We recently connected with Kaan Ozdemir and have shared our conversation below.

Kaan , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Yes, today I’m fortunate to make a full-time living through my creative work but getting here has been a long, challenging, and deeply educational journey.
My creative path began at just 8 years old, inspired by the time I spent around my family’s business. Even at that young age, being involved made me feel part of something meaningful. Over time, what started as a responsibility turned into a true passion. When I was 14, I discovered design software like AutoCAD and 3ds Max, and that completely transformed my relationship with design. I became fascinated with the idea of creating something digitally and watching it come to life in the physical world. Seeing my work go from screen to reality revealed to me the true power of design.
Throughout the years, I took on many roles within our family business from fieldwork to project management, from hands on production to digital design. This gave me a holistic understanding of not just the creative side, but also the operational and strategic aspects of delivering a project. It taught me how to design with purpose, how to think in terms of execution, budgeting, and long-term value.
In 2016, I began studying Interior Architecture, and by the time I graduated in 2020, I launched my first independent brand, İç Mimar Kaan Özdemir, based in Ankara, Turkey. That chapter led me to complete numerous large-scale factories, residential complexes, and commercial projects. I was able to combine academic insight with hands on experience, helping me carve out a unique voice in the local design scene.
When I moved to the United States in 2024, I set out to go beyond building a personal brand I wanted to create something that could scale, serve, and connect a broader ecosystem of clients, designers, and builders. This led me to found HENNE CREATIVE, which launched in the San Francisco Bay Area and quickly gained traction with high-profile clients. In May 2025, we relocated our headquarters to Los Angeles. Today, we’re managing several exciting residential and commercial projects, including a coffee shop on West 3rd Street that perfectly reflects our aesthetic and experience driven approach.
No, it didn’t happen overnight. It’s taken years of hard work, patience, risk-taking, and a commitment to continuous learning. Looking back, there are definitely things I could have done more efficiently had I known then what I know now but every challenge shaped me and brought me to where I am today.
Now, my focus goes beyond just designing spaces I’m working to shape a system that inspires fellow designers, empowers end users, and builds meaningful, lasting partnerships. HENNE CREATIVE is more than just a company it’s the embodiment of a long-held vision.

Kaan , 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?

I’m Kaan Özdemir, an interior architect and the founder of HENNE CREATIVE, a Los Angeles based design studio serving clients both across the U.S. and internationally. We work across a broad range of sectors from residential interiors to commercial environments and experiential branding. But HENNE CREATIVE is more than just a studio; it’s a platform for crafting functional, emotionally engaging, and visually striking spaces for people and brands alike.
While we’re best known for our work in branded commercial spaces, residential design remains a central part of our identity. Designing a home means more than aesthetics it’s about understanding a person’s or family’s lifestyle, habits, and emotional needs. We translate that insight into spaces that feel authentic, personal, and deeply livable.
On the commercial side, we help businesses bring their brand stories to life through physical space be it a café, showroom, office, or retail environment. Our goal is to create immersive experiences that leave a lasting impression and build real connections with customers.
What sets us apart is our ability to merge creative vision with hands-on technical knowledge. My background in production and project execution allows us to design with buildability in mind—balancing form, function, and sustainability from the very beginning. Our clients benefit from designs that are not only eye-catching, but also highly functional, durable, and thoughtfully engineered.
We’ve had the privilege of working with both renowned brands and passionate individuals. But what I’m most proud of is the emotional response our spaces evoke. When a client walks into a completed project and says, “This feels like me,” or “This captures who we are as a brand,” that’s the moment we know our work is doing what it’s meant to.
Here’s what I want potential clients and collaborators to know:
HENNE CREATIVE doesn’t just deliver design we craft identity. Whether it’s your home or your business, we help you give it a spatial language that’s distinctly yours.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience on social media didn’t happen overnight it was a slow, intentional process that evolved with time. In the beginning, I mostly shared finished project photos. But I soon realized that people weren’t just interested in the end result they were fascinated by the process. That’s when I shifted my entire approach.
I began documenting the full journey of each project, from the first sketch to the final reveal. I shared behind-the-scenes moments: mood boards, material selections, construction phases, and even the challenges we faced along the way. I communicated these details simply and honestly, which helped people connect with the human side of design.
I also moved away from just posting “pretty pictures” and started focusing on storytelling. Every post became an opportunity to provide value whether that was through insight, inspiration, or transparency. Instead of just showcasing my work, I began sharing my perspective. That’s what helped transform passive followers into an engaged, supportive community.
For those just starting out, here’s my advice:
Social media is not just a portfolio it’s a behind-the-scenes stage, a conversation, and a learning space. Show your process, not just your results. Speak in your own voice, even if it feels unpolished at first. And above all, be consistent. It may feel like no one is listening in the beginning, but if you stay authentic and show up regularly, your audience will grow and more importantly, they’ll care.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Absolutely. Looking back, there are several resources I wish I had discovered earlier especially in the areas of digital tools, business strategy, and community.
In the early years of my creative journey, most of my learning happened on-site and through hands-on experience while working in my family’s business. While that gave me a strong foundation, I now realize how much more efficient my growth could have been if I had tapped into online learning platforms earlier. Today, there are countless high quality courses, webinars, and forums where you can learn everything from software skills to advanced design thinking and I wish I had known that sooner.
Another major area is mentorship and networking. Early in my career, I underestimated the value of being part of an industry community. Having access to experienced professionals, hearing their stories, and asking questions could have helped me navigate challenges faster and more confidently. The right connection or mentor can truly change the direction of your growth
Finally, I wish I had invested more time early on in learning about business management, branding, and marketing. As designers, we often focus so much on the creative side that we neglect the strategic side of running a studio. But in reality, understanding how to build a brand, attract clients, and structure your business is just as important as design itself.
In short, earlier access to educational platforms, mentorship networks, and entrepreneurial resources would have helped me gain momentum more quickly and avoid some common pitfalls.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hennecreative.la
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hennecreative
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/henne-creative
• Other: My personal IG https://www.instagram.com/designerkaan/