Today we’d like to introduce you to Songul Dacht.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I moved to Los Angeles six years ago from Turkey. Although, I had been to Los Angeles many times as a student and tourist, settling here was a totally different and difficult process. I had to work, but this time I didn’t want to settle for just any job. I wanted to do something I was passionate about.
One day while out on the beach with my husband in Santa Monica, I got a very nice compliment from a stranger about my towel. My husband had been in the textile business for almost 30 years. The idea just came to me. Why not sell these handmade Turkish towels?
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t know what a smooth road is.
In Turkey, I worked for big corporate companies. In these companies, everyone had different responsibilities. In my company, I do everything. I started this company three years ago after moving to the U.S. I didn’t know anything about textiles. At the time I only had an admiration for them.
I had no clue what I was getting myself into when going into the retail business, but I have to say it’s been an amazing yet difficult experience and I’m learning a lot along the way. I can honestly say I’m doing what I love and following my dream of owning my own business.
Please tell us about Turkan Home.
I remember my grandmother making her own cotton and wool yarns and then dying them. I remember people making indoor/outdoor rugs out of old clothing scraps, women knitting clothing for kids. My mother made us beautiful embroideries and made most of our clothes growing up. I have always admired traditionally made textiles, but never did I think it would give me such joy.
When I receive a new batch, I run my hands over the textile and imagine the person who made it. Our products are sustainably and ethically made in very ancient cities, Hatay and Denizli. I also can proudly say that our products are fair trade.
In the pictures, it shows the mother of a family that I am working within Hatay. I recommend the readers to check out their account on Instagram (@dokumsal) and just listen to the sounds of these wooden looms while working. I go to these families and meet them in person. I also hand pick what I want to sell.
All our products are designed to be multi-purpose, last a lifetime, and satisfy the continued needs for you and your family. For example, you can use our towels as a beach/bath towel, also as a wrap, scarf, tablecloth, or throw for your couch or bed. It all depends on your imagination.
Our bathrobes and resort wear can be worn both at home and also outdoors. They are made with 100% natural cotton and some with a cotton/linen/bamboo blend. Most of our pieces are individually hand loomed. Our bathrobes/caftans/resort wear are individually cut and sewn.
As a company, we are trying to leave less of a carbon footprint. That’s why we use cotton mesh bags for packaging, which are also multifunctional and handmade by women in Turkey. We are not against mass production, but we encourage people to buy and use handmade items more often. We want to support the communities who are trying to keep the ancient crafts alive.
We do not sell online yet, because I still believe that each item has a story of their own even if they have a similar or same design. When you touch any of these products, you get connected to the story without even realizing it, and you end up buying what most affects you. We believe that we are connecting different communities on different levels.
You might wonder where you can purchase our one of a kind products. Currently, we are selling at some of the local farmer’s markets, street festivals and some boutique stores. Hopefully, in the next year, we will have a storefront in the West L.A. area. Right now, you can follow us on Instagram (@turkan.home) and watch for updates on times and locations of where we will be until then.
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc?
I am always in awe of how things are changing so fast. After being in business and living in Los Angeles, I can confidently say that despite the mass production and online shopping people are buying into, there is still a huge demand for handmade items.
People have a lot of respect and an underlying need for these handcrafted and organic products. I am seeing a lot more people wanting to protect these cultures and practices. I have noticed the communities are supporting one another and being more involved with keeping these ancient crafts and practices alive.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.turkan.us
- Phone: (310) 936 2052
- Email: songul.dacht@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Photograpyhy by Defne
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