Maria Rampaouni

Maria Rampaouni graduated from the University of Kent in 2019 with a degree in Forensic Science. After teaching for several years, she founded HavenWeb, a community interest company focused on promoting sustainable gardening and community building.

Maria credits Kent University for broadening her perspective and ASPIRE for providing essential business insights and connections.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

After graduating in 2019, I chose to pursue a career in teaching, focusing on science in secondary education. I believed it would be more fulfilling than working in a laboratory setting in Forensics. My first year was spent teaching science in a mainstream school, followed by two years teaching maths in a school for students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Within less than a year at the SEMH school, I was honoured to join the leadership team, which provided valuable experience and insight into educational leadership.  

Although teaching was rewarding in many ways, I realized it wasn’t my long-term career path. Despite the perks, including generous holidays, I didn’t feel as fulfilled as I had hoped. This led me to reflect deeply on my passions, strengths, and long-term goals. From a young age, I’ve been passionate about sustainability and environmental protection, constantly exploring ways to create a more balanced and sustainable world. I decided to pivot my career toward sustainability, leveraging my leadership skills and existing experience.

I sought opportunities to gain hands-on experience in this field. I volunteered with Climate Emergency UK, contributing to their assessment of council strategies on food security and recycling. I also collaborated with a community garden, offering my support in management and organization, although that project eventually dissolved. Determined to make a tangible impact, I founded my own community interest company, HavenWeb.

HavenWeb’s mission is to empower individuals to grow their own food while fostering a sense of community. Drawing on my teaching background, I recognized the importance of making new experiences accessible and rewarding for beginners. To encourage participation, we focused on cultivating low-maintenance crops like tomato and chili plants, which thrive with minimal care. This approach ensures that even those new to gardening can succeed.

HavenWeb reinvests its time and profits into our flagship community project: a ‘secret community garden’ in the heart of Canterbury. The project has been a resounding success, attracting around 30 registered participants, with an average of 10 attending each session. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see people coming together, building connections, and finding joy in a shared purpose. The garden has become a safe and welcoming space where people can socialize and reconnect in an era where face-to-face interaction is often overshadowed by social media.

I chose to establish HavenWeb as a community interest company because I firmly believe in the principle that the more you give, the more you receive. In contrast to profit-driven enterprises, HavenWeb prioritizes community impact and inclusivity. It’s encouraging to see a growing number of businesses embracing this model, proving that success can be measured not only in profits but in the positive change we create together.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

At the moment, there’s no such thing as a typical workday for me. My responsibilities are diverse and ever-changing. I divide my time between nurturing our plants, managing the community garden, and networking with the right people to spread the word about our work. I also attend markets, maintain and update our website, manage our social media presence, write grant applications, handle finances, and plan for the future growth of HavenWeb.

One of the perks of running your own business is the flexibility—it’s not confined to the traditional 9-to-5 schedule. Personally, I’m most productive in the mornings, so I often start my day early. This allows me to tackle important tasks with focus, and if my schedule permits, I enjoy a more relaxed afternoon to recharge and reflect. Every day is dynamic, which keeps my work exciting and fulfilling.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

One of the most rewarding highlights of my career has been the recognition and interest from other organizations eager to collaborate with us on expanding community gardening initiatives. It’s incredibly gratifying to see our work resonate with others and inspire more people to get involved.

Also, hearing positive feedback about our plants has been a proud moment for me, especially since I had never cultivated plants on such a large scale before. Receiving compliments from both the public and professionals about the quality and care put into our plants has been a deeply rewarding experience.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

Although my bachelor’s degree was in a field quite different from my current career, moving to Canterbury and studying at the University of Kent provided me with a fresh perspective on the world. I believe it’s crucial to step out of your comfort zone, meet diverse people, and experience new environments—it shapes your character and broadens your horizons. At Kent, I not only made lifelong friends but also discovered new facets of myself. This kind of personal growth is a recurring theme throughout life, as we adapt and evolve in different work environments and communities.

My business journey has also been significantly shaped by Kent, particularly through the ASPIRE program. As someone with no prior business background, I had little idea of where to start. The program gave me a solid foundation in understanding how a business operates and what’s expected. I’m especially grateful for the support of Artur, who helped me grasp the fundamentals, and Rebecca, whose extensive connections in the food, drink, and horticultural sectors have been invaluable. Through her, I’ve met key individuals who have played a vital role in helping my business grow to where it is today. I’m incredibly thankful for their guidance and support.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

Working for yourself and creating something out of nothing is super exciting, super fulfilling, and at the same time quite challenging and scary. You need to be prepared to persevere regardless of how your day feels, and also take breaks every now and then because you need them. If I have to give one piece of advice, it would be to be open to changing your plans and be willing to adapt because very few things go according to plan.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?

When I was a student, I got into exercising and being healthy. I tried kickboxing, but I didn't stick with it. At some point, I asked my brother, who is much older and wiser than I am, what I should do with my free time at university. I expected him to suggest joining a club or something similar, but he said, "You should learn some coding." I never did learn coding, but I realize now that I should have because it's very important. I also did a bit of partying, which was super fun! 

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

It is hard to pick a favourite memory from when I was a student because I really enjoyed all my time at uni. Meeting people, hanging out, and just doing crazy stuff were all highlights. I suppose a very fond memory of mine would be hanging out with my really good friends and housemates in our little house, just doing our thing. 

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

No! :) 

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Yes, quite a few of them.

What are your future ambitions?

There are many things that I would like to do, such as developing more sustainable gardening projects and improving education in terms of gardening and growing food. I might also like to do some work back home in Greece. However, everything is uncertain because plans change, and who knows what wonderful opportunities the future may hold?