2024 Recap: A Year of Growth, Backgammon, and Big Dreams

Nobody: So, Natasha, what’s taking you so long to bring us more of your best-selling product?

Me: Well, I hit one of those inevitable, soul-searching bumps in the road. It took me a minute (or a year) to recalibrate, but we’re back on track, and I’m more excited than ever for what’s next 🙌. This past year, I zigzagged across Europe in search of the perfect partners, tools, and inspiration to keep creating beautiful backgammon boards—and to dabble in something new. While juggling a corporate job 💼, surviving NYC’s beautiful chaos 🗽, and politely dodging my Greek parents’ relentless “when are you settling down?” campaigns (spoiler: not yet 😉), I’ve been cooking up something special. Oh, and when I say "new products," I’m using the term loosely. Some of what’s coming isn’t a “product” in the traditional sense. (Cryptic? Maybe. Exciting? Absolutely.) But the stars are aligning, and things are falling into place. ✨

Nobody: Cool story, Natasha, but what have you actually done?

Me: Fair point—I’d want receipts too. So, here’s a photo reel 📸 of 2024’s highlights and a sneak peek at what’s brewing for 2025.

Natasha in Florence, Italy

One.

At the start of 2024, I hopped on a plane to Florence, Italy 🇮🇹, in search of a leather fabricator for my roll-up backgammon sets. My old producer? Great… until they weren’t. So, I set off to find a partner who’d meet my standards: expertise, transparency, respect, and a willingness to grow with me. Oh, and keeping production in the Mediterranean? Non-negotiable. Fewer options, higher costs, but 100% worth it.

Two.

Leather 101: I didn’t know much… okay, anything. But Florence and its Scandicci region, with their legendary reputation, seemed like a solid place to start. This adventure unfolded more organically than planned—picture me soaking up knowledge during a crash course on leather ecosystems. The real milestone? Sitting on a train to Rome, calculating production costs in Excel (measured in cow hides, of course). Entrepreneur moment unlocked. 🤠

Three.

From family-run workshops to large factories producing for global fashion giants, my site visits were eye-opening. On one side: centuries-old traditions. On the other: high-volume efficiency powered by immigrant laborers. It’s the kind of topic that could get its own blog post one day—file that under future deep dives. Months of back-and-forth later—countless emails, samples, and tweaks—I landed on a producer who’s just right. Goldilocks style. 🐻

Four.

Sourcing checkers (poulia 🇬🇷) in the Mediterranean? A near-impossible quest. My former partner was a one-stop shop; now, every element—boards, checkers, dice—had to be sourced individually. A logistical headache, sure, but also a lesson in risk mitigation (thank you, business school 🎓). Just as I was ready to throw in the towel, Athens came through with a small miracle: my new checker-maker. Still accepting ideas for a better job title.

Five.

All this talk about leather, what about my wooden boards? My OG product, created as an ode to Greek tradition, isn’t going anywhere. (Confession: I overproduced a bit during round one 😅, so there’s still stock.) But my best-seller, the Warm Walnut Frame, is almost sold out. No worries—a talented carpenter named Vangelis is helping me bring back more of that beautiful olive wood. Stay tuned for the good stuff! ✨

Six.

Speaking of Vangelis, we’ve also been collaborating on something entirely new: LXS Raketes, or as the rest of the world calls them, beach paddles 🏓. Inspired by summers on Greek islands and designed with a modern twist, these paddles launch Spring 2025. Fun fact: once upon a time, I thought my raketes skills would make me the next Serena Williams 🎾. (Spoiler: they didn’t, but the dreamer in me lives on!) And yes, they’re as gorgeous displayed at home as they are on the beach.

Seven.

Let me officially introduce you to the LXS tote bag. If you follow LXS on insta, you’ve probably already spotted this neutral, versatile, waterproof beauty — but starting Spring 2025, you can finally get your hands on one. Designed to carry even our largest wooden boards, these bags are perfect for groceries, beach days, or showing up to your local backgammon club (shout out to my faves @nycbackgammonclub @villagebackgammon and @venicebackgammonclub).  

Eight.

From Portugal’s Douro Valley 🍇 to France’s Southern Riviera 🌺, my 2024 travels were a perfect mix of work, play, and inspiration. Boutique hotels are my not-so-guilty pleasure, and this year’s standout was the Yayaki Hotel on Spetses. Thoughtful design, personal touches, and a feeling of effortless luxury left me inspired—and maybe just a little spoiled. It reminded me of what I want LXS to be: not just products, but experiences that bring beauty, intention, and a little magic into everyday life. 💫

Nine.

I took the leap and started turning one of my long-time dreams into reality: what I’m currently calling the LXS villas. (Naming things is hard, okay?). Think breezy spaces, warm details, and a celebration of everything I love about Limnos. Transitioning from backgammon to hospitality might seem like a leap, but for me, it’s all connected—a way to share the most cherished parts of my heritage with others. And what better way to embody a Mediterranean lifestyle brand than by living it?

Ten.

Construction is underway on two villas along the island’s western coast, where the sunsets are unreal, the sea breeze does half the relaxing for you, and the plunge pools are begging for a slow afternoon. These spaces are made for everything—quiet getaways, big family reunions, or trips that turn friends into family. Will they be ready for Summer 2025? Fingers crossed… but in true Mediterranean fashion, let’s call it a “maybe.” Sign up below for the waitlist if you’re feeling adventurous. ✉️

And there you have it—a whirlwind of cow hides, raketes, tote bags, and villas. Who knew backgammon could take me on this kind of ride? To everyone who’s been cheering from the sidelines, thank you for sticking around and letting me share this journey with you. LXS is growing, evolving, and occasionally winging it—but always with heart and a touch of Mediterranean flair. Here’s to more adventures in 2025. 🎉