Meet the Founder of Ottan, Ayşe Yılmaz: “Surpassing billion-dollar competitors, was a major milestone…”

1. Describe your startup in two sentences.

Ottan develops bio-based building materials and production systems for a NetZero future by up-cycling industrial green waste such as eggshells, hazelnut, and pistachio shells. Shaping the future of interiors, Ottan materials are technical architectural surfaces designed for wall coverings, worktops, furniture, and a variety of products.

2. What gave you the inspiration?

I studied Industrial Product Design at Istanbul Technical University. Throughout my studies, I faced a significant challenge: the limited availability of suitable materials for my designs. This sparked my exploration into sustainable materials within the market. Concurrently, I immersed myself in nature, gathering leaves, flowers, and fruit peels at home, using them for various creative endeavors.

One day, while experimenting with mandarin peels, captivated by their delightful fragrance, I made a discovery that left a lasting impression on me. It was the first material prototype which then marked the inception of Ottan.

My passion for materials and nature is deeply rooted in my upbringing; I inherited my interest in chemistry from my mother, a pharmacologist, and my engineering skills from my father. My grandfather, an artist, instilled in me a keen eye for design.

Ayşe Yılmaz, founder of Ottan

Combining these influences, I found purpose in breathing new life into the often-overlooked treasures of nature, reshaping them into functional yet aesthetically pleasing materials. This journey has illuminated a path towards designing a future where nature and sustainability are central, without compromising on environmental integrity, not just for me, but for designers worldwide.

3. How did you meet?

About four years ago, one of our mutual mentors introduced me to Saadet. It was the onset of the pandemic, and Saadet had recently closed her previous startup company. As she joined Ottan, our relationship blossomed naturally and organically. Since then, we've been working together as two female partners. She's like an anchor, providing stability while I venture into new territories to grow and expand our impact.

4. What has been your greatest success to date? And your greatest challenge?

From my perspective, success manifests in the amplification of one's connection with their true self and the courage to authentically express it. It's about sustaining this authenticity over time with unwavering consistency, refining it artistically, and positively impacting the collective with a focused mission, regardless of obstacles. This, I believe, is a universal challenge—heightened awareness and consciousness about our endeavors.

Speaking practically, growing a business in the industry, and production sector in Turkey, particularly as a young female founder, presents significant challenges. Furthermore, advocating for circular materials in a society still new to sustainability concepts adds another layer of complexity.

In terms of business success, our victory at Emaar's Sustainability Innovation Challenge in Dubai in 2022, surpassing billion-dollar competitors, was a major milestone. This accomplishment not only earned us Emaar as a valued client but also garnered significant interest from over a hundred leading architecture and design firms worldwide, as well as most renowned brands. Remarkably, these achievements were attained without any marketing expenditure, underscoring the strength of our product and concept.

5. What kind of impact is your business having and how do you measure it?

We assess our environmental impact through direct measurements of CO2 emission reductions, energy consumption savings, and waste diversion from landfills. For example, our "Vanilla Ice Cream" material, composed of 85% eggshells, reduces energy and water usage by about 98% compared to ceramics, saving 4 tonnes of waste per 100 panels sold.

Furthermore, our social impact can be assessed by evaluating the reach and engagement of our advocacy efforts promoting up-cycled materials, circular economy principles, and sustainable, decentralized production models. As we expand our operations, we can gauge our combined social and environmental impact by quantifying the integration of local resources into the economy, the reduction in CO2 emissions resulting from minimized transportation distances, and the creation of local employment. Additionally, we can measure the positive effects of our technology and products on our suppliers, such as increased revenues resulting from the economic value added to their portfolios. We are also keen to assess our social impact on the well-being, productivity, and overall happiness of our team and stakeholders.

6. When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?

A blend of astronaut, scientist, and designer.

7. If you weren’t doing this, what would be your plan B?

I never considered a plan B after committing to Ottan, but prior to that, I initiated two other impact startups in their very early stages. One was a device and app for promoting healthy indoor lighting for well-being, and the other was a contemporary jewelry brand with an impact model focused on empowering young women.

8. What would you save in a fire?

First my dog, then my laptop and material samples.

9. Who is your role model/ greatest influence? And why?

I've never had a specific role model; instead, I draw inspiration from everyone I interact with, learning from both their strengths and weaknesses. Recently, I've been particularly influenced by the writings of Thien Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, the poetry of Sufi Mystic Rumi, and Ken Wilber's theories on transpersonal psychology and the evolution of consciousness. Over the past 3 to 4 years, I've incorporated meditation and breathwork into my routine, finding it incredibly rewarding to explore deeper insights and gain a broader perspective. Each day brings new opportunities for growth and experimentation with newfound wisdom.

10. What is your happy track?

This track is both happy and funny: Abatina, Calypso Rose

11. What’s your motto? OR What are your company values?

Acknowledge your highest values, consider both perspectives, focus on solutions, communicate with kindness, empathize, make decisions wisely, and take prompt action.

12. What are you most looking forward to in the next year?

Witnessing our products being manufactured on a large scale and visiting satisfied and happy customers at the application site.