We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mert Gulen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mert below.
Mert, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
For me, purpose wasn’t something I stumbled upon in a single moment — it was something that revealed itself gradually, through experiences, challenges, and the quiet pull of intuition.
I’ve always been fascinated by human connection and transformation. Early in my career, I saw how people could walk into a space carrying the weight of the world and leave lighter, softer, more at peace. That was when I realised: my work wasn’t just about creating beautiful spas, it was about creating spaces where people could return to themselves.
Carisma was born from that calling — to blend hospitality, wellness, and artistry into experiences that restore balance, both inside and out. Over time, I’ve learned that purpose is less about ‘finding’ and more about remembering who you are and what you stand for.
To anyone searching for theirs, I’d say: listen to the moments that make you feel alive. Follow the work that makes you lose track of time. Pay attention to the people you serve and how their lives shift because of what you do. Purpose doesn’t always arrive with a grand entrance — sometimes, it whispers. You just have to be still enough to hear it.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At Carisma Spa & Wellness, what we do extends far beyond treatments or therapies — we create sacred spaces for people to pause, breathe, and reconnect with themselves. In a world that constantly asks for more, we offer a rare invitation to simply be.
As CEO of Carisma Spa & Wellness Group, I’m privileged to lead a brand rooted in ancient healing rituals, Mediterranean warmth, and a belief that wellbeing is not a luxury — it’s a lifestyle. We bring together the art of hospitality with the science of wellness, curating experiences that awaken the senses and restore balance to the body, mind, and soul.
What excites me most is the transformation we witness every day. The subtle shifts. A softened gaze. A smile after a long pause. These moments remind us that true impact isn’t always loud — sometimes, it’s the quiet healing that changes everything.
This year is particularly meaningful for us. We’re opening two new spas in Malta — one in Valletta and one in Sliema — as part of our mission to make luxury wellness more accessible. We’re also in the beautiful process of creating our very own skincare brand, born from years of hands-on experience and a deep respect for natural ingredients. And later this year, we’ll be launching a new gym concept — one that blends fitness with mindfulness, encouraging people to train not just for aesthetics, but for longevity and inner balance.
At the heart of everything we do is one simple promise: to hold space for people to feel whole again. That’s what drives me. That’s what Carisma is all about.
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, I would say three qualities shaped my journey the most: vision, resilience, and emotional intelligence.
Vision gave me the ability to see beyond what was in front of me — to imagine spaces that didn’t yet exist, experiences that could touch people on a deeper level. I’ve always believed that if you can feel it, you can build it. For those starting out, I would say: nurture your imagination as much as your strategy. Don’t just chase trends — build something with soul.
Resilience was what kept me going when nothing made sense. Entrepreneurship is filled with quiet storms. You will be doubted. You will doubt yourself. But if your purpose is rooted in something real, you’ll always find your way back. My advice: fail fast, learn faster, and keep your inner fire protected.
Emotional intelligence — the ability to understand people, to feel what they’re not saying, to lead with empathy — has been essential in building both a team and a brand that genuinely cares. In wellness, people come to you in their most vulnerable states. Listening with presence, and leading with heart, is not optional — it’s everything.
To anyone just beginning: trust the quiet work. Learn from your mistakes without judging yourself. Stay connected to your ‘why.’ And always remember — the most meaningful businesses are not built on speed, but on depth.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was show me the value of integrity — not through words, but through how they lived. They taught me that how you treat people when no one is watching matters just as much as what you achieve when everyone is watching. That shaped the way I lead today.
They also gave me space to dream — even when my ideas felt too big, too different, or too uncertain. They never imposed limits on what I should become. That quiet belief, that sense of trust, gave me the courage to build something unconventional, something with heart.
Their work ethic, humility, and emotional strength laid the foundation for everything I’ve built. I’m endlessly grateful for that invisible legacy — it lives in the culture of Carisma, in the way we treat our guests, in the way we show up every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mertgulen.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mertxgulen/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mertgulen/
- Other:Botox Malta
Skincare Malta
Massage in Malta
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