Softness, Style and Sustainability: Inside Dahlia Home & Lifestyle

From Istanbul’s cobblestone alleyways to Shanghai’s bustling vitality, Selin Penbe Kireccioglu’s journey has been a tapestry of colours, textures and tales. Each chapter – studying tailoring from her grandmother, portray gentle and shade together with her father’s paintbrushes, or managing New York and Paris’ fast-paced life – has created the designer and entrepreneur she is as we speak. She has at all times been pushed by a love of workmanship, excellence and self-expression.

Q: Before we discuss your organization would you please introduce your self?

I used to be born and raised within the vibrant metropolis of Istanbul, the place artistry and craftsmanship had been a part of my on a regular basis life. I grew up in a proficient household – my grandmother and aunt had been expert tailors who stuffed our house with beautiful materials, instructing me the great thing about custom and meticulous handwork. My father, a gifted painter in his leisure time, launched me to the magic of colours – how shades might mix, distinction and inform tales. These early influences nurtured my love for design, creativity and the great thing about self-expression by means of each material and artwork. These experiences proceed to type the muse of my work and imaginative and prescient as we speak.

My skilled journey started in Istanbul’s prêt-à-porter trade, the place I gained hands-on manufacturing expertise. Later, in New York, I immersed myself within the fast-paced worlds of gross sales, merchandising and buyer relations, the place I realized the worth of effectivity, competitors and the elemental precept that point is cash. Paris marked a pivotal chapter, the place I dove deep into the manufacturing and commerce of cotton materials. Across these experiences, one precept stayed fixed – buyer satisfaction turned my compass, and product high quality my ardour.

Q: Why did you resolve to strike out by yourself and begin an organization in Shanghai?

Shanghai’s vitality was contagious. After a number of years right here, I noticed I had gathered a wealth of information – from my roots in Istanbul to my time in New York and Paris – and it was time to channel it into one thing of my very own. Shanghai gave me the arrogance to take that leap, to construct an organization that displays my values, craftsmanship and inventive imaginative and prescient. Starting my very own enterprise wasn’t only a skilled transfer; it was a method to weave collectively all my experiences into one thing significant and enduring.

In 2015, I based Dahlia Home & Lifestyle in Shanghai, impressed by my travels and my background in trend and textiles. The story started with a easy present – a Peshtemal, a standard Turkish towel I introduced from Turkey for a pal. Its softness, lightness, quick-drying nature and flexibility captivated everybody instantly. That’s once I realized its potential – not simply as a standard towel, however as a basis for a set of towels, bathrobes, shawls, beachwear and blankets, all crafted from one hundred pc Turkish cotton.

The identify Dahlia comes from the flower in our brand – stunning, various and long-lasting – identical to our designs. Hidden inside it’s Lia, my daughter’s identify, and the center behind the model. At Dahlia, we imagine in magnificence, softness and sustainability, wrapped in on a regular basis magnificence.

Q: What makes Shanghai’s enterprise surroundings so outstanding?

Shanghai thrives on pace, innovation and vitality. Ideas flip into actuality virtually immediately, and success is dependent upon agility, precision and assembly buyer expectations with effectivity. I used to be impressed by the alternatives this metropolis affords to overseas entrepreneurs – the possibility to show enterprise desires into actuality. These qualities turned a part of Dahlia’s DNA.

Q: What had been you making an attempt to deliver to the area people?

From the beginning, I needed Dahlia to be greater than a model. I needed to supply a fusion of workmanship, tradition, innovation and sustainability. My purpose was to share my appreciation for materials and colours, creating designs that inform a narrative whereas sustaining distinctive high quality. I goal to deliver a splash of colour into on a regular basis life – mixing modernity, consolation and flexibility to match as we speak’s dynamic life. My items are made to be effortlessly wearable, adaptable and stuffed with persona – enhancing not simply wardrobes, however moods and experiences.

Q: What are the largest challenges organising a enterprise right here? How do you keep motivated?

The language barrier was my first problem – communication is crucial in enterprise, and understanding each linguistic and cultural nuances is essential to constructing robust relationships. Another problem was connecting deeply with the area people, studying their preferences and values in a fast-changing market. Chinese shoppers admire authenticity, high quality and types that resonate with their lives. Balancing their tastes with my imaginative and prescient requires adaptability and perception.

That mentioned, your mindset is inspiring. When you resolve, work exhausting and keep dedicated, you’ll be able to obtain all you got down to do. Shanghai rewards ambition, and with perseverance, creativity and a willingness to be taught. Opportunities open up in outstanding methods.

Q: What was the second that made you most proud?

Some of my most fulfilling moments are when clients return – not simply to precise appreciation, however to purchase extra. Hearing their tales about how my designs, high quality and luxury enrich their lives jogs my memory I’m on the fitting path. It’s greater than a transaction – it is a relationship constructed on belief and shared appreciation for colour and craftsmanship.

Q: What are you engaged on?

I’m creating a set centered on sustainability utilizing recycled cotton. These designs deliver eco-friendly innovation to bathtub, seashore and residential linens – mixing performance with magnificence. Every piece is thoughtfully crafted to cut back environmental impression whereas providing consolation and magnificence, supporting a extra aware way of life.

Q: Who is your feminine position mannequin?

Women who break boundaries and spark change, whether or not in science, artwork or enterprise, encourage me. Figures like Stella McCartney and Tarsila do Amaral have my admiration, however I additionally discover inspiration in on a regular basis girls – scientists, artists and entrepreneurs – who’re making a distinction of their communities.

Q: What is your recommendation to girls entrepreneurs?

Trust your imaginative and prescient and stroll your path with confidence. Surround your self with supportive collaborators – robust networks open new doorways. Stay adaptable, as a result of flexibility is crucial for development. And keep in mind: Every problem is a chance to evolve and thrive.