We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ilgın Simay Koçali. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ilgın Simay below.
Ilgın Simay, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
In the summer of 2022, at the tender age of 15, I found myself immersed in the lethargy of endless days spent doing nothing. But one of those days was different than usual because it led me to find my purpose of life and pushed me to become who I am today, a 17 year old small-business owner. My best friend sent me a TikTok edit. Little did I know that this seemingly trivial video would be the catalyst for discovering my life’s purpose. You might be wondering what might be the special TikTok video that has this much of an impact in my life. It was an edit of a sport I had never imagined could captivate me to such an extent, Formula 1. Those first three days we sent each other thousands of edits of the sports and that’s how we caught this obsession. Well obviously we wanted to watch the races but it was summer break at that time. We waited three weeks until our first race and we watched it together. It was a truly core and a heartfelt experience. However, watching the races from the screen wasn’t enough, I yearned to feel the pulse of the cars and the rush of their speed. This desire marked the beginning of my official journey into the fabulous and chic universe of Formula 1. My fascination evolved beyond the screen, compelling me to bring the essence of Formula 1 into my own life. With only $100 in hand and armed with the fervor ignited by Formula 1, I embarked on the entrepreneurial path at the age of 15. The initial days were marked by solitary endeavors, as I navigated the challenges of establishing a business inspired by my newfound passion. My goal was to get tickets, for both me and my best friend, but it went beyond that. Today, at the age of 17, I stand as a testament to the power of discovering one’s purpose. The initial spark ignited by a TikTok edit has transformed into a thriving business, where Formula 1 serves as both my muse and driving force. Reflecting on this journey, I am grateful for the serendipity that led me to Formula 1, shaping not just my business but also defining who I am today – a 17-year-old entrepreneur with a fervent love for the fast-paced world of Formula 1.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I run a dynamic business centered around Formula 1-inspired products. What excites me most about my venture is the fusion of my passion for the sport with creative entrepreneurship. Our brand encapsulates the thrill and elegance of Formula 1, offering a range of products that resonate with enthusiasts worldwide. What sets us apart is not just the merchandise but the narrative we share with our customers – a story of a teenager who, fueled by a TikTok discovery, turned a $100 investment at the age of 15 into a flourishing business with three employees now! It’s more than a brand; it’s a journey that invites others to join in the excitement of Formula 1. I’m particularly thrilled as we gear up for the commencement of the 2024 season. The anticipation of new races, gripping moments, and the evolution of the sport itself fuels my enthusiasm. It’s an exciting time for both Formula 1 and our brand, and I look forward to sharing this excitement with our community as we embark on the journey of the new season together. Adding to the excitement, I’m eagerly anticipating attending my first race this season, Barcelona Grand Prix! What makes it even more special is that I’ll be sharing this experience with my best friend, Zeynep Sena Şentürk, the person who sent me “The” TikTok edit that started everything. I want to share my heartfelt thanks to Sena for being a constant source of support and enthusiasm throughout this incredible journey. Her presence adds an extra layer of joy to the upcoming race, and I’m grateful for the shared moments and memories we’re set to create at the circuit, just like how we did watching our first race together.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on the journey of building my business, I realize that three fundamental qualities have been instrumental in shaping the course of my entrepreneurial venture. Firstly, the willingness to take calculated risks has been a defining factor. Launching into the world of business at the age of 15 with a modest $100 investment required a leap of faith. It’s more than just about taking risks; it’s about making informed decisions that have the potential to spark innovation and drive substantial growth. To those who are just starting out, my advice would be to embrace these calculated risks – they can be the catalysts for transformative change. Secondly, the unwavering belief in myself and the refusal to give up has been a cornerstone. Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with challenges, and the ability to persist through setbacks has been instrumental. It’s not just about adaptability but about resilience and maintaining faith in your capabilities. To those in the early stages of their journey, remember that setbacks are part of the process – believe in yourself, stay resilient, and keep pushing forward. The third pivotal aspect of my journey revolves around the fusion of passion and knowledge. My genuine love for Formula 1 not only served as the driving force behind my business but also formed the basis for meaningful connections with customers. Aligning your venture with a true passion is not just about the excitement it brings but also about cultivating authentic enthusiasm that resonates with others. Continuous learning has been equally important, ensuring that I stay ahead in a field that constantly evolves. In essence, my entrepreneurial journey has been guided by the courage to take calculated risks, the resilience to persist through challenges, and the fusion of passion with knowledge. To those embarking on their entrepreneurial path, my message is clear – embrace risks, believe in yourself, follow your passion, and never stop doing what you love the most. The road may be challenging, but the lessons learned along the way are invaluable.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely, collaboration is a key element of our growth, and we’re open to partnering with individuals who share a passion for Formula 1 and design. Currently, we are actively seeking talented designers from around the world to join our team on a commission-based basis. If you have exceptional drawing and designing skills coupled with a genuine love for Formula 1, we invite you to become part of the ILGNSIMAY family. To express your interest and apply for a design position, please reach out to us at ilgnsimaycontact@gmail.com. We look forward to connecting with creative minds who are as enthusiastic about Formula 1 as we are and are eager to contribute to our dynamic team. Join us in crafting innovative and exciting Formula 1-inspired products that resonate with fans globally.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilgnsimay?igsh=MXFraG1uZ2NoaTlodg==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilginsimaykocali?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ilgnsimay?_t=8jDlRXaASdK&_r=1
