Zeynep Ece Sarı, from Söke, is establishing her own success story having begun her textile journey as an apprentice at the age of 16, crowned it by participating in Miss Turkey by 19 and establishing her own brand at the age of 20.

Now 21, Zeynep Ece is confidently advancing toward her dream of creating an international brand by combining modeling, design, and business. This success story has propelled her ambition to create a brand into a rapidly rising name in the fashion world.

Big dreams, which began in a small textile workshop, quickly propelled her to become a prominent name in the fashion world. Having developed her skills by studying fashion design in Istanbul, the young entrepreneur began her modeling career while trying on clothes in a workshop in Kuşadası.

The connections she made with agencies there helped her rise in the modeling world. Sarı, who represented Aydın in the Miss Turkey competition in 2024 at the age of 19, states that this process instilled in her immense discipline and self-confidence.

Describing the beginnings of her modeling career, Zeynep said, “When I was 16, I was working as an apprentice at a workshop my mother knew in Kuşadası. They asked me to wear the clothes we made and pose. That’s when I took my first step into modeling.

“Last year, I participated in the Miss Turkey competition, and with the experience I gained, I further solidified my career. All that was left was to start my own business, and with the support of my close circle, I took this bold step.”

Zeynep emphasizes that her mother was her biggest supporter on her entrepreneurial journey. Her mother, Aslı Tehmen, a longtime English teacher, guided her daughter with the family’s inherited business experience.

The young entrepreneur said, “I studied fashion design, and my mother, with her grandfather’s business knowledge, supports me in the management side of the business. With KOSGEB support, we established a workshop in Söke producing employee uniforms. My mother and I share the workload, which makes us stronger.”

Despite her young age, Zeynep says she’s learning to juggle modeling, design, and business. “I’m determined to establish myself in the industry,” she said. “My biggest goal is for my journey, which began in a small city, to turn into an international brand in the future. After graduation, I’ll focus on branding. I want to develop myself in New York and expand my business there.”