The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Dimitria Koumarnetos in the ‘Community Proud’ Series, sponsored by CorePlus Credit Union. As the founder of Petra Star in Niantic, Dimitria combines decades of jewelry expertise with a deep-rooted commitment to her community and sustainable values.

Originally from Long Beach, New York, Dimitria’s journey has taken her from coast to coast. In 1998, she and her family moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where they spent nearly two decades before returning to the Northeast in 2016. After two years in Jamestown, Rhode Island, they found their permanent home in Niantic in 2018.

Since arriving in Southeastern Connecticut, Dimitria has looked for meaningful ways to connect and contribute. One of the most impactful has been her family’s involvement with High Hopes Therapeutic Riding. Dimitria and her daughter volunteered at the stables, assisting with morning feedings and supporting equine therapy sessions. Though their schedules have since shifted, their support remains strong, most notably through a silver horseshoe necklace she designed, with 10% of proceeds benefiting High Hopes year-round. Dimitria also donates to other causes close to her heart, including The Innocence Project, The Trevor Project, and Breast Cancer Research.

When Halloween rolls around, Dimitria brings that same energy and passion to the East Lyme Cadets' annual Walk of Horror. It’s become a family tradition to volunteer at this thrilling community event, which has grown significantly over the years. It’s a fundraiser close to her heart and a fun way to give back to the local youth.

For Dimitria, Niantic feels like home because of the safe and nurturing environment it offers her children. Watching them grow and thrive in this community has built a strong emotional connection to the area.

At the heart of Dimitria’s professional life is Petra Star, her Mystic based jewelry store that reflects nearly 30 years of experience. The shop features a curated collection of museum quality pieces from the 1700s to modern vintage, alongside sustainable artisan jewelry. Dimitria prides herself on transparency, education, and building trust with every client, regardless of their budget. Her goal is to break down the world of fine jewelry, making the process of buying or designing a piece not only accessible but deeply personal.

Though opening the store has kept her busy, Dimitria still carves out time for creativity and connection. She enjoys sewing with upcycled fabrics, knitting, gardening, and traveling with her family. She and her husband are passionate about live music, the arts, and motorsports, frequently attending events from the Pebble Beach Concours to Overland gatherings in Vermont.

The success of Petra Star is not a solo effort. Dimitria is grateful for the support she’s received from The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, SCORE, SeCTeRise, and the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC), who helped her navigate the complexities of launching a business. Her loyal local customers have also played a key role in spreading the word and building a strong foundation for growth. She also extends heartfelt thanks to her colleagues in California, whose continued encouragement and guidance have meant the world.

Through her artistry, advocacy, and unwavering support for her community, Dimitria Koumarnetos is not only crafting beautiful jewelry, she’s helping shape a more connected, and compassionate community.