Today we’d like to introduce you to Aslihan Buner.
Aslihan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in a little town by the Mediterranean coast until I was 18. I believe my story started when I heard about the story of the women in my family. My great-grandma knitted point lace scarves, patchwork blankets, lace table clothes and many more artisan handmade gifts for her daughter as a wedding gift. Her daughter then added to this vintage collection with her honed skills and gifted those handicrafts to her daughter and her daughter knitted more and continued the lineal tradition. Three generations later, the process continues passing from mothers to daughters in our family. I will always remember the passion and respect for the past that consumed me when I first saw the invaluable collection of antique Anatolian crafts. I was blown away by the history and beauty of the art and I hope that you will be, too.
The art was not only transferred from one generation to another, but it also traveled Silk Road to Anatolia and carried the traces of unique civilizations. I am still not sure how many hours of work dedicated to complete those over 200 pieces but I am raised with this awareness, sereneness, and richness of the art that I enjoy having them in my life. Their story and soul uplift me and I am excited to be creating beautiful, custom made, locally grown and handcrafted art and sharing them every day.
It was not only my passion for the authentic arts of my homeland but also my hopes to contribute to a good cause and create a meaningful life that pushed me to establish this company. In fall 2017, I launched my first collection of handmade and one-of-a-kind accessories made by underprivileged women and women who were subject to lose their skill sets due to the disappearance of the art trade in the Anatolian peninsula.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
You know how some people get to where they want to go smooth and easy, well, that ain’t me. Being an immigrant is already challenging itself. I was underpaid and had worked extended hours for a very long time as I was stressed about keeping my immigration status. There was a time that I worked for three jobs, one full-time office job, one after-hours food delivery job and one-weekend job. I cut off my social life, I cooked every meal at home and spent the bare minimum. I was trying to save money to invest in the next best thing I wanted to accomplish. And I’m not listing any of these struggles with resentment, I’m humbled by the great experiences I’ve been through and I’m grateful for every person that contributed to this journey. And I’m just thrilled to be where I’m right now.
Please tell us more about your business.
Myra was an ancient Greek town in Lycia, located on the Mediterranean coast, between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. The choice to name our brand after this antique city is a reference to the antique art techniques used in making our products. These techniques were common in Ancient Anatolia, Mesopotamia, India and Asia and are just one element of the mysticism of the regions we hope to incorporate in our brand. Our shawls, scarves, jewelry, handbags, belts and all other accessories carry a reverence for ancient history as we pastiche its beauty for the consumers of today and tomorrow. Myra Moner creates art, the only difference is that you can wear it.
We create unique and handcrafted products whose variations and minor imperfections reflect the idiosyncrasies of the women who make them, and of society as a whole. The products you are viewing on our website today are only the beginning of our journey.
Myra Moner believes with its whole heart that we all shall express and embrace our differences and support one another. Each piece in our collections allows you to share another person’s story from a different time and to add to that to tell your own story.
I’m incredibly proud of the fact that we at Myra Moner are chasing our “childish” dreams and our mindsets coupled with restless efforts. We started small by supporting handywomen in the region. Our biggest dream is to provide a job opportunity for every woman in need. We believe that societies develop by supporting each other and developed societies contribute to great events in this world. Every piece is uniquely handmade and each piece tells a different story. That’s what makes Myra so special and different from the others.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My mentor asked me the same question and it took me years to come up with the right answer 🙂 I used to identify success with profit margins, brand awareness and monthly sales reports. I think I changed. Now, I identify success with purpose and define it as happiness and the satisfaction that comes with it. If I could open 10 workshops and provide 100s of new jobs for those incredible women in my lifetime, I would call myself a successful entrepreneur.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.myramoner.com
- Email: contact@myramoner.com
- Instagram: @myramoner
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/shopmyramoner/
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