Meet Canan Soylu | Artist & Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Canan Soylu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi CANAN, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It feels natural to start with a bit about my background. I have a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and a master’s in Quality Control, along with various career certifications. I moved to the U.S. from Istanbul in 2016, aiming to build a career in New York using my professional skills. However, things didn’t go as planned. I worked with different companies and individuals, but the work didn’t bring me any satisfaction. The pandemic in 2020 became a major turning point; like for many others, it came with obstacles, anxiety, and health challenges.

During that time, I found myself in a local studio, trying to keep my sanity. Creating something with my hands became a healing process. After only a few classes, I went back to Istanbul, but I already knew that creating was my passion, regardless of the outcome.

Atelier Beroj isn’t my first business. I opened a community café and bookstore in the heart of Istanbul many years ago. It was a unique experience, as local community members helped run it during the day while I worked full-time. The shop became a gathering place for people interested in discussing everything from life to politics in a shared, respectful space. But soon after, I felt it was time for a new chapter, and I moved to the U.S.

Atelier Beroj is my passion project, something I’ve poured myself into. The pandemic, though difficult, offered a chance to rethink and remake things with greater purpose. I became more focused on eco-friendly and sustainable creation, which pushed me to explore alternative materials. While Atelier Beroj doesn’t yet fully reflect my vision of creating from waste, I’m committed to bringing that vision to life. My goal is to merge different materials and disciplines to create new designs—from eggshells to wall tiles, coffee grounds to side tables, paper to chairs, clay to objects, and wood to furniture. Although I currently share only my ceramic work with my audience, there are many projects underway.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art comes from the heart. With a background in engineering, I’m naturally a rational thinker, but when I create with clay, I let intuition take over. My process is experimental and free, allowing each piece to evolve as a unique, one-of-a-kind expression. I love the slow, thoughtful process, shaping each piece with patience and care—my motto is “imperfection is perfection,” and no two pieces are ever the same.

My journey with art has been one of constant learning and openness, even when it means facing failure. The path has taught me to embrace challenges and setbacks, understanding that everything is temporary. Sometimes, stepping back or letting go of an idea is necessary, and I’ve found that doing so often brings clarity and strengthens the work. I remind myself to keep moving forward, even if the progress feels slow, trusting that each step is part of my growth.

As an immigrant woman doing everything on my own in a big city, there are certainly challenges. But I believe in resilience and staying strong, even when the path is hard. Life can be like a roller coaster—there are ups and downs, some taking longer than others, but I firmly believe that what ultimately matters is my own commitment to this journey.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand, Atelier Beroj, is that each piece I create is a reflection of this exploration, growth, and authenticity. I’m proud that I have never emulated anyone else’s work; every piece is uniquely mine. I’m not in competition with anyone but myself, always looking for ways to improve upon my own vision. My goal is to bring a genuine sense of authenticity and sustainability to my work, from the initial concept to the final creation.
I believe we can create things that are not only unique but also intentional—designed to be better for people, the environment, and all living things. You can see that Atelier Beroj’s logo, featuring the sun and mountains, embodies this commitment to nature, symbolizing the harmony and respect we strive to bring into every piece we create.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love exploring places that have soul, meaningful insight, good music, and lots of art. Here’s the itinerary I’d plan:

We’d start with visits to MOMA, the Natural History Museum, and the Met. We’d get lost in these museums, taking as much time as possible to soak it all in. I would also take my friend to private galleries in the High Line district to see alternative, individual artworks. Then, we’d spend a day at Central Park, walking or maybe biking around to experience its natural beauty, grabbing a pretzel before lunch.

Next, I’d take my friend to Washington Square Park to see the diverse crowd of students, tourists, New Yorkers, musicians, and performers. Afterward, we’d walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to enjoy the views and have lunch on the other side. In Williamsburg, we’d stop at a cozy French restaurant for a meal.

We’d also spend time in Harlem, visiting the Apollo Theater, Morningside Park, and Columbia University. We’d stop by a local bakery for the best chocolate cookie in town. I’d make sure to bring my friend up one of the skyscrapers to take in the panoramic views of the city.

Finally, I’d take them to my studio to show them my work and share a bit of my world with them.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes to my partner, who always supports my nonstop ideas. He’s always there to encourage me when I’m feeling down, and I truly appreciate his unwavering support.

Website: https://www.atelierberoj.com

Instagram: atelierberoj

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@imperfectionisperfection

Image Credits
by Atelier Beroj