Meet Onur Kirimli

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Onur Kirimli. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Onur, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I’ve always believed that visionaries and greats are often the ones who stand alone—the ones who are ‘the only one in the room.’ Growing up, we don’t realize this because we’re surrounded by people who look and act the same. We start to feel like we don’t belong and often blame ourselves, trying to fit in so that society accepts us rather than punishes us for being different.

But over time, I realized that this sense of not fitting in was actually a gift. We often push ourselves to conform, suppressing our unique qualities, when, in fact, those very qualities are our strengths. Once I embraced what made me different, I recognized that it was like having a gold mine within me—a creative energy that people could look up to, something that was truly my own. Then, I stopped trying to conform and instead channeled all the intelligence, resilience, and creativity I’d been building up over time into something that no one else could replicate.

For me, it wasn’t always easy. I often refer to myself as a ‘tortured artist’ because one of my biggest drivers has been proving people wrong—those who doubted me, who couldn’t see what I saw. That doubt fueled my fire. I was going to make it, no matter what anyone said.

When I finally embraced my uniqueness and paired it with my perfectionism, I realized there was no limit to what I could create. I poured my life, my soul, my sweat, and my tears into my work, never afraid to fail because I’ve never been a quitter. Being ‘the only one’ became not just an obstacle but the very reason for my success.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m the owner of Kilim Couture New York, a brand that specializes in rare, antique & vintage hand-knotted rugs, handwoven kilims, and mid-century kilim decor/furniture—one-of-one pieces that fuse intricate heritage with modern elegance. What excites me most about what I do is that each piece tells a story—whether it’s a rug handwoven decades ago in a small village in Turkey or a beautifully crafted kilim pillow or bench. I’m not just selling rugs; I’m preserving the cultural legacy of where I come from. My work is deeply personal to me because it’s rooted in the tradition I grew up with, and through Kilim Couture, I’m able to keep that heritage alive in a way that resonates with luxury interiors.

Each piece in our collection is truly unique, reflecting the craftsmanship of generations before me while also showcasing my own creative personality. For me, these kilims aren’t just functional decor; they’re the most beautiful form of art. I personally handpick each piece from Turkey, and I’m always looking for items that embody both tradition and artistic innovation. Kilim Couture is about offering something that no one else can replicate—a fusion of culture, history, and modern design.

I’m thrilled to share that we’re opening a small showroom in New York soon, where customers can experience our collection in person. It’s going to be an intimate space, but one that reflects the richness and depth of our products. I’ll be displaying a curated selection of vintage kilims, handcrafted stools, and pillows, all designed to bring a touch of timeless elegance into any space. It’s a chance for people to see, feel, and connect with these pieces up close, and I can’t wait to welcome both long-time clients and new customers alike.

I invite everyone to come visit and explore the collection firsthand. Whether you’re an interior designer looking for that perfect statement piece or someone who simply appreciates art with a rich cultural story, I believe Kilim Couture offers something truly special.

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 with Kilim Couture New York, there are three key qualities that have been the most impactful: resilience, a deep commitment to craftsmanship, and adaptability. These have not only shaped my brand but also helped me grow as both a creative and a business owner.

First, resilience. In any creative industry, especially when you’re carving out something unique like I am with rare, vintage kilims and antique rugs, you’ll face challenges. There were moments of doubt and setbacks, but the ability to keep going and stay focused on my vision has been crucial. My advice to those early in their journey is to embrace the setbacks—they’re part of the process. Learn from them and keep moving forward.

Second, craftsmanship. One thing that sets Kilim Couture apart is the attention to detail and the quality of the products. Understanding the heritage and the intricate process behind each rug has allowed me to truly honor the tradition I’m preserving. For those starting out, I recommend becoming an expert in your craft. Whatever field you’re in, take the time to learn everything you can about it. Mastery builds confidence and sets you apart.

Third, adaptability. The market, trends, and customer needs are always shifting, and being able to adjust while staying true to your core values is key. For me, this has meant expanding my collection to include kilim furniture, opening a showroom, and finding new ways to share my story. My advice here is to stay flexible and open to change. The ability to adapt is what allows you to grow and seize new opportunities without losing sight of your vision.

For anyone just starting their journey, my biggest piece of advice is to be patient with yourself. Building something meaningful takes time. Focus on honing your skills, learn from every experience, and never be afraid to evolve. Those qualities will serve you well no matter what path you’re on.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely! At Kilim Couture New York, I’m always open to collaborating with like-minded individuals and businesses who share a passion for unique, handcrafted design. I’m particularly interested in partnering with interior designers, set designers, home stagers, and boutique retailers who are looking to add a one-of-a-kind touch to their projects or collections.

Our vintage, handwoven kilims, antique rugs, and mid-century decor offer something truly special—pieces that bring a fusion of heritage and elegance into any space. Whether you’re working on a residential design, a film or theater set, or curating a collection for your retail space, Kilim Couture can provide exclusive pieces that align with your creative vision.

If you’re interested in collaborating, I’d love to connect. You can reach me through our website’s Designer Trade Program, where we offer exclusive discounts and complimentary consultations. Or feel free to email me directly or connect on LinkedIn—I’m always excited to explore new ideas and partnerships.

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