About Χαρίκλεια

Harikleia Sirmans

Καλώς ήρθατε! Welcome!

I was born and raised in the beautiful village of Rovies, in the island of Evia, Greece. My Greek name is Harikleia Georgiou (Χαρίκλεια Γεωργίου.)

From a young age, I was fascinated with letters and fabrics. Like every Greek young woman, I learned practical things like sewing, crocheting, embroidering, knitting, cooking, and housekeeping. I finished high school without the help of private tutors–just self-motivation, patience, and persistence.

In August 1990, I made a huge leap that changed my whole life. I came to the U.S.A. to pursue a better life and accomplish my dreams. It was a great struggle to learn to live in a foreign country. But there were several kind people, family and strangers, who helped me and guided me. I lived and worked in Athens, Paris, London, and Valdosta in various jobs: I was housekeeper, babysitter, seamstress, sales assistant, typist, and office assistant.

Education

I gained both my Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Writing, and my Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Valdosta State University.

Jobs

I worked as Technical Services Librarian at Valdosta Lowndes County Public Library for 15 years. Currently, I work as Technical Library Assistant (Cataloging) at Odum Library of Valdosta State University.

I am also the owner of Grecian Needle Enterprises, my sewing and needle craft home-based business. To view samples of my sewing projects and fiber arts articles, please visit www.grecianneedle.com.

My other job is that of writer: I have contributed book reviews and articles to Good Reads, Amazon, Georgia Library Quarterly, Word on Word, The Valdosta Daily Times, Snake Nation Press Journal, The National Herald, and Hellenic Voice. I compiled the index to The Essential Films of Ingrid Bergman (2018), The Essential Humphrey Bogart (2016), The Encyclopedia of Epic Films (2014), and The Epic Films of David Lean (2012) all four written by Dr. Constantine Santas. I translated the novel The Agony of Survival (2011) by Dr. Spyros Vrettos. I created the website The Agony of Survival Trilogy (www.drspyrosvrettos.com) as well as the website of Dr. Constantine Santas (www.theislandandbeyond.com).