Today we’d like to introduce you to Evrim Utkutan
Hi Evrim, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As an interior designer who has lived in Houston for 20 years, my experiences and passion for design led me to embark on my own entrepreneurial journey. The story of Kybele Decor began in 2019 as a result of this personal path and the drive to turn my dreams into reality, alongside my business partner, Gökçen. Together, we aimed to create modern furniture that blends functionality and aesthetics, setting a new standard in the industry.
Starting just before the world was hit by the pandemic brought unforeseen challenges. The pandemic tested our ability to grow and sustain our business with significant hurdles such as supply chain disruptions, economic uncertainties, and operational difficulties, which demanded resilience and adaptability. However, the solidarity and innovative solutions that Gökçen and I brought to the table were crucial in overcoming these obstacles.
Today, the success of Kybele Decor is a reflection of my experience in interior design and the strong partnership I have with Gökçen. Moving forward, we aim to share what we’ve learned from this journey to inspire others and reach an even wider audience.”
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?
The journey has definitely not been a smooth road. Starting Kybele Decor right before the global pandemic presented us with significant challenges. One of the biggest struggles was navigating the uncertainty that came with the pandemic, including supply chain disruptions and shipping delays that impacted our ability to meet customer demand. The economic instability at the time added pressure, making it difficult to plan long-term strategies.
Additionally, establishing a new business in a competitive market brought its own set of hurdles. From building brand recognition to earning the trust of customers, every step required dedication and strategic thinking. My business partner, Gökçen, and I, together with our employees, formed a strong and united team that worked tirelessly to find innovative solutions and adapt to the challenges we faced.
At Kybele Decor, we are proud of the collaborative spirit and dedication that every member of our team brings. We became more than just colleagues; we became a cohesive unit that supported one another through the toughest times. This sense of teamwork was essential in overcoming obstacles and achieving our goals.
These challenges taught us valuable lessons about resilience, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. While the road was far from easy, overcoming these obstacles has made us stronger and better prepared for future challenges
As you know, we’re big fans of Kybeledecor. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I would like to share more about my professional journey from a business perspective. Originally from Istanbul, I spent my youth living both there and in London, where I gained diverse experiences that would later shape my approach to design and business. I moved to the United States and have been living in Houston for the past 20 years. My path to becoming an interior designer was unique, as I pursued my interior design education later in life. This decision enriched my perspective, blending the insights I gained from my earlier experiences with a mature approach to design.
In 2019, driven by a desire to channel my expertise and passion into something of my own, I partnered with Gökçen to establish Kybele Decor. Our mission was simple but ambitious: to create modern, functional furniture that resonates with both style and practicality. Leading Kybele Decor has involved managing multiple facets of the business, from overseeing financial strategies and marketing efforts to working closely with our team to ensure operations run smoothly.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my professional life has been building a collaborative and dedicated team. We have developed a strong culture at Kybele Decor, where every member’s input is valued, and teamwork is at the heart of everything we do. This unity has been pivotal to our growth and success, helping us overcome challenges and set a strong foundation for the future.
Through this journey, I have learned that resilience, adaptability, and a passion for what you do are crucial for building a business that can withstand challenges and thrive.”
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The quality that has been most important to my success is my meticulous and detail-oriented approach. I believe that paying attention to the finer details while maintaining a clear focus on the end result has been vital in achieving my goals. I am deeply committed to my work, and I put all my effort into ensuring that every project is completed to the highest standard.
My love for research and dedication to finding the best solutions have allowed me to develop innovative and effective strategies for Kybele Decor. This commitment to thorough preparation and results-driven work has been especially valuable during challenging times, such as navigating the uncertainty of the pandemic.
Beyond work, I am family-oriented, which grounds me and reinforces my commitment to success. This balance helps me stay motivated and focused on what matters most, both in my personal and professional life. It is this blend of passion, attention to detail, and relentless pursuit of excellence that has been the cornerstone of my accomplishments
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kybeledecor.com
- Instagram: @kybeledecor
