Coffee With Maria Hatzistefanis
of Rodial

Maria founded Rodial in 1999 with the aim of delivering targeted treatments for specific skin concerns.

She lives in a Chelsea townhouse in London with her husband and two sons, juggling a business with a family and a very active social life.

We had a coffee with Maria to find out what inspired her to set up her own business, dig deep about her shopping habits and discover where she likes to shop online.

What inspired you to create Rodial?
I was the beauty editor at 17 Magazine in Greece and saw a gap in the market for a beauty range that solved specific problem areas.

At the time, plastic surgery was a fast growing phenomenon and more and more people were trying it, but it still had the hefty price tag and the fear factor that went with it. So I decided to produce a range that replicated this using natural ingredients.

What makes your product unique?
I think the fact that we think as consumers. Women today are so concerned with looking younger, slimmer and generally wanting to improve on what they have, and our products can help achieve this as a natural alternative to plastic surgery.

Quirky marketing is very important to us too; I love the fact that someone can walk into Harvey Nichols and ask for a Tummy Tuck and a Boob Job to go. I love having fun with these taboo words.

How do you get a good work/life balance?
It’s hard! I try to spend an hour each morning with my boys and I like to be home by seven to put them to bed.

Weekends and holidays are family time and I do my best to make them as fun for the boys as I can but I couldn't do it all without a great nanny!

What’s your best selling product?
The Boob Job! People literally can’t get enough of it!

How would you characterise your fashion style?
I’m a real 60s and 70s girl! I can't resist anything 60s vintage with a sexy feel; if I see it I have to have it.

In the evening I love dressing up in bright colours, a little dress and skyscraper heels, but for the school run and meetings I’m usually in skinny jeans and boots.

Who would you say is your style icon?
Bianca Jagger in the 70s combined with a sexy Jackie O.

Who are your favourite designers?
Hanii Y does the most amazing cocktail dresses and I also really like Sienna Miller’s range, Twenty8Twelve.

I think it’s great that she and her sister have come up with a range that reflects the fun, cool and bohemian style that she's become so renowned for.

Where do you buy your denim and why?
I’m a big fan of J Brand. They’re a great fit with just the right amount of stretch and cotton.

Where do you buy your knitwear and why?
Matches. They have the best selection from loads of different designers.

Heels or flats and where do you buy them?
Both. They have to be either super high heels or flats but I won’t wear anything in between.

YSL have an amazing range of platforms and for flats it has to be Lanvin.

Do you ever buy food online and if so where from?
Yes, I love Natoora. They source fresh food from all over France, Italy and Britain. Their cheese range from France is completely irresistible!

What beauty products are currently in your bathroom cabinet?
Obviously Rodial! I can’t go anywhere without my GlamTox Daily Moisturiser and my Glam Balm.

What’s your signature fragrance?
Matthew Williamson Lotus.

What are your three must-have make up products?
Benefit Coralista Blush, NARS Sweet Revenge Gloss and YSL Touch Eclat.

How would you describe the style of your home?
Glamorous but lived in. It’s full of crystal chandeliers, cashmere throws and lots of French furniture with a bit of modern art; I absolutely love Hunt Slonem’s work.

Where do you buy your furniture and home accessories?
There’s an amazing shop on the Fulham Road called Bridget Israel.

It's full of beautiful side tables, lights and little finishing touches for the home, so I tend to buy most of my furniture from there.

For essentials like sauce pans and kitchen goods I always buy from John Lewis because they have the best range.

What was the last thing you put on your credit card?
I've literally just bought a new Porshe Cayenne car!

And finally, where else do you love to indulge?
Gift Library, Matches and Ebay for amazing vintage finds.

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