Yanni Papanikolaou shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Yanni , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My family. Lately, the greatest source of joy outside of work has been spending time with my family—my wife, Maria, our daughter, Ellie, and my son, Mateo. The moments we share, whether it’s quiet mornings at home, Ellie’s playful curiosity, or catching up with Mateo and hearing about his world, fill my heart in a way nothing else does. They remind me of who I am at my core and what I’m working for every day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Yanni Papanikolaou—also known as Yanni Papas in the real estate world—and I’m a multi-passionate entrepreneur who thrives at the intersection of creativity, community, and human connection. I proudly carry my Greek heritage with me in everything I do—it’s shaped my values, my love for hospitality, and the way I approach life and business with heart, grit, and a deep respect for tradition.
My wife and I, previously owned PastaMia, a beloved neighborhood restaurant known for its handmade pasta and heartfelt hospitality. Though the restaurant has since closed, it remains one of my proudest chapters and a symbol of the love and intention I pour into everything I build.
Today, I channel that same energy into real estate with Aspyre Realty Group under eXp, helping people navigate meaningful transitions in both residential and commercial spaces. I also run a business consulting practice focused on helping entrepreneurs scale and evolve with clarity and purpose.
Creatively, I stay grounded through photography—I’m currently working on the second version of my photography book that captures the quiet, often overlooked moments that tell the deepest stories. I’m also writing a novel called Attrition, which explores themes of loss, resilience, and transformation in a post-apocalyptic world. Music is another constant in my life—it fuels my spirit, inspires my work, and often helps me tap into deeper creative and emotional spaces.
At my core, I’m driven by the desire to create things that matter, connect with people in a meaningful way, and honor both where I come from and where I’m going.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My wife, Maria, saw me clearly long before I fully saw myself. She has this quiet, unwavering way of reflecting back the parts of me I used to overlook—the strength, the tenderness, the creative fire. She believed in my potential even during the times I was just trying to keep things afloat. Her love never felt like pressure—it felt like a mirror, one that gently reminded me who I really am and who I’m capable of becoming.
Maria is one of the most intelligent, strong, and resilient people I’ve ever known. She leads with grace, speaks with wisdom, and holds space in a way that makes everyone around her feel seen and safe. Because of her, I strive to be a better father, a better husband, and a better human. Her presence grounds me, challenges me, and constantly calls me toward growth—not just through her words, but through the way she loves, leads, and lives.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been plenty of times I almost gave up. Life has a way of testing you—not just your patience or your plans, but your identity. There were moments when the weight of responsibility, loss, or uncertainty felt like too much. Times when it seemed easier to walk away than to keep pushing forward.
But each of those moments taught me something. They reminded me that growth often happens in the dark, not the light. That even when I couldn’t see the road ahead, something inside me—whether it was faith, stubbornness, or love—kept me moving. I’ve learned that it’s not about whether you fail; it’s about whether you get back up. Every time you rise, you choose to keep trying, and that choice shapes who you become far more than the fall ever could.
And I didn’t make it through those moments alone. My family, my wife and daughter, my roots, and the people who believed in me carried me when I couldn’t carry myself. They reminded me that resilience isn’t a solo act—it’s built in community, in love, and in never giving up on yours
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
One truth that’s foundational in my life is that love—real love—isn’t loud. It’s in the way you show up, day after day, when no one’s watching. It’s in presence, patience, sacrifice, and care. I don’t always articulate it, but I believe the way you treat people—especially when there’s nothing to gain—defines your character more than any title or accomplishment ever could.
Another truth is that growth doesn’t happen without pain. I’ve had to walk through loss, failure, and deep personal reckoning to become who I am today. And while those moments hurt, they were necessary. I’ve learned to welcome discomfort as a sign that something meaningful is trying to shift or emerge.
Time is another sacred truth for me. The moments I have with my family—with my wife, Maria, with my daughter Ellie, and my son Mateo—are fleeting. I try to live in a way that honors that by being fully present, by creating with intention, and by making sure the people I love know they’re loved.
My Greek heritage also runs deep—it’s more than a background, it’s a way of being. It’s in my sense of hospitality, my resilience, my connection to family and tradition. It’s also in my desire to leave something behind that matters—something that lasts. Legacy isn’t just what you build—it’s what you pass on in values, stories, and love.
And through all of it, faith keeps me grounded. It’s not always loud or obvious, but it’s there—in how I trust the process, believe in second chances, and hold on to hope even when the path isn’t clear.
A phrase I carry with me, one rooted in both ancient wisdom and lived experience, is: “I grow old learning.” In Greek, it’s said: Γηράσκω αεί διδασκόμενος. It reminds me that there’s always more to understand—about the world, about others, and about myself. That truth keeps me humble, curious, and constantly evolving.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Great question.
If I knew I had 10 years left, I’d stop wasting time pretending things don’t affect me. I’d stop minimizing my emotions, bottling up pain, or playing small to make others comfortable. I’d let go of perfectionism, overthinking, and the guilt that isn’t mine to carry. I wouldn’t chase validation or wait for the “right moment” to create, express, or love fully.
Instead, I’d be present—truly present—with my wife, Maria, with Ellie and Mateo, soaking in every laugh, every quiet moment, every question, every hug. I’d stop multitasking through memories and start savoring them.
I’d dedicate myself to finishing the creative work that matters to me—my photography books, my novel Attrition—because they carry parts of my soul, and I’d want to leave them behind for my family and the world. I’d live boldly, speak truthfully, and love deeply. No more holding back. No more half-living.
Because I believe a person is only truly gone when they are forgotten. And so I would spend those 10 years making sure that my love, my work, and my story are remembered—by my children, by the people I’ve touched, and by anyone who carries forward a piece of what I’ve left behind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aspyrerealtygroup.com/yanni-papanikolaou/
- Instagram: photoswithyanni
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yanni1980
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PhotosWithYanni
