When Athena X Levendi arrived in Australia in 1997, her surname proved difficult for many to pronounce. Originally Xenakis—derived from the Greek word “Xenos,” meaning “foreigner”—her family name had already undergone a transformation generations prior. In Australia, the complexity of the name led friends to call her simply “Athena X.” What began as a casual nickname evolved into a brand and a public identity.
Many first came to know Athena through The Real Housewives of Sydney. That chapter in her life was both intense and transformative. She describes the experience as stepping into a distorted reality, where vulnerability meets manipulation. For her, it was never truly real—it was what she now calls “unreality TV.” And though the experience exposed sides of herself she might not have willingly shared, she accepts it as a necessary part of her evolution.
Creativity has always been at the heart of who she is. Long before her television appearance, Athena immersed herself in art, design, and self-expression. Whether she was styling her home, dressing with intention, or throwing immersive dinner parties, every detail was driven by artistic impulse. Her paintings, often inspired by meditation and spiritual reflection, come from a place beyond language. She doesn’t expect them to be understood—only to be felt.
To Athena, true artistry is a form of channeling. Like many creatives, she believes that inspiration comes from an unseen source. Each artist, she says, tunes into a unique frequency, and that frequency resonates with certain people more than others. Understanding that not everything is meant for everyone gave her freedom—not just as an artist, but as a person.
Her journey in the arts began in Athens, where she studied fashion and textile design. After relocating to Australia, she completed a Fine Arts degree at the National Art School, majoring in sculpture. She continued to exhibit her work in solo shows while raising three children, balancing the demands of motherhood with a strong internal drive to create. She also contributed to her family’s jewelry business, assisting with merchandising and design. Whether working with fabric, metal, or stone, her work was always an extension of her desire to bring beauty into the world.
Throughout her 22-year marriage, Athena and her family moved homes 14 times. Each move became a new opportunity to design, style, and transform a space. But beneath the aesthetic transformations, her personal life was shifting. When she was approached to join The Real Housewives, she hadn’t pursued it and hadn’t even seen the franchise—she didn’t own a television. At the time, she was focused on spiritual growth and self-inquiry, far removed from mainstream media.
The experience of filming brought long-standing patterns into sharp focus. For years, Athena had found herself surrounded by toxic female friendships. It took the crucible of reality television for her to understand that these patterns mirrored unresolved parts of herself. She came to a powerful realization: people treat us only as well as we treat ourselves. That understanding became a turning point in her life.
After the show, she opened AXEL Bazaar, initially as a way to sell off the extensive wardrobe she had accumulated during filming. What started as a temporary pop-up evolved into a successful and much-loved boutique. Her curated vintage collection stood apart—elegant, soulful, and personal. But it was never just about commerce. For Athena, it was about sharing beauty with others. Letting go of treasured items was not a loss, but a joy.
As the business grew, so did its demands. Late nights, mounting responsibilities, and the constant pressure to produce more began to take a toll. Athena stepped away, unwilling to sacrifice her peace and family life for profit. Around that time, her marriage was also undergoing profound change. After many conversations and a symbolic injury—a fall that left her with a broken wrist—she came to a deeper understanding. The relationship had run its course.
In 2023, she and her husband separated amicably. Their children, now young adults, understood and supported the decision. The separation was grounded in mutual respect and love. Though they no longer live together, the family remains close, sharing regular dinners and daily conversations. It was never about conflict; it was about truth.
After taking nearly a year away from retail, Athena returned with renewed clarity. She opened a new studio on Macleay Street—an intimate space free from the weight of old memories. This new chapter isn’t about reclaiming the past. It’s about honoring the present.
Athena X Levendi’s life continues to unfold like one of her artworks—layered, expressive, and deeply personal. Each chapter, whether joyful or painful, has been a brushstroke in a greater composition. And through it all, her commitment to living and creating authentically has never wavered.