The path to success isn’t always straight, but it can certainly be sustainable. Just ask Bihter Ayyıldız, the visionary entrepreneur who’s rewriting the rules of business in Istanbul.
When Bihter packed her bags for France, armed with an art history degree, she never imagined she’d one day be at the helm of a groundbreaking sustainability-focused company. Yet life has a way of rewriting our stories. For Bihter, it took personal loss, a career pivot, and a rekindled entrepreneurial spirit to birth BA Projectz – a consulting firm that’s rapidly becoming Turkey’s go-to name for sustainable business practices.
With PlumeMag, the country’s leading digital platform for eco-conscious living, under her wing, Ayyıldız is proving that profit and purpose can go hand in hand. Her journey from the archives of Nice to the boardrooms of Istanbul is a testament to the power of resilience and the unexpected turns that can lead to transformative success.
Today, BA Projectz stands as more than just a consulting firm. It’s a platform for change, offering strategic brand consulting, production services, and sustainable event management.
We, at IMPAAKT, got into conversation with Bihter to know more about her journey and how she is driving positive change in the business landscape of Turkey and beyond.
Below are the excerpts from the interview:
Can you tell us a bit about your journey that led you to found BA Projectz? Were there any specific challenges you faced as a woman entrepreneur?
Absolutely! BA Projectz isn’t just a company for me, it’s the culmination of a journey filled with personal reflection and a burning desire to make a difference.
My background might surprise you. After graduating with an art history degree from Lille 3 University in France, I landed a fulfilling role as a civil servant at the Prefecture Archives in Nice. This experience even led to French citizenship! But life takes unexpected turns. On the very day I was packing up to return to Nice, I received news of my aunt’s passing. This brought me back to Istanbul, where I faced a turning point. My mother’s emotional plea to stay, along with her poignant words, “Will you come to my funeral by plane like this too? If you want to experience this, stay in France,” made me re-evaluate my priorities.
Years later, while I had found success as the global communications and marketing director for the San Clemente Palace Kempinski in Venice, another personal loss shook my world – my mother passed away. This profound grief, however, became a catalyst for self-discovery. It forced me to pause and consider what truly mattered to me.
As the daughter of a businessman who unfortunately experienced a major financial setback in 2001, I had subconsciously held back my own entrepreneurial aspirations, fearing to overshadow my father’s achievements. But this loss sparked a fire within me. I realized that to honor his legacy and forge my own path, I had to embrace my dreams.
That’s how BA Projectz was born. It’s more than just a business; it’s a reflection of my values – sustainability, social responsibility, and empowering others. We offer strategic brand consulting, production services, and sustainable event management, all designed to make a positive impact.
Being a woman entrepreneur has definitely had its challenges. There are moments when you have to fight to be heard in a male-dominated field. But with BA Projectz, I’ve built a space where my voice, and the voices of others who share my vision, can be amplified.
And within BA Projectz, we have PlumeMag, a digital platform dedicated to showcasing sustainable lifestyle trends, culture, and art in Turkey. It’s a platform that inspires conscious living and eco-friendly practices.
My journey hasn’t been easy, but BA Projectz stands as a testament to the power of resilience, the courage to pursue your dreams, and the unwavering belief in making a positive impact on the world.
Can you elaborate on the unique value proposition that your company brings to the table? What are some of the biggest milestones BA Projectz has achieved so far?
While BA Projectz offers a range of services – strategic brand consulting, production services, and sustainable event management – what truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
We believe that businesses can be successful while also leaving a positive footprint on the world. That’s why we work closely with our clients to develop strategies that consider environmental and social impact alongside traditional business goals.
By combining strategic expertise with a deep commitment to sustainability, BA Projectz empowers businesses to thrive while making a positive impact. We believe this unique approach is what truly sets us apart in the marketplace.
