James Koumis

James Koumis was born in August 1971, the youngest of six children of a working-class Cypriot family. They lived in East London until he was 13, when the whole family moved to North London. James' childhood was harsh and strict, and he had to work for the family business from the age of seven, depriving him of his childhood. He and his siblings received no guidance in life outside the home from his peers or family and he was not able to focus or study effectively at school. At 18,...See more

James Koumis was born in August 1971, the youngest of six children of a working-class Cypriot family. They lived in East London until he was 13, when the whole family moved to North London. James' childhood was harsh and strict, and he had to work for the family business from the age of seven, depriving him of his childhood. He and his siblings received no guidance in life outside the home from his peers or family and he was not able to focus or study effectively at school. At 18, finding life at home unbearable, James left. At the age of 35 he had a 'wake-up call' and went through some challenging times, personally and financially. His loving wife Leigh and their three children stood by him during five years of ups and downs and challenging emotions, which at one point were severe enough to drive James to thoughts of ending his life. Today, at 40, James has trained himself to leave behind the negative aspects of the past and is starting to move forward in a positive and focused way. He has gained courage, determination and above all faith, not only in himself but in life. He has written The family who are living their dreams, which is dedicated to his family, to inspire both children and adults who are going through some of the experiences he has survived. He is now working on his second book, which describes the new journey that we are all taking. See less