Send us a text

What does it mean to be simultaneously Greek, Black, and Polish in a world that often demands we select just one identity? Evelyn, the dynamic founder of Sagapo restaurant, weaves this question through our conversation, revealing how her multicultural background became her greatest strength rather than a source of confusion.

Born to a Ghanaian father and a Greek mother with Polish roots, Evelyn grew up in 1990s Thessaloniki as one of the only Black children in her neighborhood. Far from feeling marginalized, she was raised to embrace every facet of her heritage—dancing traditional Pontic dances, eating her grandmother's Polish pierogi, and honoring her African ancestry. "Being one doesn't mean I'm not the other," she explains with the quiet confidence of someone who has never felt the need to fragment herself for others' comfort.

This comfort with complexity extends to her culinary journey, which has taken her from co-founding a vegetarian café in Berlin to working with celebrity chefs in Miami before landing in New York with dreams of creating something uniquely her own. Sagapo, her upcoming restaurant, aims to showcase Greek cuisine beyond the typical souvlaki and gyros, highlighting the mezze tradition and lesser-known dishes that reflect Greece's rich culinary heritage.

The road hasn't been without obstacles. As Evelyn searches for the perfect Manhattan location for her restaurant, she navigates the challenges of being a female entrepreneur of color in an industry where both identities can be met with skepticism. When social media trolls questioned her Greekness because of her skin color, she turned their negativity into virality—another expression of the resilience she attributes to her Pontic ancestry.

Whether discussing the forgotten genocide of Pontic Greeks, the depth of Greek vegetarian traditions, or the projection that successful women often face, Evelyn offers wisdom without pretension. Her story isn't just about food or identity—it's about refusing artificial boundaries and creating space for yourself exactly as you are. Follow Evelyn's journey as she brings Sagapo to life, and witness how embracing every strand of your heritage can become your superpower.

Disclaimer:

The content of I Hope I Didn’t Offend You is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although I am a licensed mental health therapist in New York, engaging with this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between myself and any listener.

All opinions expressed on this podcast are my own and those of my guests. They do not reflect the views of any organizations or institutions I am affiliated with. Any discussions about mental health, wellness, or personal experiences are meant to spark conversation, not to serve as professional guidance. If you are in need of mental health support, please seek the assistance of a qualified professional in your area.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that I am not responsible for any outcomes related to the application of information shared. Any decisions made based on the content of this podcast are solely your responsibility. If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact a mental health professional or emergency services immediately.