“Silmo Istanbul offers us much more than a wide product selection. It allows us to explore new technologies, production trends, and design philosophies firsthand. I don’t see it as a showcase. I see it as a school.”

Hello Ms. Havvanur. Could you briefly introduce yourself and share how your professional journey began?
Hello, I’m Havvanur Çoban. I’m 26 years old. Although I’m originally from Ankara, I was born and raised in Bolu. My professional journey began during my final year of high school, thanks to my mother’s encouragement. A close family friend had just opened an optical store, and I started working alongside him. During that period, I had my first experiences in the optical retail world. I was deeply influenced by everything I learned about enhancing visual comfort, the technical and aesthetic aspects of eyewear, and the warm, personal connections built with customers. Over time, I came to realize that optical retailing is not just about technical knowledge. It is also a profession that requires empathy and trust.

Could you tell us about the founding of Bal Optik? What motivated you to open your own store?
The founding of Bal Optik wasn’t just the start of a business for me. It was the realization of a dream. Three key factors led me to choose this profession. First, my mother, who has always been by my side and supported me wholeheartedly. Her love and trust gave me the courage to take this step. Second, having a close friend in this field helped me understand from a young age how special and human-centered this profession is. And third, I’ve had the dream of running my own business since childhood. The idea of creating something with my own values and efforts has always inspired me. When I opened Bal Optik, my goal wasn’t simply to launch a store. I wanted to create a space where people felt heard, supported, and cared for in terms of eye health. Realizing this dream in a warm and friendly neighborhood like Kılıçarslan made it even more meaningful. Here, every customer is also a neighbor, someone familiar. This sense of connection makes our work unique and keeps my excitement alive every day.

You’re the only optical store in the area. How does that affect your development, quality standards, and product range?
Kılıçarslan is a well-established neighborhood where traditional community values are still alive. Trust and sincerity are at the heart of everyday life. Here, being a shopkeeper means more than just selling products. It means becoming part of the community and responding to people’s needs with care. As the only optical store in the area, we are not just a business but a place of trust and support. The absence of competition brings with it a great responsibility. But it doesn’t make us complacent. On the contrary, it pushes us to keep improving with even greater motivation. That’s why we constantly update our quality standards, product range, and service approach. We closely follow industry innovations. If other optical stores open in the future, we won’t see it as a threat. On the contrary, it would energize the sector, which we see as a positive development. We view competition as a chance to grow, not something to fear. Our approach to retail is based on sincerity, transparency, knowledge sharing, and a solution-oriented mindset. As long as these values remain, we believe our customers will continue to choose us, no matter the circumstances.

Now that you’ve completed your fifth year as an optical retailer, what are your upcoming plans and goals?
Reaching our fifth year is both a proud achievement and a moment that deepens our sense of responsibility. With the experience we’ve gained, we’re now thinking beyond daily operations and focusing on strategic steps for the future. One of my main goals is to reach more people with Bal Optik. To do this, I plan to strengthen our digital presence. Through online appointments, product showcases, and informative content, I want to offer guidance and connection via social media and our website. I also aim to expand our product range with new collections and give more space to youth-focused designs. One goal I’m especially excited about is launching my own eyewear brand. The collection will be called “Honey” and will focus on standing out in both style and quality. I plan to offer it not only in my store but also online and in different cities in the future. In the long term, I dream of opening new locations. But throughout this process, my priority is to protect the sincerity, trust, and quality we’ve built. I want to grow without losing who we are. By keeping our customers’ needs and expectations at the center, we’ll continue moving forward with purpose.

How important is it to offer products in different price segments? How does this impact your sales?
Offering a wide range of products at different price points is essential for us. Every customer has different needs, expectations, and budgets. You can’t expect a student and a retiree, or a corporate employee and a homemaker, to choose the same product. That’s why we carry a broad selection, from affordable to premium. This approach increases customer satisfaction and positively reflects on our sales. When someone finds something that fits them, they leave happy. That strengthens their loyalty. It also helps prevent people from seeing us as a store that only sells either high-end or budget items. Our aim is to cater to all budgets while maintaining the same standard of quality and trust in every product. At Bal Optik, prices may vary, but the customer experience and service quality always stay the same.

Which optical and sunglass brands are most popular at Bal Optik?
The brands we carry are shaped largely by my own taste and insights. Whether optical or sunglasses, I personally try each pair before recommending them to customers. While the selection shifts over time, there are three sunglass brands I’ve carried since day one and continue to love – Rachel Paris, Bruno Mazzini, and U.S.P.A. Two years ago, I discovered the brand Goodlook, which quickly became a favorite as well. I carefully choose the models from these brands, and since I enjoy selling products I genuinely like, my customers are also drawn to these striking pieces. When it comes to optical eyewear, the standout brands in our store are De Valentini, U.S.P.A., Gigi Milano, Hermod, Goodlook, and Tommy Miller.

What services do you offer during and after the sale to enhance customer satisfaction?
Customer satisfaction is not just a goal for us. It’s the foundation of our work. During the sales process, we make it a priority to understand each customer’s needs and help them find the right product, both in terms of health and style. From frame selection to lens quality, we provide detailed information and involve them in the decision-making process. After the sale, we continue to be there for our customers. We offer fit checks, free adjustments and maintenance, and warranties for lenses and frames. For contact lens users, we provide regular reminders and special guidance for first-time wearers. What matters to us isn’t just selling a product once. We want to build a long-term relationship based on trust.

As a young entrepreneur, how do you see the Turkish optical industry? What do you think could support its growth?
The optical sector in Turkey has seen great progress in recent years. As consumer awareness grows, so do expectations for quality and service. This has helped the industry become more professional and more focused on customer needs. At the same time, technology, personalized solutions, and digital tools have opened up new possibilities. Still, there’s room for improvement. I believe we need to strengthen vocational training, clarify standards, and support domestic production. I also think optical stores should be seen not just as sales points but as centers for eye health consultation. Growth in this industry depends on working together, sharing knowledge, and pushing our vision forward as a collective.

Did you attend the 11th edition of Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair? How do you view its contributions to the industry?
Yes, I visited the 11th Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair last November. As in previous years, it was a valuable event that brought together professionals and offered the chance to explore new ideas and innovations. Both local and international brands were present, and we were able to take the pulse of the optical world. What I appreciate most about Silmo Istanbul is that it offers more than product variety. It’s a place where you can explore new technologies, production trends, and design philosophies firsthand. For retailers like us, these fairs are key to both sourcing and vision development. This year, I also found inspiring ideas for my own brand, Honey. Observing design trends, material choices, and consumer expectations up close gave me a clearer direction. In short, I see Silmo Istanbul not just as a trade show but as a school that supports industry growth.

Thank you for this insightful interview. Lastly, is there anything you’d like to say about 4 your eyes?
Thank you. I’m truly happy to have had this opportunity to share my journey and my passion for this profession. I’ve been following 4 your eyes for a long time and really appreciate the value it brings to the industry. Its forward-looking approach and the inspiration it provides to retailers like me are incredibly meaningful. With every issue, we gain a new perspective on our profession. It keeps us informed, highlights innovations, and gives a voice to local businesses like mine. I’m proud to be featured in such a publication. Many thanks to the entire team. I hope we’ll meet again in future editions filled with great content.

August 2025