'10 Questions to' takes us to the 100-year-old city of Istanbul, Turkey, where we meet Meltem Bayazit Tepeler, of the KM Group. Meltem is not only the founder of three companies in the Lifestyle Business, but she is also a very talented floral designer.
In the '10 Questions to Meltem Tepeler' below, you learn more about Meltem's approach to challenges, events, home decoration, lifestyle, and traveling.
Question 1
For those who don’t know you, who are you and what do you do?
"I founded KM Events in 1995, which is one of the leading destination luxurious event and wedding companies in Turkey specializing in destination weddings and events. KM Events is a production, design, and planning company doing projects all around the world such as Turkey, UAE, UK, Italy, Greece, and Azerbaijan, and celebrating its 29th anniversary in the event and wedding industry in 2024."
"Since its opening in 1995, KM Events hosted VIP guests such as Pope Benedict XVI, George Bush, Tony Blair, Jacques Chirac, Gerhard Schröder, Ilham Aliyev, and many other world leaders. I was selected in the Top 100 Influential Wedding Designers and Influencers of the Global Wedding Industry by DWP Power List in 2023. Besides KM Events, I am the founder of two other companies that are a part of -now KM Group-, KM Beyond Luxury, an exclusive travel and lifestyle service company, and KM Home Collection, which produces luxury home textile products. I am also the founder of Table Design Exhibition, the only inspirational event and conference of the global wedding & event industry since 2017."
Question 2
What is so special about your job?
"My job is about creating unforgettable moments and needs a lot of attention as well as creativity. Being a Luxury event planner and designer is special because it combines a Luxury lifestyle with events, therefore it is about following trends, in flowers, fashion, arts, and interior design.
It is also a very psychological job that involves problem-solving, personalized service, and the opportunity to create unforgettable moments for clients and their loved ones. It's also a special job in sociology as it is a profession that allows you to make a meaningful impact and bring people together in celebration and joy. Therefore my business is very special as it includes the implementation of many kinds of sciences and arts to be successful."
Question 3
Are there any specific challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your job, and how did you overcome them?
"Overcoming challenges in event planning requires a combination of effective communication, strategic problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork. By approaching obstacles with a positive mindset and proactive attitude, I've been able to navigate complex situations and deliver successful outcomes for my clients.
I have faced many challenges in my 29-year career and I am still facing many challenges today. One of my biggest examples is my ‘one of a kind’ event, ‘TABLE DESIGN EXHIBITION’ which I organize each year to inspire the Luxury event & wedding industry with many sponsors. It is a very challenging Project as it includes an Exhibition of Table scapes designed by Luxury wedding designers and produced by my team KM Events, as well as the Conference and B2B meeting parts. The main goal of this exhibition is to inspire all the creative industries, therefore, it has to have a bigger impact on the visitors each year. I really work very hard on it and each year it is a bigger challenge for me. But I love to see this event growing and becoming more popular each year."
Question 4
What are the threats in the industry, and if so, do you have any solutions for them?
"More and more event planners and vendors are joining the market, making it very competitive. This can mean pressure to lower prices and difficulties in being different from others.
To deal with competition, it is important to offer something special that sets you apart. That could mean giving great customer service, having unique ideas, and getting along well with clients and vendors. Also, keeping up with what's new in the industry and getting better at what you do can help you stay competitive."
Question 5
How has technology like e-commerce platforms or digital marketing affected your industry, which strategies have you employed to stay competitive?
"I keep learning and growing to understand what's happening in the wedding and event business. I go to conferences and meet other people in the industry to learn from them. This helps me spot new chances to grow my business and offer something special that sets me apart from others.
Technology has changed the wedding and event business a lot. It's opened up new ways for businesses like mine to grow and connect with clients. By using digital tools and paying attention to what clients want, I can keep up in this fast-paced industry and stand out from the competition. Technology helped me a lot in growing and marketing my business all around the world. Using effective digital marketing, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn helps me a lot in introducing my business to new clients and potential projects."
Question 6
Who (in or outside the floral industry) is an inspiring example to you? And Why?
"My role model has been Martha Stewart for many years as she is an example of self-branding and she promotes her business in many branches with her personal name as the brand created. That’s why today, many people in my country call me ‘Martha Stewart of Turkiye’."
Question 7
How do you handle stress or difficult moments in your life?
"I prioritize self-care practices such as regular exercise, mindfulness techniques, and ensuring I get adequate rest and nutrition. Engaging in activities that promote mental and physical well-being helps me maintain balance and resilience during stressful times. For instance, I play piano, I have long walks, and I write poems which all help me a lot with navigating my tough times. Also, I find it valuable to seek support from trusted friends, family members, or mentors."
Question 8
What has been the best (floral or non-floral) news for you lately, or of the last year? What news had the most impact on you personally, or on your business?
"I love visiting Maison&Objet in Paris each year. It inspires me with a lot of details in my business such as textiles, accessories, and colors... The greatest news is that I have had my own stand for my home textile brand ‘KM Home Collection’ for the last three years in the exhibition."
Question 9
Which is your favorite flower/plant and why is it good for you?
"I love orchids because I find them very esthetic and minimalist. They have healing qualities for me. I love the orchids produced by Walter Grootscholten, Phalaenopsis by Walter which are the sponsors of the TABLE Design Exhibition I organize each year."
Question 10
What are you doing this weekend?
"I love traveling with my family. We will stay in our weekend house in Çatalaca, a suburb near İstanbul this weekend. We will enjoy our garden, drinking our wine next to our fireplace at home, and making barbeque in the open air with friends and family."
