Good People of vitruta: Sinem Çelik

Welcome, Sinem! Let’s introduce you to the Good People of vitruta followers. Who is Sinem Çelik? What does she do, how did she start, and where is she now?

Thank you! I’m thrilled to join the Good People of vitruta community. :) I’m a sustainability consultant and educator, supporting brands and organizations to create positive social and environmental impact. I also work voluntarily to spread awareness on this important topic and educate the next generation. My background is in the fashion industry, where I’ve held various roles for over 20 years. Although I graduated in Chemical Engineering from Hacettepe University, I don’t practice it directly. However, I bring the creativity of engineering and chemistry into every area of my life.

I also have a ceramics studio, where I enjoy transforming clay into functional products. And last but certainly not least, the most joyful part of my life is my daughter, Derin, with whom I explore the world every day.

Managing so many different projects and brands at once must be quite a challenge. How do you plan your days, and what’s your secret to balancing it all? :)

Yes, I have multiple creative areas, each of which feels like my baby. BluProjects is my corporate identity focused on sustainability, BluCeramics is my ceramics brand, and BluLetters is a collective platform aimed at providing inspiration and knowledge. They all evolved together naturally. The main reason I’ve embraced this lifestyle is my eagerness to learn and take initiative. But, I’ll admit, it’s challenging. I try to stay organized, but there’s a bit of chaos too. :)

One of the secrets is that I’m doing what I truly believe in. Aligning my work with my values is a rare and fulfilling experience. Another principle is my “as much as possible” philosophy—I'm not striving for perfection. Continuous growth and doing my best are my main focuses. Working independently also contributes greatly to personal growth; it’s taught me to make peace with uncertainty and befriend myself along the way.

When it comes to sustainability, you hold a special place in Turkey. We often see you as a speaker at both national and international seminars, and you’re consulting brands from all over the world on sustainability. We’d love to hear about your journey to where you are today in sustainability.

I think how I started is key here—I set out with a genuine passion. Sustainability was far from mainstream back then, but I believed I could design a business model around this unexplored yet essential field. In the first year, I immersed myself in various trainings, not only in sustainability but also in systemic design, biomimicry, and circular economy. Afterward, I began shaping BluProjects’ strategy and identifying potential collaborators. I was mindful to work with others who shared similar values and intentions. Eventually, the topic gained popularity, but I maintained my commitment to a critical and holistic approach. Even though it wasn’t always the easiest commercial path, this stance earned me what I now see as my greatest achievement: trustworthiness. Over the years, I’ve put tremendous effort into accurately communicating and spreading this message. I believe it’s this honest and passionate journey that attracts both local and global brands and platforms. I feel incredibly grateful for that. :)

How has your approach to shopping for clothes changed? What do you pay more attention to, and how do you build your wardrobe today?

First, I shop very selectively and infrequently. I prioritize brands that uphold sustainable and responsible production and consumption models. In this sense, vitruta resonates with me. I also apply my knowledge of materials when selecting items for my wardrobe, focusing not only on the product but also on choosing pieces that carry a story or message—it feels more meaningful that way.

When it comes to sustainability, we all want to watch, read, or listen to something that helps us learn more. What would you recommend as resources we can explore?

I have three recommendations.
For reading: Trees by Hermann Hesse is a beautiful start to connecting with nature.
For watching: The documentary I Am offers a striking, biographical take on the concept of consumption.
For listening: The podcast episode I recorded with Uygar Özesmi titled “Sustainability as a Perspective” is one that I find incredibly impactful.

If we asked you for three simple tips or suggestions we could incorporate into our daily lives right after reading this, what would they be?

First, I'd say that it's essential to recognize that the choices and responsibility around consumption are fully in our hands. Before each purchase, let’s make it a habit to ask ourselves, “Am I aware?”, “Why am I buying this?” and “Do I know this product’s environmental and social impact?” Even choosing the sustainable brands that vitruta highlights can make you part of the solution. Lastly, let’s take a fresh look at our old items and think creatively about how we can give them new life—this practice can feel very rewarding.

What are your thoughts on vitruta's Sustainability Program launched recently? Does our goal to consistently take small steps to engage our community in this movement satisfy you?

I think it’s highly successful because instead of the common approach of simply aiming to sell products, vitruta takes a perspective focused on creating a culture and spreading awareness. Providing accurate information on sustainability, educating consumers, and showing them what they can do is crucial. In this regard, I see vitruta in a unique and important role.

And could we know your top 5 favorite brands at vitruta?

Les Benjamins, WWF Market, RAINS, PUMA, and Roru Concept.