All in the Family with “Denim Soul Mates” Zennure Danisman and Kaan Erinc
Bluebloods love denim. But in the case of fiancées Zennure Danisman and Kaan Erinc, denim was the reason the couple met and eventually fell in love.
Zennure has been at denim mill Orta for over a decade, and she is currently the head of the marketing and washing department. Kaan worked at LST Laser Systems Technology and continued on with Jeanologia after its merger with LST. He is now the Brainbox manager Turkey at the sustainable fabric and finishing solutions company. Over the years, their relationship has evolved beyond client and seller, and the pair is now engaged.
Before they tie the knot, Carved in Blue chatted with the couple about their start in denim, their passion for the industry, and what they’ve learned from each other.
Carved in Blue: What was your very first impression of the denim business when you were younger?
Kaan: Before I even met denim, I saw it as an ordinary garment like many people. However, when I got involved in the business over time, I realized that denim is a passion. Once you get into it, you become addicted and it’s really hard to get rid of.
Zennure: Honestly, the denim business was always on my radar even when I was a young student. While I was studying textile engineering at the university, I was always chasing internships related to denim, and thankfully I had some chances to step into the business. And starting from my first steps to a denim factory, I’m still carrying the same passion of that young girl at that day.
Carved in Blue: Did you always want to go into the denim business?
Kaan: Actually, mine was a bit of luck. I started with the marketing department and after a while I went deep into the kitchen.
Zennure: It’s a little bit funny that I have studied textile engineering by chance, or maybe my hidden family memories triggered this unintentional choice, but I’m sure that I have chosen my denim path after the university intentionally. So, yes definitely that was my goal to be a part of the denim business.
Carved in Blue: How did you two meet, and did denim play a role?
Kaan: We got to know each other many years ago. Of course, this is something that happens thanks to denim. It’s a kind of customer-seller connection; Zennure was my customer. However, after years passed, this relationship turned into a very different dimension and we have come to this point.
Zennure: Yes of course, denim is the main badge that provided this connection. We met during our visit to Jeanologia İzmir in 2014. Then, we kept connecting in terms of business for many years. Then, we realized that we are the denim soul mates.
Carved in Blue: What is it like being in a relationship with someone who is also in the industry?
Kaan: I am very happy with it. Talking about business in private life may harm the relationship in many sectors. However, as I said before, denim is a passion and it becomes a part of your life. In such a life, the fact that your partner has the same passion as you can make the relationship more exciting.
Zennure: I am feeling myself very lucky about it. We are sharing the same passion and we are talking the same language, which is denim. I believe in my heart that, being both denim lovers and lovers keeps us more motivated and more passionate.
Carved in Blue: When did you realize you were a blueblood?
Kaan: Inevitably, we all wear denim; even if we are not in this sector, we all have jeans. However, vintage clothing was my area of interest. I think it was the first time I wore raw trousers, and over the months or even years, it grew old together with me and turned into a real vintage trouser, which clearly brought out the blueblood in me.
Zennure: I always loved to wear denim, even when I knew very little about its history and production. Then when I started to learn about it, my interest turned into admiration and curiosity. Next, when I had a chance to observe the magical indigo dyeing process during my university internships, I knew from the first day that I’m a blueblood.
Carved in Blue: What’s the best advice your significant other ever gave you?
Kaan: She always supports me in everything. It is very difficult to give a clear answer, but I think the most important thing is to be your constant supporter, rather than giving the best advice.
Zennure: Well actually, maybe not with directly advising but with addressing the fun part, he stimulates me to take it easy. Since I can’t stand myself from being a workaholic or overestimating the works ahead, he often reminds me that there’s no dead at the end. He’s definitely the more peaceful side in that relationship; I believe this helps us to keep our balance. Thanks to my denim soulmate, I think I need to self-criticize more in that case.
Carved in Blue: What do you think the future looks like for the denim industry?
Kaan: Unfortunately, the future is very dark unless things change. Every day we damage our world more and more. We are doing our best to change this and working on more sustainable systems and processes. I hope the industry will adapt to this much better in a short time and we can move towards for a better future.
Zennure: Although it seems challenging, I don’t want to say that the denim future is dark. As long as we share our denim passion with today’s younger consumers who also seek sustainable choices, carbon and waste-reducing products possible, we can turn this passion into purpose. If we manage to be open for everyone who wants to know more about their denim choices, we can envision a denim future where collaborations are enabled in every step— from farm to our closet.
Carved in Blue: What does Carved in Blue mean to you?
Zennure and Kaan: While it is an ecosystem that unites and embraces denim enthusiasts, it is also a beneficial education platform for future denim enthusiasts.