would know.”

“We visit the best restaurants and explore the most beautiful regions, making sure that anyone who travels with us can focus solely on joy, presence, and observing their own transformation.”

“MYND Retreats aren’t just trips, they are transformational journeys.”

“I Work as a Digital Nomad”

Beyond transformational travel, Marietta Sarigiannidou also organizes corporate retreats.

“That idea was born from my own experience in multinationals and their demands. I decided to offer my services to teams and companies, helping them care for and truly listen to their people.”

In a time when workplace pressure leads to burnout and resignations, retreats offer a powerful antidote.

“By giving employees time away from the office in nature-based settings, we create space for self-expression and self-care and as a result, increase team loyalty, creativity, and cohesion.”

A Life of Freedom

Marietta now lives a fully location-independent life, earning her living as a digital nomad.

“My team and I work without fixed hours or locations. We follow our deadlines, but with total freedom. We can work from anywhere, Athens, Sweden, Portugal switching time zones as we please. This way of working keeps us more creative and opens doors to global partnerships and collaborations.”

Although uncertainty is part of the lifestyle, she overcomes it by reflecting on the thousands of lives she's touched.

“There are moments I feel lost in the everyday chaos. But then I remember the 2,500 people I've traveled the world with. Their stories, their presence, that’s what grounds me.”

Where Security Really Lives

“True security comes from within. With every retreat, I evolve and draw strength and inspiration from the people around me. Watching myself reflected in them teaches me more than any manual ever could.”

“After overcoming a life-threatening health scare and turning an improbable dream into reality, I now believe I can achieve anything I set my mind to. That fills me with confidence, but every day, I still face uncertainty. I take risks and trust my intuition above any spreadsheet or business plan. And most of the time, that inner compass leads me in the right direction.”

Marietta’s Advice for Anyone Longing to Live This Way

“Take the time to go on a retreat. Explore yourself. Discover what you truly want from life.”

“Listen to your needs and define what your ideal day looks like. Once you're connected to your deepest desires, take small steps toward them. And when an opportunity shows up, grab it, no hesitation.”

“These are the moments that can turn dreams into reality, almost magically opening new doors along the way.”

By Andy Kouklada

Editor at Reader.gr

This interview was originally published on the news platform Reader.gr.