Today we’d like to introduce you to Tutku Yildirim
Hi TUTKU, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in a small city in Turkey, Isparta, and at 17, I went to Istanbul for what was supposed to be a short trip—but I ended up staying. While there, I was accepted into a conservatory for acting and pursued my passion for performance. Over time, I built a career as both an actor and a corporate event host (MC), becoming well-known in Turkey for hosting large-scale events, TV series, and films. Even today, I continue to take on select projects in Turkey, traveling between there and the U.S. as needed.
Later, I had a similar experience with Los Angeles. In 2014, I first came for a short-term English language program, without knowing a word of English. After my course, I returned to Turkey, but LA had left its mark on me. So, in 2016, I came back—this time, for good.
Once in LA, I began exploring different creative avenues, especially digital content creation. 6 years ago, I launched my YouTube channel, where I shared experiences and vlogs featuring people from around the world visiting LA. This led me to expand into photography, and I built one of the most popular and highest-rated photography experiences on Airbnb, capturing travelers in iconic LA locations like Beverly Hills, Melrose, the Hollywood Sign, Santa Monica, and Venice. Many people also reach out to me directly through Instagram (@tutkuyildirim & @lalalandexperience), where I connect with clients, travelers, and brands for creative collaborations.
Beyond photography and hosting, I provide social media management, digital branding, and business consulting services, helping businesses expand their online presence. Over time, my passions and my network’s needs shaped my work, and I even gained the nickname “LA Mayor” for my strong connections and involvement in the community. I also help individuals and businesses navigate new beginnings in Los Angeles, offering insights into branding, hospitality, and digital growth strategies.
In addition to my other passions, I am also a real estate professional, leveraging my years of experience in business, branding, and consulting to provide strategic guidance for those looking to buy, sell, or invest in properties.
My journey has been all about reinvention, taking risks, and following my passion. Interestingly, my name, Tutku, means “Passion” in Turkish—and I truly strive to live my life with that same energy.
Moving to Istanbul at 17 and later to LA were both life-changing moments that shaped me into someone who thrives at the intersection of entertainment, business, and digital storytelling. I’m always looking for new ways to evolve, grow, and create.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. My journey has been full of challenges, but every obstacle has helped shape me into who I am today.
One of the biggest struggles was moving to Los Angeles without knowing English. When I first arrived in 2014 for a language course, I couldn’t communicate at all. Simple things—ordering food, asking for directions—felt impossible. But I pushed myself to learn, practice, and immerse myself in the culture. By the time I moved back in 2016, I had built the confidence to restart my life in LA.
Starting over in a new country, in a new industry, without connections was another challenge. In Turkey, I had built a strong career as an actor and event host—I was successful and well-known. But in LA, I had to reinvent myself from scratch. Finding a home, a job, and—most importantly—finding people who shared my energy and vision was tough. But I’ve always believed in one thing:
“Every word that comes out of your mouth is valuable; what you say, you attract.”
And that’s exactly what happened. Everything I envisioned started coming true—one by one—and it still does.
I took on different creative projects, experimented with digital content, photography, and business consulting, and slowly built my network.
Financial struggles were also a reality in the beginning. Los Angeles is an expensive city, and building a career in such a highly competitive environment was tough. There were moments of doubt, times when I questioned if I had made the right choice. But instead of giving up, I adapted. Just like I had done before in Turkey, I learned how to market myself, build a brand, and create multiple income streams—from photography tours to social media consulting and real estate.
Another challenge was balancing multiple passions and careers. Managing different projects in acting, hosting, content creation, business consulting, and now real estate requires a lot of discipline. I had to master time management, delegation, and staying focused on long-term goals.
Despite the challenges, I have never regretted taking this path. Every struggle has pushed me to grow, evolve, and create new opportunities. My journey has been about resilience, reinvention, the passion to create, believing in myself, manifesting energy, attracting the right people, and trusting in my ability to make things happen—no matter how difficult the road gets.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I consider myself a visual storyteller and a connector, blending photography, digital content creation, consulting, and real estate—all tied together by a common goal: helping people experience, build, and capture their ideal LA lifestyle.
Photography as a Local Experience,
Photography is more than just capturing a great shot—it’s about experiencing the city through the eyes of a local. When I take people on my top-rated Airbnb photography experiences, it’s not just a photoshoot; it’s an immersive city tour where they discover hidden gems, iconic spots, and the true energy of Los Angeles. Through my lens, travelers don’t just take pictures—they feel the heartbeat of LA, as if they were locals, guided by someone who truly knows and loves this city.
My Instagram accounts, have also become platforms where I share my photography, connect with people worldwide, and showcase the dynamic culture of LA.
