Check Out Marilena Patouni’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marilena Patouni

Hi Marilena, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey began in Athens, where I was born and raised, but it took an exciting turn when I moved to Boston for my bachelor’s degree. Immersing myself in business with a focus on marketing and a minor in psychology, I gained a robust foundation in business principles, marketing strategies, consumer behavior, and psychological insights. This blend of knowledge became essential for crafting strategies that resonate with diverse consumer groups.

Boston, one of the most international cities in the USA, was transformative. Its vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere broadened my horizons and enriched my cultural awareness. Interning at The Boston Globe and National Geographic provided invaluable hands-on experience in content creation, social media management, SEO, and data analytics—experiences that were instrumental in shaping my career.

After graduation, I moved to New York to pursue my passion for the luxury industry. I’ve held positions in major luxury companies, collaborating with top brands and designers. To further refine my skills, I pursued a master’s degree in project management, equipping me to navigate the dynamic market demands of the luxury sector.

My career is defined by a deep expertise in digital marketing, content creation, consumer behavior, e-commerce, and project management. Working with renowned designers as part of the Luxcartel team like Marlo Laz, Fernando Jorge, Kalmanovich, Marina Raphael, and Ralph Masri taught me the flexibility needed to align with diverse brand identities. My role with Temple St. Clair, along with clients like Elina Afentaki Jewellery and Laroot World, deepened my understanding of promoting high-quality products through digital channels.

Currently, I’m part of the e-commerce team at Assouline, leading their websites for Europe, the USA, and Asia, and managing B2B sites and marketplaces like Amazon. My role involves coordinating teams across continents to create a seamless and luxurious e-commerce experience. This journey reflects my unwavering commitment to excellence in the luxury fashion industry and my passion for driving brands to thrive in the digital era.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been anything but smooth, but it has undoubtedly made me a more resilient person. The most challenging yet rewarding decision was moving to the USA at a young age, far from home and without any family or friends. Navigating a new country and rebuilding my life from scratch was incredibly tough. I had to learn everything anew, transitioning from having nothing to establishing friendships and a career path that would lead me to where I am now.
Acclimating to a new culture forced me to step out of my comfort zone and face numerous difficulties. The USA, while amazing, presents significant challenges, especially for non-citizens. Navigating the job market and visa requirements tested my resilience and perseverance. These challenges were compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which kept me in the USA for two years without the ability to visit my family in Greece. The isolation and professional uncertainty during this period were incredibly tough. Adapting to remote learning and work added an extra layer of stress, but it also led me to pursue my passion for competition and start my own e-commerce projects.
During COVID-19, I saw many brands struggle with store closures, prompting a surge in the need for a digital presence and e-commerce solutions. Many designers with small businesses reached out for help, and I devoted my free time to building their online presence. Creating this new path was challenging but ultimately rewarding. Today, I balance my full-time job with side projects, growing and diversifying my portfolio.
Despite these challenges, every obstacle has fueled my growth and determination. The journey has been tough but deeply rewarding, shaping me into who I am today and strengthening my commitment to my goals and passions.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work is centered around empowering small to medium-sized businesses and independent designers to establish a robust global digital presence. As a digital creative, I specialize in crafting content and strategies that enhance brand visibility, drive sales, and seamlessly replicate the in-store experience online, all while preserving the brand’s unique ethos.
My journey in the luxury industry has been marked by collaborations with esteemed brands like Net-A-Porter and designers like Temple St Clair, Elina Afentaki, Marlo Laz, Fernando Jorge, and Marina Raphael, as well as notable companies such as Net-A-Porter and Assouline. Currently, I lead e-commerce strategies for Assouline across Europe, the USA, and Asia, overseeing both B2B and B2C websites and marketplaces. This role allows me to blend creativity and strategy, coordinating international teams to deliver a consistent, luxurious, and personalized e-commerce experience.
One of my proudest achievements is launching and nurturing my own creative projects. Building websites and digital presences for smaller global brands from the ground up has allowed me to carve out a niche in the industry. I’ve spearheaded critical projects that have elevated brands to new heights, ensuring their success in today’s digital landscape. One of my most significant projects involved launching an initiative highlighting Why Greece is Unique. This project focused on the country’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant modern lifestyle. By leveraging Greece’s unique attributes, I developed digital strategies that not only celebrated its distinctiveness but also attracted international attention and investment. This initiative underscored my ability to identify and promote the unique selling points of a region, seamlessly integrating them into comprehensive digital campaigns. Through this experience, I further honed my skills in creating compelling narratives and innovative marketing solutions that drive engagement and growth on a global scale.
What truly sets me apart is my international background and extensive experience with diverse global brands across various industries. Having lived and worked in different cultural environments, I bring a rich, global perspective to my projects. This exposure has not only broadened my understanding of various markets but also sharpened my creative mindset and hands-on approach. I have a unique ability to merge cultural nuances with cutting-edge digital strategies, ensuring every detail aligns with the brand’s vision and supports its international growth ambitions. My adaptability, coupled with a deep empathy for diverse consumer behaviors, enables me to craft tailored solutions that resonate globally, making me a distinct asset in the digital marketing and e-commerce landscape.

How do you define success?
Success, to me, is about passionately pursuing and achieving what I love. It means engaging in work that aligns with my interests, where I can excel and make a meaningful impact. My deep passion for the digital world and luxury goods and services, fuels my creativity and dedication, driving me to innovate and push boundaries constantly. This passion not only enhances my work but also resonates with my clients, fostering deeper connections and trust.
Success involves setting ambitious goals, overcoming challenges, and continuously growing both personally and professionally. It’s about the fulfillment that comes from doing what I love and seeing the tangible results of my efforts, particularly in empowering brands and driving positive change in their businesses. Ultimately, success is the blend of passion, innovation, and impact, creating a lasting and meaningful difference in the digital landscape.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marilenapatouni

Image Credits
Images from
– Assouline
– Temple St. Clair
– Skinopi Lodge
– Elina Afentaki Jewellery