We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Elif Akaydin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Elif below.

Elif, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

As a young girl, I was fortunate to be raised by my parents and grandmother, who instilled in me the importance of finding my independent voice through formal education—something not accessible to many women in my country.

After earning my fashion degree in the USA, I immersed myself in every layer of the industry. My journey began as a buyer for a Soho fashion boutique in New York, which broadened my vision and led me to work as an assistant designer for Judy Ross Textiles. Later, I discovered my passion for fashion accessories while working with the Fashion Accessories Boutique chain, which specializes in women’s handbags. This path eventually took me to a high-end Fashion Brand, where I led custom buying teams and collaborated with Hollywood wardrobe departments.

2005; I followed my passion and launched my first handbag line, Elif NY. By 2014, I had founded and rebranded Patent of Heart, a brand dedicated to exquisite, hand-crafted fashion accessories that celebrate artistry and purpose.

I never wanted to just design and sell bags; I wanted to have my business have a mission: to change young women’s lives. Around that time, I started to collaborate with a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to young women in the country where I was raised. I wanted to give back to those women, the ones who are not as fortunate as I am.

With this mission, the Patent of Heart is an all-female team on a mission to raise awareness of women’s education. With each purchase, a percentage of proceeds are donated to women’s education.

Elif, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As a young girl, I was fortunate to be raised by my parents and grandmother, who instilled in me the importance of finding my independent voice through formal education—something not accessible to many women in my country.

After earning my fashion degree in the USA, I immersed myself in every layer of the industry. My journey began as a buyer for a Soho fashion boutique in New York, which broadened my vision and led me to work as an assistant designer for Judy Ross Textiles. Later, I discovered my passion for fashion accessories while working with the Fashion Accessories Boutique chain, which specializes in women’s handbags. This path eventually took me to a high-end Fashion Brand, where I led custom buying teams and collaborated with Hollywood wardrobe departments.

2005; I followed my passion and launched my first handbag line, Elif NY. By 2014, I had founded and rebranded Patent of Heart, a brand dedicated to exquisite, hand-crafted fashion accessories that celebrate artistry and purpose.

I never wanted to just design and sell bags; I wanted to have my business have a mission: to change young women’s lives. Around that time, I started to collaborate with a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to young women in the country where I was raised. I wanted to give back to those women, the ones who are not as fortunate as I am.

With this mission, the Patent of Heart is an all-female team on a mission to raise awareness of women’s education. With each purchase, a percentage of proceeds are donated to women’s education.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

I collaborate with women artisans, such as in India, Lebanon, and Turkey, to create my collections. I have met these artisans throughout my career in the Fashion Industry.

My Leather Wallet Collections were created in collaboration with a family-owned atelier in Istanbul, Turkey, which employs more than 50% of women employees. I have spent a long time in search of the right manufacturer that focuses on equality in the workforce. And now,I feel very fortunate to work with them we basically became a family.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I send monthly newsletters to discuss an issue in women’s lives. My goal is to create a community of women who help each other, and of course,I also want to introduce my brand, but again it is not only about selling products it is about creating awareness.

I also do Trunks Shows and pop-ups to meet them in person, I believe it is essential to meet them and talk to them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.patentofheart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patentofheart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Patentofheart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elif-akaydin-6139693/?trk=nav_logo