I have just found a thread from nirvananails which was posted last year.
I moved to Samos Island, Greece back in June 2004 with my English husband to set up in the nail business with a view to getting my own salon.
I have and still am enjoying my new life here but do 100% agree with what VanessaB has said. The Greeks as well as the Cypriots although very friendly do make life a little hard when it comes to business matters. Not only have I found it difficult in trying to obtain supplies (I mainly stock up when I go back to the UK for a visit, cram it all into my suitcase) as I have found that Athens do not want to do business with you if you are not from Greece!
Its all very nice not having much crime (practically nil), nice weather, food, genuine friends etc, but I have also found that I still get the stresses that I had in the Uk and possibly more i.e being away from our English friends, family (family illness, deaths etc), trying to learn a new language, sorting out Greek tax issues etc etc, but having said that I would not go back to the UK.
I hope to set up a salon this year (have been working mobile since I've been here, either going to houses, my house).
Last summer I worked mobile at hotels which was very successful but this year I really do want my own salon and have been looking at possible shop locations, costings etc.
I hope that you have been successful and that life in Cyprus has lived up to your expectations.
I would love to hear how you have got on etc and for general chit chat - maybe we could help each other out with any problems and ideas for business in the Greek and Cypriot world?
All the best
Eva - Greek Nails
By the way, I'm English bred and born not Greek