10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
I started working as a designer in jewelry manufacturing companies in the Grand Bazaar in 1999.
When I realized that I could not improve myself in design within the companies I worked for, I rolled up my sleeves to chart my own path. I founded Özlem Tuna Design in 2003. When I first started, I was not aware that it was not an easy path. I dreamed of standing on my own two feet as a schooled "designer" in a sector that is mostly comprised of master-apprentice relationships and family companies, and providing design services.
I experienced, bittersweetly, in the first 10 years that my dreams and the business dynamics of the geography I live in did not progress in the same parallel way.
I saw that the difficulties in front of me were indicating that I should knock on other doors. I did not stop. I continued to work and learn. In the journey that started alone, my brother Olcay Tuna joined the team first. In the following years, my teammates increased. Suddenly, I was exporting my designs and products abroad.
What did I do between 2003 and 2013?
BRAND: I created the brand ÖZLEM TUNA and in the beginning I was the designer and producer of the jewellery I designed.
SALES: As my sales notes increased and I could not keep up with the production; I established a small metal workshop.
FIRST DESIGN SHOP: In 2007, I opened the DESIGN ZONE design shop to sell my designs myself. It was the first design shop in the historical Tarımada.
EXHIBITIONS: The store, which houses many designers' products, apart from my own designs, became very popular. And I hosted painting, sculpture and cartoon exhibitions.
COLLABORATION WITH MASTERS: I started to produce new collections by collaborating with metal masters around the Grand Bazaar.
COFFEE CUP DESIGN; I made my first coffee cup design in 2007. We produced ceramic cups in the workshop of my university teacher Ali Bayrak. I produced the cup handles and saucers in collaboration with the masters, using traditional methods.
EXPORT: In 2008, I participated in the first international fair in Qatar - Doha. And exports and design projects to the Middle East started.
In 10 years, I designed and produced 10 collections for the ÖZLEM TUNA brand.
CORPORATE GIFT PROJECTS: I have designed and produced special design gift projects and products for many brands and institutions at home and abroad.
We are starting the second decade with excitement and new dreams.
Longing
2013 . Nemlizade Han Istanbul