Today we’d like to introduce you to Nilay Yuce Sengun
Nilay, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My husband Fahri and I started The Loomia out of a shared passion for the beauty and quality of Turkish textiles. We were newly married in Istanbul in 2017, and we saw an opportunity to introduce these wonderful products to a global audience, starting with an online boutique. We began small, with just a few select items that we truly believed in.
Our journey brought us from Istanbul to Charleston, SC. It was a leap of faith with just a suitcase and a handful of Turkish towels, but we believed deeply in the comfort and quality these textiles offered.
The early days were challenging, especially adapting to a new country and market dynamics. But our commitment to quality and our customer-first approach helped us slowly build a loyal customer base. The pandemic was a significant obstacle, coming just as we opened our first brick-and-mortar store. Thankfully, our online platform was strong enough to sustain us through those tough times.
Today, we are proud to have grown The Loomia into a brand that is recognized for its quality and commitment to ethically made products. Our son Deniz is at the heart of our operations, inspiring us to keep pushing forward.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting any business comes with its challenges, but starting one in a new country added another layer of complexity. One of our earliest struggles was understanding and adapting to the U.S. market, which is very different from Turkey in terms of customer expectations and business practices.
Another major challenge came just as we were gaining our footing. We had just opened our first retail store in Charleston when the pandemic hit. We had to close our doors two weeks later, which was a huge setback. Managing our inventory and maintaining cash flow became incredibly difficult overnight.
Despite these challenges, we’ve worked hard to adapt and pivot when necessary. We’ve increased our focus on online sales, which has been a lifesaver given the circumstances. These experiences have made us stronger and more committed to our vision.
We’ve been impressed with THE LOOMIA, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our business is called The Loomia. We specialize in high-quality Turkish textiles, including towels, throws, robes, and more. All our products are ethically sourced and crafted by skilled artisans in Turkey, bringing a piece of our heritage to customers worldwide.
What sets us apart is our commitment to quality and authenticity. We handpick every item, ensuring it meets our high standards and represents the rich textile traditions of Turkey.
I’m most proud of how our brand has managed to build a bridge between Turkish craftsmanship and global consumers, especially in such a competitive market. We have a loyal customer base that appreciates the quality and story behind each product.
We want our readers to know that when they choose The Loomia, they’re not just buying a product—they’re supporting traditional crafts and a family-owned business that values sustainability and ethical practices.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
First, be open about what you don’t know and what you’re looking to learn. People are generally willing to share their expertise if they know you are genuinely interested and will value their advice.
Attending industry-specific events has been beneficial for us. This not only puts you in the same room with potential mentors but also allows you to learn about current trends and challenges in your field. For us, being part of textile and small business events helped us connect with seasoned entrepreneurs who had navigated similar challenges.
Also, don’t overlook online communities and social media platforms. LinkedIn and specific industry forums can be great places to meet mentors and peers. We’ve made some valuable connections this way, which have opened up opportunities and provided us with great advice.
Pricing:
- • Towels: $14 – $34
- • Throws & Blankets: $49 – $239
- • Pillows : $39-$119
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theloomia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theloomia/
