PELİN CANLI OPTİK
Warm Atmosphere Where Health and Style Meet
“Silmo Istanbul makes a valuable contribution both to refreshing our professional vision and to keeping the industry’s dynamism alive.”
Hello Ms. Canlı. Could you introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about your entry into the optical industry?
Hello, my name is Pelin Canlı. I graduated from Istanbul Bilgi University’s Public Relations department in 2019. After graduation, I worked in different fields such as digital editing and tourism, gaining experience that allowed me to engage closely with a wide range of people. My long-standing interest in fashion and clothing, combined with my desire for direct human interaction, naturally led me toward the optical industry. With this motivation, I enrolled in the Opticianry program at Istanbul Aydın University. Following my graduation, I had the opportunity to work both voluntarily and professionally at leading institutions within the sector. After nearly three years of what I describe as “being in the kitchen of the business,” gaining hands-on and in-depth experience, I finally found the courage to open my own store, which had always been my dream.
When did you decide to open your own store, and what was the biggest challenge you faced while turning this dream into reality?
The idea of opening my own store actually began to take shape in my mind on my very first day in the Opticianry program. I knew that an optical store would be the best way to reflect both my interest in fashion and my people-oriented approach. However, this idea truly became tangible after the intense three-year experience I gained while working at leading institutions in the sector after graduation. During that period, I not only learned the technical aspects of the profession but also shaped my vision of ideal retailing. The greatest challenge was taking that first courageous step out of the comfort zone of corporate life and assuming full responsibility on my own. Although I occasionally encountered prejudices related to my young age, I was able to overcome them quickly thanks to my communication background and professional competence. Seeing our guests leave the store satisfied and hearing their positive feedback remains my greatest source of pride and makes all the challenges worthwhile.
What kind of perspective did you develop to ensure that Pelin Canlı Optik would become more than just a point of sale?
Our goal is to create a warm and sincere atmosphere where everyone who walks through our door feels as if they are visiting a friend’s home rather than simply shopping. While listening to our guests, we aim not only to meet their visual needs but also to establish a subtle connection that makes them feel understood and special. Providing a calm and pressure-free environment, where people feel comfortable in front of the mirror and free to explore themselves, is our priority. When they leave, we want them to remember not only the glasses they purchased, but also the sense of trust they felt and the smile they carry with them.
Your store is located in Çekmeköy, Istanbul. What were your priorities when choosing this location?
Istanbul’s undeniable earthquake reality has made safety a primary consideration in both living and investment decisions. Thanks to its solid ground structure, Çekmeköy is one of the rapidly developing districts attracting qualified migration from the city center. Through detailed market research and feasibility studies conducted with our expert team, we clearly recognized this strategic transformation. By evaluating not only current conditions but also the region’s future potential, we decided to position Pelin Canlı Optik in Çekmeköy. Being part of this growing and dynamic structure aligns perfectly with our brand’s long-term goals.
What criteria do you prioritize when selecting the brands featured in your store?
While shaping our brand portfolio, we closely follow both local and global optical trends as well as international fashion weeks. We analyze data to identify the collections that best match the demographic structure and purchasing habits of our region. Alongside well-known brands, we also place strong emphasis on niche labels that differentiate us through quality and design. In order to appeal to different customer segments, we have created a balanced and dynamic product mix ranging from accessible luxury to premium. In this way, we are able to present global fashion simultaneously in our Çekmeköy store, offering a local experience with a global vision.
Which brands are most preferred by Pelin Canlı Optik customers, and how would you describe your customer profile’s approach to fashion trends?
We observe that our customers’ preferences reflect a balanced mix of global fashion leaders and design-oriented boutique brands. Rather than gravitating solely toward the most dominant mainstream labels, customers are becoming more conscious and are increasingly seeking distinctive pieces that align with their lifestyles while combining quality and aesthetics. We actively support this awareness through our approach. Our priority is not the name on the label, but finding the solution that best suits the individual’s facial anatomy and personal style.
You emphasize that you offer personalized optical solutions in your store. Could you elaborate on this approach?
I believe that our profession goes far beyond simply fitting prescription lenses into frames. For us, a personalized optical solution means designing an identity that aligns with the customer’s lifestyle and style. We begin the process by listening carefully and accurately assessing their needs before moving on to technical measurements. Together with my team, we present options with the precision of a style consultant, selecting frames that best complement the individual’s facial structure and skin tone. You will never encounter a pushy sales policy in our store. On the contrary, we create a free and comfortable space where customers can take their time trying different options. Our goal is for each person to leave not only seeing clearly, but also feeling happy with the reflection they see in the mirror. By blending technical expertise with an aesthetic perspective, we transform eyewear selection from a necessity into an enjoyable experience.
When evaluating the most suitable solutions for your customers’ visual health and personal style, what are your top priorities?
Our primary focus is always the technical accuracy of the lenses and the anatomical compatibility of the frame with the individual. Without health, aesthetic appeal alone holds no real value. We work with advanced technological devices such as the Nidek M1000, Nidek M9000, and Grand Seiko GL 7700. By combining the precision of advanced technology with the meticulousness of craftsmanship, we provide our customers with the highest level of visual comfort and virtually zero margin for error. Once this technical foundation is ensured, we analyze the individual’s facial features, lifestyle, and personal image to select models that best reflect their character and preferences. Our most important criterion is that the wearer feels both visually comfortable and confident when they put on their glasses.
Pelin Canlı Optik is just one year old. Could you share your short- and long-term goals for the store?
As a young and newly established store, our priority is to firmly establish our service standards. We are focused on ensuring that the foundations we have built are solid and that we consistently deliver the experience we promise. Over time, we aim to add new services and applications on top of this strong structure. For now, our main objective is to position Pelin Canlı Optik as a reliable and sustainable brand.
What are your thoughts on the development of Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair and its contribution to the industry?
With its stable and growing position, Silmo Istanbul has become an indispensable bridge for trade and interaction not only for our country but for the entire region. I believe it plays a highly strategic and unifying role in showcasing our industry’s production strength and potential on the international stage. By bringing all stakeholders together under one roof, this organization makes a significant contribution to refreshing our professional vision and maintaining the sector’s dynamism.
Thank you for this valuable interview. Finally, could you share your thoughts on 4 your eyes?
Thank you very much for featuring us. With its broad sectoral vision and rich content, 4 your eyes serves as a constant source of inspiration, especially for young entrepreneurs like myself. I will continue to follow this publication, which truly captures the pulse of the industry, with great appreciation and respect.
February 2026