We came together with Alev Karslı and Güneş Mutlu Mavituncalılar to talk about the secrets and difficulties behind their success stories, in moderation of Ezgi Avcı. You can watch the whole video here or read along for the highlights!
We know that your first startup was an e-commerce website. Can you tell us how that venture led to becoming a great bag designer?
Güneş Mutlu Mavituncalılar: It was about 10 years ago I founded this e-commerce website where I was selling more than 100 designer brands. At some point, I realized that I couldn’t find the right bags to sell on the website. This decision was towards making beautiful handbags that look like in the luxury segment, but making them more accessible. So, I closed down the e-commerce business and focused solely on the bags.
Was making Mehry Mu an international brand a strategic movement, or did it just happen organically?
Güneş Mutlu Mavituncalılar: I think these two go hand in hand. There was definitely the strategy and dream of expanding globally but it had to be organic at some point because of reasons like our limited budget.
How did you manage to capture local followers’ attention on social media in Turkey after coming from Scotland in 2016?
Alev Karslı: I was using Instagram quite actively in the UK and it was not popular in Turkey back then. I just thought that it could be something different because not a lot of people were posting makeup. It definitely took a lot of dedicated time and building good connections. These two are the most important things I have done to increase my followers. Building good connections with either celebrities or influencers helps you to do more projects with them.
It seems like Mehry Mu appeals to fashion lovers and also it is very timeless. Can you tell us the secret behind that?
Güneş Mutlu Mavituncalılar: The formula is that when I design a collection I start with a mood board and then I run it through many filters according to all the people I want to appeal to. Mehry Mu always has the nostalgic, feminine, chic, and sophisticated vibe and it is affordable, so it makes it even more accessible.
You work at a very high pace; how do you find the time for social media?
Alev Karslı: I take people on this journey with me, and I think this is the reason why they are like family. They come everywhere with me and I include them in my journey in my everyday life.
What is the proudest moment of your career?
Alev Karslı: Now there are so many makeup artists either professional or not on Instagram. I feel really proud every time I am booked because of my own makeup style.
Hope you enjoyed a little inspirational boost for your business model. Make sure to subscribe on YouTube for more!