Digital Content Creation & Lifestyle Consulting in LA,
Beyond photography, I specialize in digital content creation, working with both brands and individuals to tell their stories through photo and video production, branding strategies, and social media management. Whether it’s helping a business create a strong online presence or guiding an individual on how to document their LA journey, I use my expertise to bring ideas to life and elevate their personal or professional brand.
I also provide lifestyle consulting for those moving to or visiting LA. This includes helping people transition into the city, navigate local culture, explore business opportunities, and build a new life from scratch. Having personally relocated, reinvented myself, and built a new career in LA, I know the challenges and excitement that come with such a transformation. My goal is to help others integrate, adapt, and thrive in this city—whether they’re artists, entrepreneurs, or individuals looking for a fresh start.
Beyond Real Estate: Creating a Life in LA
More recently, real estate has become one of my key professions, where I combine my expertise in branding, marketing, and consulting to guide people through the home-buying, investment, and relocation process. But my approach to real estate is deeply personal—it’s not just about transactions; it’s about creating a new life, just as I did.
As an actor and artist, I understand what it means to start from zero, build a career, and create a home in a new city. That experience gives me a unique perspective when working with creatives, professionals, and those looking to establish themselves in LA. Whether it’s finding the perfect home, securing an investment property, or choosing a business location, I guide my clients with the same vision, passion, and strategic mindset that helped me build my own life here.
What Sets Me Apart?
What makes me different is my versatility, adaptability, and ability to build real connections. I’ve reinvented myself multiple times—from being a successful actor and event host in Turkey to becoming a photographer, branding expert, and real estate professional in LA. I thrive on creating new opportunities—not just for myself, but for others as well.
I also believe in the power of energy and intention. I approach my work with the mindset that the right people and opportunities come when you put out the right energy. This belief has guided me through every transition, challenge, and reinvention. My philosophy has always been:
“Every word that comes out of your mouth is valuable; what you say, you attract.”
And that’s exactly how my journey has unfolded. From redefining myself in a new country to building a career that merges art, business, and human connection, I take pride in turning visions into reality.
Above all, I’m proud of the community I’ve built, the experiences I’ve created, and the people I’ve helped along the way—whether through content creation, consulting, branding, or real estate. My journey is constantly evolving, and I’m excited for what’s next.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
One of the biggest risks I took was leaving behind a successful career in Turkey as an actor and event host to start a completely new life in Los Angeles—and with that, leaving behind my family, friends, and everything familiar. I had built a strong reputation and valuable connections in Turkey, but something inside me told me that my journey was meant to evolve beyond what I already knew. I came to LA without knowing English, without a network, and without a clear roadmap—but with an unshakable belief in my ability to adapt, learn, and build something meaningful.
In Turkey, I made a living through speaking—whether in acting or hosting events. But when I arrived in LA, I could barely say a full sentence in English. The very thing that once gave me confidence and financial stability was suddenly gone, and I had to rebuild from the ground up.
Another major risk I took was reinventing myself multiple times—first as a content creator and photographer, then as a consultant and brand strategist, and most recently as a real estate professional. And somehow, blending all of these experiences together, I earned the nickname:
“Tutku aka The Mayor of Los Angeles.”
Each transition meant learning new skills, putting myself out there, and trusting that my past experiences would shape my future. But I don’t stress about the future—I choose to live in the present.
I’m 37 years old, and I know that if one morning I wake up and feel like I need a change, I could leave everything behind again and start from scratch—maybe even in a new country. That thought doesn’t scare me; it excites me.
Staying in your comfort zone is boring—stepping out of it brings new energy, new people, and new experiences.
The journey itself is just as beautiful as the destination.
If I had never taken the leap, I wouldn’t have built the career, community, and life I have today. Or maybe I would have had an even better life—who knows? I’ll never know. And that’s okay. Because for me, what matters isn’t knowing the outcome—it’s knowing that I’m always ready to start again and fully live in the moment.
So, do I consider myself a risk-taker? Absolutely. But more than that, I consider myself someone who believes in dreams.
Because the things that seem like dreams today? Tomorrow, they become reality. I’m sure of it.
Pricing:
- Private LA Photoshoot & Tour – Starting at $200 per session (Includes a guided city experience)
- Social Media Management & Strategy Consultation – Custom pricing based on business needs.
- Content Creation (Photo / Reels) for Businesses & Influencers – Pricing varies based on project scope, location, and editing requirements.
- Luxury Car Rental for Photoshoots & Experiences
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tutkuyildirim
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/tutkuyildirim
- Twitter: https://x.com/tutkuyildirim
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/tutkuyildirim
- Yelp: instagram.com/lalalandexperience
- Other: https://instagram.com/lartist.co
