Meet NILAY YUCE SENGUN | Co-Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with NILAY YUCE SENGUN and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi NILAY, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
You know the saying, “It’s always darkest before the dawn”? Well, our journey is a perfect example. Fahri used to run an Etsy store selling copper items, but unexpectedly, Etsy closed it down. Meanwhile, I had a job as a marketing manager at a major media company in Turkey, but I was pregnant and wanted to be with my baby.

During this time, Fahri came up with the idea of selling Turkish towels.

We didn’t have money to experiment with, or anyone to tell us if we were doing it right or wrong. We had $ 1,000 worth of towels and blankets that we thought we could sell online. Our main goal was to share the beauty of Turkish textiles with the world.

As newlyweds, we launched our business from our home in Istanbul. Our passion for introducing top-quality Turkish towels and throw blankets to the world drove our decision to start our business. We began as a small online store and gradually expanded our reach.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When we began our business, we took big risks. I left my job, and we moved to the US from Istanbul with only four suitcases. We went all-in to pursue our dream. Taking these risks was a crucial part of our journey, helping us adapt and grow quickly.

Our journey has been marked by continuous efforts, hard work, and persistence. We’ve encountered challenges and made mistakes, but the unwavering support of our customers and our love for what we do have kept us going. The decision to keep going or give up should be influenced by a balance of your passion, determination, and the support and feedback you receive from your community.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

One of my favorite places is Lake Lure, located in North Carolina.

Boating: Lake Lure is known for its picturesque lake, offering opportunities to rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, or take a scenic boat tour.

Swimming: There are designated swimming areas and sandy beaches around the lake.

Fishing: Lake Lure is a popular spot for fishing, where you can catch bass, trout, and other species.

Chimney Rock: Visit Chimney Rock State Park to take an elevator ride or hike to the top of Chimney Rock, which provides breathtaking panoramic views.

Golfing: Enjoy a round of golf at one of the area’s golf courses.

Spa and Wellness: Relax and rejuvenate at local spas and wellness centers.

Scenic Drives: Take a leisurely drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or explore nearby attractions like Hickory Nut Gorge.

Lakefront Dining: Savor lakefront dining at restaurants and cafes that offer a variety of cuisines.

Lake Lure Flowering Bridge: Explore the unique Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, a community project transforming a former highway bridge into a lush garden.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely, we owe a tremendous shoutout to our customers and the wonderful community of people who have supported us on our journey. Their encouragement, feedback, and loyalty have been a driving force behind our success. We’re also incredibly grateful to our suppliers, who have worked closely with us to provide high-quality Turkish textiles. Lastly, we want to recognize our family and friends for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout our entrepreneurial adventure. Our story wouldn’t be the same without all of them.

Website: www.theloomia.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theloomia/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilay-y%C3%BCce-sengun-12230632/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLoomia