Fresh Etsy Pixx: LemKa’s B Side

By guest contributor Amy Anderson 

At first glance, Ozlem Kilic’s jewelry looks like intricate metalwork. But all of the products in her shop, LemKa’s B Side, are actually made of leather. Ozlem, who lives in Istanbul, Turkey and has experience in fashion design, creates these whimsical necklaces, bracelets, and accessories. She features more designs in her other Etsy shop, LemKa’s Colored Garden. Enjoy Ozlem’s story and her fabulous creations in today’s Fresh Etsy Pixx.

1. What do you create and how did you get started?

I studied fashion design in Naples, Italy and after that studied Traditional Turkish Art as second major in Istanbul. After my education, I worked for Gap Inc. as a merchandiser in their Istanbul Sourcing office and handled knitwear and accessory business for Banana Republic brand in Mediterranean region.

After I quit working for Gap in 2005, I started working as a freelance designer/artist. I created sneaker shoe collections for an Italian sportswear brand, scarf print designs for some local department stores, curtain designs for a couple of Turkish producers and visual merchandising materials for couple of department stores.

I have been designing bridal hair accessories, jeweleries with silver and semi precious stones and leather accessories for the last 4 years.

2. Why do you sell on Etsy? Do you sell elsewhere as well?

I recently started selling through Etsy. I believe it’s the best site for reaching people who love handmade and special items from all over the world. I do not sell through other web sites, but I do sell my items to a couple of boutiques in Europe.

3. Where do you get the ideas for your pieces?

I love local and traditional art. I love to visit Grand Bazaar and old city of Istanbul and I get inspired by art events, sculptures, paintings, etc. My biggest inspiration is the young and dynamic people in fashion world.

4. Describe your artistic style in three words.

Happy, unique and affordable.

5. Where do you go or what do you do when you need inspiration?

I follow most of the art events and exhibitions for inspiration, I go to Grand Bazaar and surrounding area every weekend, but my favorite place is Paris. I also follow the trends from Bread&Butter Berlin and similar fairs and organizations.

6. Where do you see your work going in the future?

My biggest wish is a happy and healthy life with my son and husband. Then I want to set up my brand and become reachable to all people in the world. I am not targeting big figures as I want to keep my work niche instead of mass.

About the contributor: Amy Anderson is one of the Indie Fixx interns and just recently graduated from Northwestern University. Amy has wanted to be a journalist since she was just 5 years old and is also into the indie design and crafting scenes as well. In addition to writing the occasional post, she also helps me with a variety of projects.