Good People of vitruta: Erdem Oraylı

Welcome, Erdem! We’ve crossed paths with you for many years now, whether through vitruta, Fjallraven, or Rains, but this time we’re coming together in a more special way, through Good People of vitruta. Let’s dive in with the first question: Who is Erdem Oraylı? What do you do, how did it start, and how’s it going?

The story began in 1991 in Tekirdağ, and you could say it continued in 2009 when I came to Istanbul as a Journalism student. My career in this industry started in 2013 with an internship at Tempo magazine. After a few experiences at digital agencies, I moved to Paris for a master’s in Fashion Marketing, Design, and Brand Strategies at INSEEC, adding fashion to my education. But since I couldn’t imagine a life away from my loved ones, I returned as soon as I graduated and started working at ELLE magazine. I think the confidence my education gave me revealed a different side of myself, and I started standing out in the events we organized with the magazine, thanks to the support of the team at the time.

After two years at ELLE, feeling that I had truly become a PR person, I started working with L’Appart PR. After two years there, I decided to set off on my own. Most recently, in July 2020, my friend Deniz Bulutsuz and I founded Ondakka. Currently, I’m at this point in my journey.

We first met during your time at L’Appart. How would you describe that period?

I think I’ve been witnessing vitruta’s entire journey since its foundation. It perfectly aligns with my own passion for Nordic design and the type of store concept I felt Turkey needed.

As for L’Appart, when I came back to Istanbul after my master’s, it was the agency I knew I wanted to work with. While working at ELLE, I got to know the entire team, which led me to move from ELLE to L’Appart. I gained extensive experience in PR and Event Management there. And, undoubtedly, the most valuable thing ELLE and L’Appart contributed to my career was my network.

How did the Ondakka journey begin?

In 2019, I left my job, rushed off to Paris, and stayed there for about a month. During that time, I made the mistake of starting a YouTube channel without giving it much thought. :) Luckily, I soon realized I didn’t want to live my life constantly chasing content, so I left that behind. After a relatively quiet year, I started taking freelance social media work, and Deniz and I, who was freelancing too, decided to join forces, leading to the birth of Ondakka.

You mentioned INSEEC earlier. What does Paris mean to you?

Paris can seem dull and full of clichés when you visit as a tourist, but once you become more of a local, it transforms into an entirely different city. The thing I love most is that I can easily adapt to local life when I’m there. Besides that, there are so many diverse places to see and explore that I’m able to pursue new discoveries each time. This really excites me.

If you had only 3-4 hours in Paris, what would you do?

I’d start from Bastille and walk to Concorde. Then, I’d head up Avenue Montaigne to Arc de Triomphe to wrap up my quick Paris tour.

What have you been reading, watching, or listening to lately? Care to share?

In general, I read books and articles about current issues. Unlike most people around me, I’m not really into series, and I’ve distanced myself from a lot of fictional content overall. Instead, I listen to podcasts and explore new releases. Lately, I’ve been hooked on synth jazz.

Which are your favorite spots in Istanbul? Where do you like to spend time?

No matter what, there’s nothing like walking from Pera to Taksim Square on a sunny day. I’d also add the coastal stretch from Kalamış to Suadiye.

Lastly, what are your five favorite brands at vitruta?

Top of the list is definitely Rains! :) Then Fjällräven, Colorful Standard, Fifty Pieces, and Fine People Community.