We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leen Gundogdu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Leen below.
Hi Leen , 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?
Confidence and self-esteem come from embracing who you are and owning your unique style. As a designerat KIVANCI, I developed mine through experience, continuous learning, and seeing the impact of my work. When I create pieces that empower people and make them feel their best, it reinforces my passion. I believe fashion is more than just clothing—it’s a statement, an attitude. Through my designs, I encourage others to express themselves boldly, and in doing so, I’ve strengthened my own confidence as well.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a designer, my passion lies in bringing visions to life—transforming ideas into wearable art that empowers and inspires. Through KIVANCI, I create designs that help people feel confident, strong, and aligned with their true selves. Fashion is more than just clothing or accessories; it’s an extension of identity and attitude.
What excites me most is the ability to merge art and self-expression, crafting pieces that resonate with individuals on a deeper level. My focus is on elevating personal style while encouraging people to embrace their uniqueness.
Right now, I am expanding my reach, developing new designs, and continuing to push creative boundaries. My goal is to inspire others to step into their power, feel their best, and achieve their aspirations—because fashion is not just about what you wear, but how it makes you feel.
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 my journey, three key qualities and skills have been the most impactful in shaping my path as a designer and entrepreneur:
1. Vision & Creativity
Bringing a design to life starts with a clear vision and the creativity to make it unique. Creativity isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about telling a story, solving problems, and pushing boundaries. I’ve learned that constantly exploring new ideas, studying different forms of art, and drawing inspiration from the world around me keeps my work fresh and meaningful.
I find that to develop creativity, immerse yourself in various artistic expressions, stay curious, and never be afraid to experiment. Creativity flourishes when you embrace new perspectives and allow yourself to evolve.
2. Business & Branding Knowledge
As much as fashion is an art form, it’s also a business. Understanding branding, marketing, and business strategy has been crucial in turning my designs into a recognizable brand. A strong brand is not just about a logo or products—it’s about the experience, the message, and the emotional connection it creates.
And for those starting out, I recommend learning the fundamentals of business, studying successful brands, and being intentional about the identity you want to build. Investing in knowledge beyond design—such as marketing and customer experience—will set you apart.
3. Resilience & Adaptability
The fashion industry is fast-paced and ever-changing, and challenges are inevitable. Resilience has helped me navigate setbacks, refine my vision, and keep moving forward. Adaptability is just as important—staying open to change, embracing innovation, and evolving with industry trends while staying true to my core values.
I would say to be prepared for challenges and see them as learning opportunities. Surround yourself with a strong support system, stay persistent, and trust your journey. Growth comes from embracing both successes and failures.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Throughout my journey, two people have played a significant role in shaping my success—my husband and my mother.
My husband has been a pillar of support, helping me navigate challenges, stay focused, and push forward even in difficult times. His encouragement and belief in me have given me the confidence to take risks, grow, and continuously improve.
On the creative side, my mother has been my greatest inspiration. She nurtured my artistic side from a young age, instilling in me a love for creativity and self-expression. Her influence has shaped my ability to bring visions to life and think outside the box.
Their guidance, support, and unwavering belief in me have been invaluable in building KIVANCI and developing the skills, resilience, and confidence needed to succeed. I am deeply grateful for their influence on my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.Kivanci.com
- Instagram: Kivanci.official
- Facebook: Kivanci.official
Image Credits
Kinda Arzon
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