PlumeMag (a digital content platform under BA Projectz umbrella) has become the media outlet with the largest readership and reach among sustainability-focused publications in Turkey. We collaborate with numerous local and global brands on both project-based and long-term initiatives. Since our inception, we have had the privilege of working with brands like Pandora, Lancome, Saint Gobain Türkiye, Longines, Sephora, Garanti BBWA, MeyIDiageo, Singer, Tencel, Volvo and Hilton on various projects of varying scales. Our ability to maintain these collaborations is a testament to the strength of our brand value and the trust that companies place in us.
Who are your role models in the business world, and what are some of the key learnings you’ve incorporated from their journeys?
Gamze Cizreli is not only a role model but also a dear friend. In a challenging environment, she has embodied the grace and genuine emotions of womanhood, embracing her local values and inner instincts to create Big Chefs, a unique gastronomy brand from Turkey that has taken the world by storm. She is a truly remarkable individual and a Global Gastronomic Ambassador.
Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey at times. How has your network of mentors, colleagues, or fellow female entrepreneurs played a role in your success?
As I mentioned at the beginning of the interview, the founding story of BA Projectz begins with the loss of my mother. During this period, I created a spiritual mother board for myself. One of the three names on this board is Necla Zarakol, a pioneer of PR in Turkey. Mrs. Necla was also my former boss. I worked with her for nearly four years. There are many women around me who have made me believe in myself whenever I lost my confidence.
Gamze Cizreli is definitely one of those women! She played a key role in helping me launch the Green Up Meetings. This initiative emerged from the idea of fostering a vibrant network for sustainable and local startups in Turkey.
Building a successful company requires a strong team. Can you share some insights into your leadership style and how you create a motivating work environment at BA Projectz?
Building a successful and impactful company like BA Projectz hinges on a strong, motivated team. Here’s how I approach leadership and cultivate a thriving work environment:
By fostering an environment that values empowerment, collaboration, shared purpose, growth, well-being, and open communication, we can attract and retain top talent who are passionate about making a difference. This, in turn, fuels the success of BA Projectz and allows us to continue pushing the boundaries of sustainable business practices.
The world is seeing a surge in women-led businesses. What is your vision for BA Projectz, and how do you see it empowering other women in the region?
Thanks to Atatürk, Turkish women gained the right to vote and be elected even before many European countries. As a citizen of a country that has set an example for the world in terms of rights-based issues, I am aware of how valuable and important a secular and democratic government is. We, the women of the Republic, are always very strong thanks to these foundations. Inequality around the world is an issue that needs to be addressed. But Turkish women fight and spread their light in all circumstances.
My vision for BA Projectz is for it to be a beacon of sustainable and impactful business practices in the region, but also a platform that actively empowers women entrepreneurs.
Looking Ahead, what are some of the upcoming trends you see shaping your industry, and how is BA Projectz prepared to adapt and thrive in this evolving landscape?
The future of business will be defined by Sustainable Transformation, driven by consumer demands for hyper-transparency and data-driven decisions, a shift towards nature-positive solutions that actively regenerate the environment, evolving expectations for brands to take concrete action, and the ethical integration of AI for sustainable outcomes.
BA Projectz is poised to adapt and thrive alongside these trends. By staying ahead of these trends and continuously innovating, BA Projectz will be well-positioned to not only adapt but thrive in this evolving landscape. We are committed to being a catalyst for positive change, empowering businesses to achieve success while creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
What advice would you like to give to aspiring women entrepreneurs in the region who dream of making a similar impact?
The road to success is paved with both triumphs and setbacks. But with resilience, passion, and a commitment to making a difference, you can turn your dreams into reality. Here’s what I’ve learned on this journey:
Never let fear dim your passion: Pursue your purpose with a strong network of supportive women, embracing sustainability and using your voice to make a meaningful impact, because even a winding path can lead to a fulfilling destination.
More about Bihter Ayyıldız:
Bihter Ayyıldız, a BA in Art History from Université Charles-de-Gaulle Lille 3, has over 15 years of experience managing corporate and marketing communications for top luxury brands like Tiffany & Co., Mont Blanc, Omega, Damiani, and Chaumet in Turkey.
She has been pivotal in global transformations and launches for brands like Balizza, Assos Diamond, and Atasay, and has managed high-profile campaigns across Turkey, Dubai, and Qatar.
