Let’s dive into our super fun mini-series that’s all about celebrating a few cool entrepreneurs! PaSH is centered around sharing inspiring stories, breaking down stereotypes, and sharing the authentic, behind-the-scenes moments that make entrepreneurs so amazing. Let’s dive into, “From Engineering to Artistry: The Unexpected Journey Behind zeynNY”.
Meet Zeynep Eroglu, The Co-Owner of zeynNY
ZeynNY is a husband and wife team based in Brooklyn. The pair is originally from Turkey and immigrated to NY after winning a green card lottery back in 2014 and as of 2020 they are proud to be naturalizing and becoming Turkish-Americans. Both owners studied engineering and had corporate jobs for over 5 years before we decided to quit and pursue a creative lifestyle.
What’s the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned since starting your business?
One of the most unexpected lessons I’ve learned is that nothing is truly easy, neither financially nor mentally. One initial assumption we had in the beginning was that things would become easier and easier over time. I knew running a business would be challenging, but I didn’t realize how constant and layered those challenges would be. From managing unpredictable expenses to staying motivated through slow periods, it requires resilience, adaptability, and a strong mindset every single day.
What’s one misconception people have about your industry that drives you crazy?
Custom work is often underestimated by customers. Many assume that making something just a couple of inches taller is simple, but even small adjustments require us to change the entire process, from cutting the materials to altering the packaging. It’s not a quick tweak; it’s a complete workflow shift.
In a world full of trends, how do you keep your business authentic and true to your vision?
We focus on creating designs and choosing colors that are timeless rather than trendy. While trends come and go, we want our pieces to have a lasting appeal, something people can use and appreciate for years. Staying true to our aesthetic and values helps us maintain authenticity, even in a fast-changing market.
Can you share the story behind starting your business and what inspired you to take the leap?
That’s a great question. My husband and I both come from engineering backgrounds, but neither of us could see ourselves staying in traditional office jobs long-term, we only lasted about five years. When we moved to the U.S., our paths began to shift. He started working with other designers, while I began offering yoga classes. At that point, I never imagined we’d end up building a business together. But one day, I offered to help him with a project, and something clicked. I realized how much I enjoyed working with my hands, designing, crafting, and creating something tangible. It was deeply satisfying in a way I hadn’t experienced before, and that’s really when the spark for our business began.
How do you handle competition, and what sets your business apart from others in your field?
We handle competition by staying focused on our own path. We also think competition is super essential, valuable and in a way it’s like a map that shows you the direction you need to take. While many others go for complex designs and trend-based colors, we keep things simple, clean, and timeless. That quiet approach helps us stand out without having to shout.
What is one lesson you’ve learned through your entrepreneurial journey that you think everyone should know?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that ‘consistent hard work’ is everything. Maintaining your physical and mental condition throughout the years isn’t very easy. Building a business isn’t easy, it takes grit, persistence, and the willingness to push through challenges every day.
Thank you for reading another amazing addition to our mini-series, “From Engineering to Artistry: The Unexpected Journey Behind zeynNY”. Check back each month for additional Q&A’s with other entrepreneurs. If you can’t wait for new additions, each a few of our previous articles here.
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