We recently connected with Bunyamin Alkan and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Bunyamin, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Developing my confidence and self-esteem has been a continuous journey shaped by both my personal and professional challenges. My story began with my passion for soccer. I played semi-professional soccer for top clubs in Turkey, but when I didn’t make the professional team, I realized I had to make a significant change. At just 18 years old, I made the bold decision to move to San Diego, all by myself. I didn’t speak English, and I had no family support here, but I was determined to create a new path for myself. The act of leaving everything familiar behind and starting fresh in a new country forced me to build resilience and trust in my own abilities. Adapting to a new culture and language wasn’t easy, but every small step I took reinforced my confidence.
One of the most pivotal moments in my journey was when I transitioned from working as an event promoter in San Diego’s Gaslamp district to opening my first business, Pasha Lounge. The business was a success, but in 2017, we had to close due to issues with the landlord. That was a significant setback, but it taught me the value of resilience. I learned that failure wasn’t an end—it was a lesson that led to growth. Instead of giving up, I focused on moving forward and finding new opportunities.
Being a single father to my son, Emin, has also played a huge role in shaping my confidence. Juggling the demands of entrepreneurship while being there for him has been challenging, but it has also strengthened my determination. Managing his soccer team and setting an example for him in terms of hard work, perseverance, and adaptability has given me a deep sense of purpose.
The COVID-19 pandemic was another challenge that tested my resilience. During that time, I had to adapt quickly and find new ways to sustain and grow my businesses. Whether it was shifting to new industries like bottled water with SUVIDA or medical tourism with A1 Beauty Solutions, both ventures have not only survived but thrived. SUVIDA is growing rapidly, expanding its reach, and becoming a key player in the bottled water market. Similarly, A1 Beauty Solutions has gained significant traction, accelerating its growth much faster than expected. The future is looking bright for all of my ventures, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead.
In 2019, I had to put SUVIDA on hold for a number of personal reasons, including focusing on my son, Emin, to ensure that I didn’t lose custody. I could always make more money, but my time with my son was priceless. This experience taught me that sometimes stepping back to focus on what truly matters is the ultimate form of strength. I was grateful for the opportunity to start over, as the lessons I learned gave me the tools to approach the future with greater clarity and confidence. At some point in my life, I had to fall forward, and I could only count on myself and God to keep moving forward.
Now, I’m working on something truly exciting: TIKI-TACA, a data-driven indoor soccer development center scheduled to open in 2025. It combines my love for soccer with cutting-edge technology to revolutionize how young athletes are identified and developed. It’s not just about soccer—it’s about creating lasting change in the community and giving back to San Diego.
The confidence and self-esteem I’ve developed over the years come from embracing challenges, learning from setbacks, and always pushing myself to grow. Sure, I’ve gone through very challenging times, but those challenges have made me a very strong person. Today, nothing can stand in the way of my success any longer. I’ve learned to adapt, whether it’s through embracing new business ventures or evolving with the times. I’ve also learned the importance of staying true to my values and using my experiences to inspire others. In the end, confidence comes from knowing that no matter what life throws at you, you have the ability to overcome it and make a positive impact.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m an entrepreneur, visionary, and innovator, and my journey has been shaped by a passion for creating impactful solutions across a variety of industries. What excites me most is finding new ways to combine technology, creativity, and my personal experiences to create something meaningful that can make a difference. Whether it’s through providing clean water, expanding medical tourism, or revolutionizing youth soccer development, my focus is always on improving lives and building strong communities.
Currently, I’m working on a groundbreaking project called TIKI-TACA, a data-driven indoor soccer development center set to open in 2025. It’s an exciting venture because it blends my love for soccer with cutting-edge technology. The facility will feature advanced analytics, 7v7 and 3v3 fields, and focus on identifying and developing young talent in San Diego. What sets it apart is its focus on data-driven player development, using technology to offer personalized growth plans for each athlete. It’s about creating a space where young players can not only develop their skills but also experience the sport in a way that’s fun and impactful. Beyond soccer, TIKI-TACA will be deeply involved in the community, with birthday celebrations, partnerships with local clubs and schools, and a commitment to shaping the next generation of athletes.
In addition to TIKI-TACA, I’m also the founder of SUVIDA, a bottled water company, and A1 Beauty Solutions, a medical tourism company. Both businesses are thriving and growing at an incredible pace. The future looks very bright for these ventures, as we continue to expand and innovate. SUVIDA’s mission is not just about providing clean water, but also about giving back to communities in need. A1 Beauty Solutions is helping people access top-tier healthcare services abroad, offering them a chance to improve their lives in ways they might not have otherwise had access to.
Though I’ve faced many challenges along the way—from starting over after setbacks to navigating difficult personal circumstances—those experiences have shaped me into a resilient and driven entrepreneur. My journey has taught me that success doesn’t come without struggle, but the key is to keep moving forward and never lose sight of your purpose. Whether it’s through my businesses or the work I do in my community, I’m passionate about creating positive change and leaving a lasting legacy.
For anyone reading, I want you to know that my story is one of perseverance, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. The work I’m doing is not just about business—it’s about shaping the future, empowering others, and leaving a mark that will inspire others to push past their challenges and create their own path forward.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, I believe the three most impactful qualities that have shaped my success are resilience, adaptability, and visionary thinking.
1. Resilience has been crucial in helping me navigate the inevitable setbacks every entrepreneur faces. From the closure of my first business to overcoming personal challenges, resilience taught me to persevere and learn from failure rather than be defeated by it. For anyone starting out, my advice is to embrace failure as part of the process. Understand that each obstacle is a learning opportunity, and staying persistent will build your character and sharpen your problem-solving abilities.
2. Adaptability has been key to thriving in an ever-changing business landscape. Early in my career, I moved from event promotion to opening my own business, and later transitioned into the bottled water and medical tourism industries. Each change required me to learn new skills and pivot my approach. To develop adaptability, always be open to learning, whether it’s through formal education, mentorship, or personal experiences. Stay flexible and be willing to pivot when necessary—flexibility in your approach often leads to unexpected opportunities.
3. Visionary Thinking has been essential in driving my growth. I’ve always been focused on long-term goals and envisioning how my efforts could make a bigger impact. This forward-thinking mindset led me to create TIKI-TACA and other ventures that aim to transform industries. My advice to those starting out is to dream big but take actionable steps toward those dreams every day. Break down your long-term vision into smaller, achievable milestones, and remain focused on the bigger picture while staying grounded in your daily efforts.
For anyone early in their journey, I’d say: Build resilience by embracing challenges and learning from them, cultivate adaptability by being open to new opportunities and continuously learning, and nurture your visionary thinking by setting bold goals and taking small steps every day to reach them. Focus on developing these qualities, and they’ll help you navigate the ups and downs of your entrepreneurial path.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
In the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been scaling my businesses, especially SUVIDA and A1 Beauty Solutions, where I’ve transitioned from day-to-day operations to focusing more on strategic leadership. A significant milestone has also been the development of TIKI-TACA, an innovative indoor soccer development center I’ve been working on with my business partners. It’s been exciting to combine technology with youth sports, and we’re off to a great start. On a personal level, strengthening my bond with my son, Emin, has been incredibly fulfilling, and balancing that with my professional growth has been a key focus this year.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.suvidawater.com / www.a1beautysolutions.com Launching Early 2025
- Instagram: @alkan_sd / @suvidawater / @a1beautysolutions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alkanbunyamin
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