GÖRAL GÖZLÜK
In Pursuit of Ideals
“I think Silmo Istanbul is of great importance for both manufacturers and suppliers by bringing different cultures and societies together.”
Hello Mrs. Nazlı, could you tell us about yourself? Did you first start working in the optical sector with Göral Gözlük?
Hello, I am one of the women who have ideals, who can take steps to realize these ideals and who always aim to keep the level of effort at the highest level in order to achieve maximum success. First of all, I have been very interested in glasses since my early ages. Before moving to the factory and production network, I did a lot of research looking for ways to be the best in this sector. I went to China, one of the leading countries in the production of eyeglass frames, and stayed in China for two years to conduct various researches by visiting various factories in this direction. Finally, I returned to my country by blending my curiosity and research. The desire to contribute to domestic production in Turkey has further strengthened my courage to specialize in the sector. In 2003, this adventure that we started has produced great results with the sufficient determination of myself and all my colleagues. I always wanted to make a small contribution to the position of women in today’s society, to provide employment and to stand on their own feet. In this context, I succeeded in creating a female employee capacity of eighty percent of our company. By moving in the direction of my ideals, we have succeeded in becoming the best company in the production of glasses in Ankara.
We know that you have moved to a large facility. Could you tell us about your production activities and the operation of your facility?
We have switched from our facility where we are currently manufacturing metal eyeglass frames to a larger facility where we can produce TR-90 upon continuous demand from our customers. With the start of production, we continue to produce and deliver almost every type and model of glasses needed with high demand. Since we have moved to a larger facility, we have provided more employment, so the number of our colleagues has increased considerably and each of them is creating tremendous work in effective working conditions.
Are all the brands of your company produced in your facility? Apart from your own brands, do you also import brands?
Since the eyewear sector is seen at high levels in terms of being a trend in Turkey and in the world and in order to do our job completely, we continue our work by paying special attention to each of our brands. There are eleven brands in total within our company.
Could you share with us the main features of your brands, their interaction groups and their position in the sector?
The brands named Avva, Tommy John, Nar’s are the group that we import and which we characterize as upper segment glasses. We have more than a hundred collections that appeal to modern and young people. I personally bring each eyewear model to our country by visiting the country of import, seeing the place of production and most importantly, choosing each model personally. Our own brands are Gemmar, Vivera, West Gate Dfarni and Luciano Gatto. These brands are produced in our own factory. The first form is imported from China and Italy as wires, but then they are shaped in our factory in Ankara and turned into glasses suitable for fashion and demands. These brands that we produce in our facility create a profile that attracts attention with its numerous models and affordable prices that appeal to all ages.
What is your priority when determining the collections of your brands? What inspires you when designing your products?
My priority when creating the collections is to choose frames that are absolutely in line with the demands and meet the needs. When I create collections with my own team, I aim to bring together quality pieces that appeal to the market and appeal to everyone’s opinion.
We know that you export your products to many countries. Which promotional activities do you prefer to strengthen your international sales?
In our international sales, we carry out the process together with our Foreign Trade Department. This department is responsible for the packaging of the products, the delivery of the products to the company that will make the delivery, the receipt and satisfaction of the product; It provides 24/7 communication support to each company. The most important process of our business starts after the products are received. The reason for this is the motto we have adopted as a company; “The biggest advertisement is the reference.”
As a manufacturer company that increases its capacity more and more every year, are you able to get the necessary support from the government for your investments? What are your expectations?
As Göral Gözlük, we are a company with an active customer portfolio and a production network that is growing day by day. We do not receive any support from the government. Our state will definitely have more incentive studies for production. We demand these to be expanded.
In our previous interview, you mentioned that you attach importance to R&D and innovation. Could we talk about the innovations and goals that await Göral Glasses in the new period?
We are concentrating on R&D studies and we aim to support these projects that are more widely demanded and to shape our products in a better quality and more qualified form. An innovative approach will surely take every organization much further.
As a company investing in the sector, what are your thoughts and expectations about the development of the sector?
As one of the rare companies whose production capacity has not suffered any interruption even during the pandemic, I can say that the sector will always need much higher quality and more innovative models. As a company, we are aware that we have a structure that shapes the sector. Making our awareness concrete by always working for more is our main source of motivation.
How would you evaluate Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, which will be held for the 10th time with its new and larger service area, from the beginning to today as an exhibitor company?
I think that Silmo Istanbul is a fair where serious works have been accomplished since its inception. I think that Silmo Istanbul is of great importance for both manufacturers and suppliers by bringing together different cultures and societies.
Thank you very much for this valuable interview. Finally, could we learn your views on the evolution of our magazine 4 your eyes into digital publishing?
I think that your magazine 4 your eyes is a successful publication in the sector in order to keep up with the current news in Turkey and in the world. At the same time, I am aware that the magazine informs its readers about the development and innovations of many companies that are well-known or lesser-known in the sector. We would be happy if elements such as magazines and newspapers evolve according to the development of the internet and our speed of access to news and create digital publications. Because I am a strict follower of 4 your eyes, which draws a reliable profile to reach the right information. I wish you continued success.
April 2023