Meet Ebru the founder of DNZ Interiors, an accomplished interior designer born in Turkey. Despite earning a degree in Economics, her passion led her to Milan, Italy, where she studied interior design for three years.
After establishing her own design studio in Istanbul, she moved to Sydney, Australia, where she excelled as a Senior Designer and Project Manager in both residential and commercial projects.
For more details, visit their website here.
Here we sit down with Ebru, to know a bit more about her journey as an entrepreneur.
Q. Tell us a little more about your journey as an entrepreneur – how did you get started? What inspired you?
Ebru: After 15 years of experience in the sector and 7 years in Australia, I decided to start my design studio.
I lead my clients through the journey of turning their dreams into reality. My design philosophy is rooted in a deep understanding of my client’s needs, coupled with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering spaces that truly inspire.
Join DNZ Interiors on a design adventure, where creativity knows no bounds, and each project unfolds as a unique masterpiece. DNZ is dedicated to bringing clients’ dreams to life through unique and inspired designs.
Q. What entrepreneurial tricks have you discovered to keep you focused and productive in your day-to-day busy schedule?
Ebru: I meticulously organize my weekly and daily schedule to ensure efficient task completion within designated timelines.
Given the intricate nature of drafting tasks requiring heightened concentration, I prioritize addressing them during post-business hours. Throughout the day, I dedicate time to engaging with clients, actively seeking and incorporating their feedback to enhance the quality of our projects.
Q. How do you stay organized with such a busy schedule? What are some time management strategies, SOPS (standard operating procedures), hires or hacks that have helped you dramatically in business
Ebru: I prioritize the delegation of time-consuming tasks in my professional responsibilities. While I remain directly involved in the design phase of every project, I seek assistance for drafting work. Building a cohesive team that can adeptly contribute to various aspects of my business is a key focus. I acknowledge that achieving both expansion and sustained quality entails effective knowledge transfer, and I am committed to cultivating a team that can uphold our standards as we grow.
Q. If you had a magic stick, which are the three things you would change in the world?
Ebru: Promoting Design Education and Appreciation: I would use the magic wand to enhance the appreciation for design and creativity globally. This involves making design education more accessible and encouraging individuals to recognize the transformative power of well-designed spaces. By fostering a design-conscious society, we can create environments that not only function well but also uplift and inspire.
Fostering Collaborative Design Initiatives: I would use the magic wand to promote collaborative design initiatives that bring together diverse talents and perspectives. By fostering a sense of community within the design industry, we can create spaces that reflect a rich tapestry of ideas and cultures, ultimately leading to more innovative and inclusive designs.
Supporting Local Artisans and Craftsmanship: I would use the magic wand to bolster local craftsmanship and traditional artistry. Supporting artisans and small-scale businesses would not only preserve cultural heritage but also create a more sustainable and diverse marketplace. This change would celebrate the uniqueness of each region’s artistic traditions and contribute to a global design landscape that values authenticity.
Q. If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
Ebru: Sculpting Environments, Building Dreams.
Q. What motivates you?
Ebru: My family.
Q. What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?
Ebru: Investing in our property and my business.
Q. What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs to invest their time in?
Ebru: Dedicate time to strategic planning to set clear goals, define your vision, and outline actionable plans. Regularly review and adjust your strategy as your business evolves.
Build and maintain a strong professional network. Attend industry events, join relevant groups, and connect with peers, mentors, and potential clients. Networking can open up opportunities, provide insights, and offer support.
Cultivate strong relationships with your customers. Respond to their needs, gather feedback, and create a positive customer experience. Happy customers are more likely to become repeat clients and advocates for your business.
Stay informed about industry trends, technological advancements, and business strategies. Investing time in continuous learning keeps you adaptable and enhances your expertise, giving you a competitive edge.
If you have a team, invest time in building a positive and cohesive work environment. Foster effective communication, provide training, and ensure your team shares the same vision for the business.
Allocate time to develop and implement effective marketing strategies. This includes creating a strong brand identity, utilizing social media, and staying current with digital marketing trends.
Stay flexible and be willing to adapt to changing market conditions. Embrace new technologies and methods that can improve your products or services.
Q. What is your ‘one-sentence’ piece of advice you’d like to give to someone who wants to become an entrepreneur, coach, or business owner?
Ebru: Embrace continuous learning, resilience, and a passion for solving problems, for in the journey of entrepreneurship, adaptability, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives.To keep up to date with Ebru and her journey, connect with her on Instagram.