ZEHRA OPTİK
Innovative Destination Awarded Best Store
“Winning a prestigious the Silmo Award Istanbul represents an indescribable happiness and a great achievement for me. This award showed me that the vision
I have dreamed of has found its true place in the industry and gave me the
courage to do even better.””
Hello Ms. Uzundemir. Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and tell us how your journey in the optical sector began?
Hello, I am Zehra Uzundemir. After graduating from the Opticianry program in 2020, I began my journey in the sector. I worked for two years at an optical store in my hometown, which gave me the opportunity to develop my skills both in the workshop and in direct customer interactions. Over time, I realized that helping people and seeing their satisfaction made me even more committed to my profession. I vividly remember delivering glasses to an elderly customer who, upon seeing clearly, expressed her heartfelt gratitude and prayers. That moment deeply moved me and made me understand once again how meaningful my work is for people. I can confidently say that this feeling has been the foundation of my journey in the optical sector.
You opened Zehra Optik in Muğla in 2025. Could you share when and how you decided to start your own store?
The idea of opening my own store began to take shape while I was still a student in the opticianry program. From that time, I imagined a concept that was different from standard stores. I wanted to create a space where people could feel comfortable, at ease, and truly welcome, beyond the usual optical store experience. My early professional experiences helped me refine this vision and guided me on the path I should follow. I aimed to design a store that not only offers products but also listens to customers’ real needs and provides personalized solutions. Over time, these ideas became clear, and with the combination of courage and experience, I was able to bring this vision to life in my own store. Zehra Optik is not just a workplace for me; it is the tangible realization of a dream I have nurtured for years.
Opening a store in Ortaca, where local connections are strong, how does that influence your relationships with customers and your business?
Ortaca has a close-knit social fabric where people know each other and trust is highly valued, which provided a solid foundation as I established my store. I have the chance to closely observe my customers’ expectations, daily habits, and needs. This allows me to offer not just products but also genuine guidance and solutions tailored to each individual. Over time, the warm and sincere communication we have built has been personally rewarding and has contributed to the stable growth of my store. The strength of the local profile has transformed my work from a simple business venture into a long-term professional journey rooted in trust and meaningful relationships.
Your store’s interior design is truly impressive. Did you work with an interior architect, and how did you develop the concept?
The store’s decoration was extremely important to me, and working with our interior architect, Ms. Dilara Isparta from Lotis Design, was genuinely exciting. From the moment we met, our collaboration felt effortless; sharing similar tastes and perspectives made the process very meaningful for me. This harmony made both designing and implementing the store concept smooth and enjoyable. We aimed for the architectural identity of the store to immediately convey warmth, sincerity, and trust to our customers. The design combines modern and elegant details while ensuring that customers feel comfortable and at ease. As a result, anyone entering the store experiences a positive first impression and feels genuinely valued.
Silmo Award Istanbul 2025 recognized you as ‘The Best Store’. What does this award mean to you and how does it influence your future goals?
Even as a young professional newly entering the optical sector and with my store having been open for only five months, being honored with such a prestigious and internationally recognized award was an indescribable joy and a highly meaningful achievement. I see this award not just as personal recognition, but also as affirmation of the approach I have tried to build and the unique store culture I aimed to create at Zehra Optik. Being acknowledged on such an important platform in a short time gave me tremendous confidence that I am on the right path. The award has strengthened our vision and reinforced our belief in our future goals. It has also inspired us to elevate the quality of our service, expand our product variety, and further innovate. At the same time, it comes with a greater sense of responsibility, as expectations from Zehra Optik are now higher. Moving forward, I want the store to evolve not just as a place to sell products but as a space for guidance and trust, where customers feel supported and valued. This recognition has shown me that the vision I have pursued resonates in the sector and motivates me to strive even further.
When selecting the products and glasses for your store, what criteria are most important to you?
When choosing products, I place great emphasis on brand recognition and reliability. Offering well-known brands allows me to provide customers with strong assurance of quality. At the same time, I do not want to remain solely within the familiar lines, so I make sure to include boutique and unique designs in our selection. Every customer has a different style and need, and being able to offer this variety is very important to me. I also apply the same care to lens selection, considering both visual aesthetics and technical performance. My goal is to ensure that anyone entering the store can easily find options that are both fashionable and suitable for their vision health. Therefore, when curating our collection, I take trends, quality, and customer feedback into account together.
How do customers experience your store? How would you describe your service approach?
Customers visiting the store are first greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I strive to make them feel valued and truly heard, rather than just being part of a sales process. My service philosophy focuses on carefully understanding each customer’s needs and guiding them toward the most suitable solution. I view choosing glasses not only as an aesthetic decision but also as one that impacts daily life quality. Therefore, we take our time, explore options together, and ensure that every customer can make a confident choice. Creating a comfortable environment where people can express themselves freely is very important to me. My ultimate goal is for everyone leaving Zehra Optik to feel assured that they made the right choice and leave with a sense of happiness.
What is your roadmap for Zehra Optik in the coming period?
Our main objective moving forward is to grow steadily while maintaining our customer-focused approach. I plan to integrate more innovative products and unique designs into the store. Additionally, we aim to leverage technology further to enhance the customer experience and strengthen our position as a young and dynamic brand in the sector. I am careful to ensure that every step we take is sustainable and contributes to long-term growth.
Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair took place for the 12th time. What are your thoughts on the fair’s development and its contribution to the sector?
We have seen the Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair grow stronger each year. The fair has become more than a platform for showcasing new products; it is an important gathering point where the pulse of the international optical industry is felt. Seeing different brands, designers, and industry professionals together provides us with inspiration. It also greatly contributes to the exchange of professional knowledge and the development of a shared industry culture. I firmly believe that Silmo Istanbul will continue to increase its international impact in the coming years.
Thank you for your valuable interview. Lastly, what are your thoughts on 4 your eyes?
The optical magazine, 4 your eyes, stands out as an important resource that offers in-depth insights into the sector while keeping up with trends and innovations. For industry professionals like me, it serves as a valuable reference point, helping us stay informed about developments and fostering the flow of knowledge and professional growth. I wish continued success to the team.
JANUARY 2026