Yasemin Zamanpur

İn one sentence, who is Yasemin Zamanpur?

An ever-changing, kind-hearted (tall) human who loves a good laugh.

Tell us about your time in LA?

It was truly a one-of-a kind experience, I think I witnessed LA’s glory days.

I was at USC, living and studying in a campus that feels like a movie set. I studied business and cinema, fully embracing the quintessential American university life with all of its pros and cons.

LA is an oxymoron where the vanity of Hollywood culture somehow meets with a wellness and wellbeing-oriented lifestyle that’s a decade ahead of the rest of the world. I made incredible memories and lifelong friendships, but I’ll pass on living there again. Bring the sunshine and hot yoga here, and we’ll talk.

How did it feel to be back in Turkey?

I spent my twenties pushing through some health issues but I made sure to at least try and give a go at my dreams; I went to acting school for two years, dove into social entrepreneurship and joined the family business. It was tough at first, I wondered if I had made a mistake as I thought my homeland was crashing and burning. But as time passed the whole world went a little crazy; huge peace comes from realizing that the grass isn’t necessarily greener on the other side. As long as I can travel, I love building a life in Istanbul with my dear family and beautiful friends.

Are you ready to take charge of the family business? With Silk and Cashmere, where are you heading?

Ready as I’ll ever be I guess:) A lot of changes in the way we do business and in consumer habits came post-pandemic so I’m looking forward to refocusing some of our priorities. Thanks to my brother our former CEO, we’re a very digital-oriented cashmere brand and we see massive room for growth there. In the near future, digital European expansion and a refreshed marketing approach is in the works. Also good news for all my friends who are new mothers- I’m bringing baby cashmere back.

In your opinion, what are pros and cons of being woman in business?

Can’t say I’ve experienced extreme pros or cons of being a woman in business. But from the get-go I’ve been in a professional world where the times are always turbulent. From attempted coups to mind-blowing inflation, pandemics to natural disasters, it’s been a wild ride. I obviously wish for smoother seas but this journey has toughened me up and made me resilient.

Any thoughts on skincare?

I used to see it as a chore, now it’s one of my favorite things. My YouTube feed’s flooded with gua sha videos. Ever since meeting Abtira I use toner, serum, and moisturizer twice a day, every day. No botox or fillers here so skincare and a healthy lifestyle is crucial. I eat natural, drink a lot of water and even on grey stormy winter days I haven’t left the house without SPF since I turned 25 (thanks Mom).

What are Yasemin’s dreams these days?

Not dreaming too far ahead these days, focusing on what’s good for me right now. Started calisthenics, not the ideal sport for someone with this leg length, but I’ve got a dream. Conquering what I thought I couldn’t in fitness is one of the best things I can do for myself physically and mentally. I have a few exciting trips planned for this summer- looking forward to soaking it all in and truly recharging. Also my best friend is having a baby so I’m really excited for my Fun Aunt career to take off.