Every great brand begins with a story. Mine is the story of an asylum seeker in Cyprus who dared to dream beyond limitations, who saw opportunity in adversity, and who chose to pursue a vision of entrepreneurship that could transform lives. I call this vision ASyLen—a brand that embodies resilience, innovation, and the power of turning challenges into opportunities.
ASyLen is not just a name; it’s a movement. It represents the journey of someone who, despite facing legal uncertainties and societal challenges, is determined to build something extraordinary. Through ASyLen, I aim to tell my story and create companies like BioManioc, Epecea, and Savvy Style, which will not only boost Cyprus’s economy but also create thousands of jobs on the island.
This is my dream: to become an entrepreneur, a role model in society, and a legacy-builder for my daughter and future generations.
The Birth of BioManioc: Connecting Passion with Purpose
Among the ventures under the ASyLen brand, BioManioc holds a special place in my heart. This project is deeply personal because it connects me with my roots, my land, and my heritage. Growing up, I often helped my mother on our farm, where I witnessed firsthand how agriculture could provide both financial stability and physical well-being. Those experiences planted the seeds for what would later become BioManioc—a project focused on cultivating cassava (manioc) and transforming it into diverse products that benefit individuals and nations alike.
Cassava is an incredibly versatile crop with immense potential:
- Food Products: Cassava can be processed into flour, starch, gari, bread, biscuits, noodles, and more—offering gluten-free alternatives for health-conscious consumers.
- Industrial Applications: Cassava starch can be used in biogas production, textiles, and other industries.
- Sustainability: Cassava farming promotes sustainable agricultural practices when managed effectively.
Through BioManioc, I aim to create a business that not only generates revenue but also uplifts communities by providing affordable food options, creating jobs, and promoting sustainability.
Epecea: Preserving Nature’s Goodness
The second venture under the ASyLen brand is Epecea, which focuses on dehydrating fruits and vegetables while preserving all their nutrients. This innovative approach addresses two key challenges: reducing food waste and extending the shelf life of fresh produce. By dehydrating fruits and vegetables without compromising their nutritional value, Epecea ensures that consumers have access to healthy options year-round while minimizing spoilage.
This project has immense potential to transform how fruits and vegetables are consumed in Cyprus:
- Convenience: Dehydrated produce is easy to store and transport, making it ideal for households and businesses alike.
- Sustainability: By reducing waste from spoiled produce, Epecea contributes to more sustainable food systems.
- Health Benefits: Nutrient preservation ensures that consumers enjoy all the health benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables in a longer-lasting form.
Through Epecea, I aim to revolutionize food preservation while promoting healthier lifestyles for consumers.
Savvy Style: Giving Second-Hand Fashion New Life
The third pillar of the ASyLen brand is Savvy Style, a venture dedicated to second-hand clothing. Fashion is more than just clothing—it’s a form of self-expression and identity. Savvy Style embraces this idea while promoting sustainability by giving pre-loved garments a new life.
This project celebrates diversity through affordable fashion choices while addressing environmental concerns related to fast fashion:
- Reducing Waste: By encouraging the reuse of clothing items, Savvy Style helps reduce textile waste that harms the environment.
- Affordable Fashion: Second-hand clothing offers stylish options at accessible prices for people from all walks of life.
- Community Impact: Savvy Style fosters inclusivity by making fashion sustainable and accessible while supporting ethical practices.
Through Savvy Style, I want to redefine how people view second-hand clothing—not as outdated or disposable but as valuable pieces that tell stories of creativity and purpose
Overcoming Challenges as an Asylum Seeker
As an asylum seeker whose legal status is still pending in court for international protection, I face unique challenges. One of the most significant barriers is the inability to officially establish a physical company or brand in Cyprus due to legal restrictions. However, these limitations have not deterred me from pursuing my dreams.
Instead of waiting passively for my asylum status to be approved, I have chosen to use this time to prepare myself and refine my ideas:
- I’ve enrolled in startup founder courses to gain practical knowledge about building businesses from scratch.
- I’ve been working tirelessly on developing prototypes for projects like BioManioc so that I’m ready to launch as soon as circumstances allow.
- I continue educating myself about entrepreneurship while networking with like-minded individuals who share my vision for innovation and impact.
This period of preparation has been invaluable because building a company or brand takes time—and time is something I’m willing to invest wholeheartedly.
Why ASyLen Matters
The ASyLen brand represents more than just business ventures; it symbolizes hope, resilience, and transformation. Through ASyLen:
- I want to inspire others—especially those from marginalized communities—to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams despite obstacles.
- I aim to contribute meaningfully to Cyprus’s economy by creating jobs, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainability across industries.
- I hope to leave a lasting legacy for my daughter—a story she can be proud of and draw strength from as she navigates her own journey through life.
Join Me on This Journey
Building the ASyLen brand is not something I can do alone; it requires collaboration, support, and shared vision. Here’s how you can be part of this journey:
- Investors: If you believe in innovative ideas that drive economic growth while creating social impact, consider investing in projects like BioManioc or Epecea under the ASyLen brand. Your support can help turn these ideas into reality.
- Farmers or Producers: If you’re involved in agriculture or food production in Cyprus—or have expertise in dehydration technology—let’s collaborate! Together we can explore ways to make Epecea thrive.
- Advocates: Help spread awareness about initiatives like ASyLen by sharing this blog with your network or connecting me with organizations that support entrepreneurship among asylum seekers.
- Consumers: Once these products are available on the market—from nutrient-rich dehydrated produce to second-hand fashion—support them by choosing locally produced goods that align with your values.
Together we can build something extraordinary—a brand that not only tells my story but also creates opportunities for countless others.
Turning Dreams into Legacies
The journey toward building ASyLen is more than just a personal endeavor; it’s a mission to make a difference through resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Despite facing legal uncertainties as an asylum seeker in Cyprus, I remain committed to turning this vision into reality because I believe in its potential to transform lives—not just mine but those of many others.
To anyone reading this who has ever felt limited by their circumstances: know that your dreams are valid—and achievable—with hard work, determination, and faith in yourself.
Let’s build something meaningful together—something that inspires hope today while shaping legacies for tomorrow!