Some people follow paths. Others build them. Eddy Nassar is one of the latter. Born in Beirut and raised in Cyprus, his journey has been a fusion of creativity, innovation, and vision—taking him from DJ booths and cruise ships to boardrooms and global stages. Today, he is known as a leading voice in hospitality, entertainment, and digital influence, but at the heart of his story is one consistent theme: the power of connection.

From Beirut to Limassol: A Story of Persistence

Eddy earned his degree in Management Information Systems from the State University of New York, funding his studies by working as a DJ. That dual life—technology by day, music by night—foreshadowed his future ability to blend business with creativity.

His professional journey began in 2001 with Columbia Shipmanagement as an IT Engineer, before adventurous stints like serving as IT Officer aboard the Thomson Celebration cruise ship. But it was back on Cypriot soil that his entrepreneurial spirit took flight.

By 2008, Eddy was managing entertainment at Columbia Plaza’s 7 Seas, transforming Limassol’s nightlife with world-class jazz acts. By 2011, as Manager, he was revolutionizing Cyprus’ club scene. Later, as General Manager of Columbia Beach, he propelled the venue to multiple awards, and by 2021, as Managing Director of Columbia Restaurants, he launched Columbia Pier and Columbia Sun—projects that redefined hospitality in Cyprus.

Eddy has always believed in the “Field of Dreams” philosophy: “If you build it, they will come.” Over time, he reshaped it into a modern mantra: “If you market it, they will come.” That mindset of creating with authenticity and vision has become his signature.

Redefining Influence: From Hospitality to Digital Culture

Eddy’s ability to anticipate cultural shifts is what led him beyond restaurants and nightlife into the fast-evolving world of influence. As President & CEO of WIBA Mediterranean, he hosted the World Influencer and Blogger Awards in 2025 at Limassol’s Four Seasons—a milestone that put Cyprus firmly on the global creative map.

The glamorous evening welcomed creators from across Europe and the Middle East, proving that Cyprus could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global hubs in celebrating creativity and digital culture.

The Birth of MICA

But Eddy’s story doesn’t end with events and awards. Alongside entrepreneur Patrick Karam, he co-founded MICA – the Mediterranean Influencers & Creators Association.

MICA was built to answer a simple but pressing need: influencers and creators across the Mediterranean often work in isolation, disconnected from one another and from opportunities. Eddy saw this gap—and decided to build the bridge.

A Hub for Creators

MICA’s mission is threefold:

• Empowerment – offering tools, training, and workshops.
• Collaboration – connecting creators with each other and with brands.
• Cultural Exchange – amplifying the Mediterranean’s diverse voices globally.

Monthly meetups in Limassol and beyond bring this mission to life. Whether on rooftops, at Columbia Beach, or in buzzing creative hubs, creators gather to share stories, discuss challenges, brainstorm collaborations, and support one another.

It doesn’t matter if someone has 1,000 or one million followers—at MICA, every voice counts. The association has become a lifeline for Mediterranean creators, proving that influence is not about numbers, but about authenticity and connection.

Looking Ahead

For Eddy, MICA is more than an initiative—it’s a movement. “Cyprus has always been at the crossroads of civilizations. MICA channels that heritage into digital storytelling, showing the Mediterranean as vibrant, dynamic, and ready to lead.”

As MICA grows, its impact is rippling across the region. What started with one man’s passion for music, hospitality, and community has evolved into a collective force shaping the future of influence.

And at the center of it all stands Eddy Nassar—a visionary who proves that when you build with heart, people don’t just come; they stay, connect, and create legacies together.

Author: Elisabeth V. Toufexis

Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis is a woman of resilience and courage, who has navigated life’s turbulences, tamed her fears, and undertaken an incredible...