Let's start at the very beginning..
Güven and I dreamed of the day we could be together as a family full-time..
In Feb 2017, after losing both our jobs and our first born in a 3 month span, we started a passion project continuing Güven’s family business (in Turkey) and called it TOGETHER TEXTILES.
Hi. I’m Allie, I’m half of Together Textiles and the one behind our social media and now our blog. I was born in Southern California, raised in New England, and currently living in Columbus, Ohio. I lead our design, website, marketing and customer service.
Güven (the other half of Together Textiles) spent his first 30 years growing and learning in Turkey. Güven is lead in inventory management, market day logistics, planning and shipping.
So, how did we meet?
August 2013, Güven was visiting his sister in Cleveland from Istanbul, Turkey. While shopping at Crocker Park on Cleveland’s west-side, I unsuccessfully attempted to sell him jeans. However, a few weeks later, I SUCCESSFULLY convinced him to to skip his flight home so that we could continue being life partners.
One week before my 30th birthday, we took the leap to take our business full-time during the Winter 2018 season.
That’s when we began to really hustle! We spent the following year traveling coast to coast by cargo van with our 1 year old (Reyla) and one on the way, hopping from hotel room to airbnb. We exhibited at 44 markets and 2 trade (wholesale) shows AND Derya was born in September. It was as insane as it sounds.
When I met Güven, I couldn’t locate Turkey on a map but when the pandemic hit during our 6 week trip in Feb. 2020, we found ourselves LIVING there for 7 months! Although we weren’t able to travel as much as we originally planned due to the state of emergency orders, living the culture and expanding my language skills was a transformative experience.
This year we settled back into Clintonville, Columbus, Ohio, welcomed another new addition to our family (currently raising 3 kids under 4) and we are continuing to exhibit at shows a few times a month!
Next show near you?
October 9: City Flea (Cincinnati)
October 17: German Village Maker’s Market (Columbus)
Nov 12-14: Greater Holiday Market (Cincinnati)
Nov 27-28: Crafty Mart (Akron)
Dec 2-5: One of a Kind (Chicago)
Dec 11: City Flea (Cincinnati)
Riding the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, here we are 4 years later living the full-time family life we had always dreamed of.
We wouldn’t be here today, however, without the support of our families, fellow small business friends, and our customers (many turned into friends)! Seeing your posts on IG using our textiles in your everyday life fills us up.
I’ve always loved writing and I’m excited to finally be publishing my first Together Textiles blog post. Hope you enjoy following along :). I’ll make a commitment to myself and to whoever finds joy in following along to post every Friday morning. I plan to share a mix between personal and business life because for me, its one of the same! And I’d like you to know that I am happy you’re here and supporting us along the way.
xx Allie
& Güven, Reyla, Derya and Atlas
About Together Textiles:
Minimal, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally hand-spun on looms one at a time in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local community. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles.