I am entrepreneur, creative professional, and an expert product developer. With three decades of experience, my career includes leadership positions at two of America’s most iconic retailers. In addition to forming my own company, I have also launched three start-up concepts.

Founder and Creative Director
(2011 – Present)
Istanbul, Turkey

In 2011, I left corporate life and permanently relocated to Istanbul. What initially began as entrepreneurial effort focused on product development and sourcing evolved into a full range of innovative and result-driven creative services. Today, resources include branding, graphic design, photography, product development & sourcing, and much more. Over the course of the last decade, we have had the great honor to work with some of Turkey’s most influential brands. In addition to designing and developing products for the local market, we export product and content to the United States and Europe.

Key responsibilities:

• Sourcing, Product Development and Design
• Quality Assurance and Logistics
• Branding and Creative Services
• Photography, Styling and Post-Production Services
• Retouching and Photoshop

Co-Founder and Creative Director
(2012 – 2018)
Istanbul, Turkey

Launched in 2012, Pera Bulvarı is the market leading online destination for home décor in Turkey. Each day, Pera Bulvarı offers exceptional value on top-brand, vintage, and designer items. Pera Bulvarı is the only online brand in Turkey offering both home furnishings & gourmet food. Pera Bulvarı was acquired by Karaca Home in 2018.

Key responsibilities:

• Recognize and identify new trends
• Supervise the sourcing and development of new products and product categories
• Ensure product is brand appropriate and meets financial requirements
• Lead merchandising, product development and creative teams
• Oversee production of photography and creative content

Founder and Proprietor
(2011 – 2014)
Alaçatı, Turkey

Launched in 2011, the redhorse|redhouse collection was inspired by the warm breezes, the warm people and the casual charm of Turkey’s Aegean coast. With a store located in Alaçatı, Turkey, the collection and retail concept have been profiled in numerous publications including Elle Decor, All Dekor, and Turkish Airlines In-Flight Magazine. In addition, the store was featured on CNN Travel.

Key responsibilities:

• Sourcing, Product Development and Design
• Retail Concept Store
• Wholesale Collection

Director European Operations
(2006 – 2011)
3250 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, California 94109

Initially reporting directly to the CEO, researched the challenges and opportunities related to the establishment of Williams-Sonoma owned and operated offices in key markets throughout Europe. In 2007, supported the establishment of sourcing offices in Istanbul, Florence, London, Lisbon, Porto and Paris. Based in Istanbul, led all offices and teams including Accounting, Human Resources, Merchandising, Sourcing, Supply Chain, Technology and Quality Assurance.

Key responsibilities:

• Build high-functioning teams and individuals by upholding the values of learning and achievement
• Set strategic direction and apply measurable goals at every level within the organization
• Establish and execute to a sustainable operating budget that reduces overall product cost
• Recognize and identify new trends with regular market reporting to company headquarters
• Supervise the sourcing and development of new products and product categories
• Ensure that all product meets aesthetic, financial and quality requirements
• Oversee all Supply Chain activity including purchase order issuance and on-time shipping
• Build strategic partnerships with key vendors in the region

Director Global Production
(1996 – 2006)
One Harrison Street, San Francisco, California 94105

Gap is an American worldwide clothing and accessories retailer. Founded in 1969 by Donald Fisher and Doris F. Fisher and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Key responsibilities:

• Build high-functioning teams and individuals
• Serve as the key internal link between all internal and external stakeholders
• Manage global sourcing agent service providers
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that drive growth and reduce cost
• Set strategic direction and apply measurable goals at every level within the division
• Supervise the sourcing and development of new products
• Ensure that all product meets aesthetic, financial and quality requirements
• Oversee all supply chain activity including purchase order issuance and on-time shipping
• Vendor identification and production allocation
• Cost negotiations and production management
• Build strategic partnerships with key vendors globally

If you would like to collaborate (or just have a cup of coffee), please feel free to send a note or connect via social media. Either way, I look forward to hearing from you.