Crafting Flavor, Shaping Vision
In this issue, we are proud to feature Medine Demir, a talented alumna of Near East University’s Faculty of Tourism, Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts—an inspiring young entrepreneur who transformed her passion for flavor and aesthetics into a rapidly growing brand. From her early experiences in Michelin-starred kitchens and industrial pastry production to the founding of Marvin Chocolate Coffee, Medine’s journey reflects the creative harmony between craftsmanship, discipline, and innovation.
How did your career journey take shape after graduating from Near East University? What were the key stages that brought you to where you are today?
After graduating from Near East University, my career journey evolved through a process shaped by international experience, strengthened by industrial exposure, and crowned with entrepreneurship.
In 2021, during the early stage of my career, I had the opportunity to intern and work in Michelin-starred restaurants alongside a chef specialized in Italian cuisine. This international experience not only enhanced my professional skills but also deepened my aesthetic perspective on Italian gastronomy, pastry, and dessert art. The technical identity and visual character of Marvin Chocolate Coffee, the brand I would later establish, were profoundly influenced by the discipline and vision I developed during this period.
Later, I joined the pastry department of Turkish Airlines, where I contributed to the production of desserts prepared for international flights. This industrial experience provided me with a solid professional foundation in global flavor standards, hygiene practices, and quality management in large-scale production. The systematic working principles I learned there became essential in designing the operational framework of my own business.
Ultimately, in 2024, I founded my own brand, Marvin Chocolate Coffee. The point I have reached today is the natural outcome of combining the vision gained through international experience, the discipline acquired from industrial practice, and the passion that drives my entrepreneurial spirit.
How did the idea of creating the Marvin brand come about? What was the main driving factor that led you to become an entrepreneur in this field?
The idea of establishing the Marvin brand was born from the combination of my technical expertise and aesthetic vision. The name “Marvin,” which means a friend from the sea, carries a personal story—it is inspired by my own cat, whose image is featured in our logo. As a name that is both distinctive and memorable, it helped the brand gain recognition quickly.
I own the full patent and rights of the brand, and we have already started receiving franchising applications. My experiences in handmade chocolate, French pastry, and modern presentation techniques formed the foundation of my desire to create my own brand. By merging these skills with a refined sense of visual aesthetics, I gave Marvin Chocolate Coffee a unique identity.
What truly motivated me to take this entrepreneurial step was my vision of becoming an inspiring example of women’s entrepreneurship. I have always believed that “if women want, they can change the world,” and I wanted to reflect that belief in every flavor I create. My goal to serve as a role model for young women entrepreneurs has been the driving force behind everything I do.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during your entrepreneurial journey, and how did you overcome it? Could you share your experiences particularly in areas such as operations, logistics, financing, or brand awareness?
The biggest challenge during my entrepreneurial journey was structuring the operational processes effectively and establishing strong brand recognition in a short period of time. However, the industrial kitchen discipline I acquired while working at Turkish Airlines gave me a significant advantage. The experience I gained in hygiene standards, quality control, and production planning guided me through the process of building my own brand infrastructure. With this foundation, I was able to overcome the complex operational and logistical challenges of the food industry through a systematic and disciplined approach.
In terms of brand awareness, I focused on highlighting my personal story and aesthetic vision. The logo, inspired by my cat and appealing to animal lovers, helped create an emotional connection with customers. Moreover, 5% of all our coffee sales are donated to support stray animals, which gave the brand a meaningful social dimension. In this way, Marvin Chocolate Coffee became recognized not only for its taste but also for its social responsibility.
Today, our products are available on major e-commerce platforms in Türkiye. The momentum we have achieved in a relatively short time is an encouraging step toward our goal of expanding internationally. With each stage of growth, my aim is to maintain the same level of quality, precision, and sense of responsibility that defined the brand from the very beginning.
As a woman entrepreneur, what kinds of opportunities and/or challenges have you encountered in your industry?
Being a woman entrepreneur has been a journey filled with both opportunities and challenges. At the beginning, I had to learn how to navigate and overcome the subtle biases that women often face in the business world. Yet, instead of discouraging me, these experiences became a source of motivation that strengthened my determination to move forward.
The brand I founded opened new doors through various platforms, universities, and local events that support women entrepreneurs. These opportunities allowed me to share my story, increase both my personal and brand visibility, and connect with inspiring individuals. One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been inspiring others—especially young women—to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams with confidence.
Of course, the path was not easy. During my university years, I worked continuously to support myself financially while maintaining high academic performance. There were times when I had to sacrifice sleep, personal time, and hobbies. However, these challenges taught me discipline, time management, and balance. With my international experience, technical knowledge, and clear vision, I was able to overcome every obstacle. Looking back now, I realize that each difficulty I faced shaped me into a more resilient, focused, and creative individual.
As a Near East University graduate, what advice would you give to current students who wish to develop an entrepreneurial mindset? Beyond technical knowledge, which personal skills—such as risk-taking, strategic thinking, and networking—do you consider most essential?
I believe that success in entrepreneurship relies not only on technical knowledge but also on strategic thinking, personal discipline, and the ability to build meaningful connections. For this reason, I encourage Near East University students to broaden their vision, never be afraid of gaining new experiences, and see every opportunity as a valuable learning space.
Taking risks is an essential part of entrepreneurship. However, risk should not be seen merely as an experiment—it becomes a tool for growth when it is guided by purpose and planning. For me, pursuing international experience was the greatest “risk,” but it also became my most rewarding investment. Working with new cultures, observing different production models, and learning beyond my comfort zone helped me become more creative and solution-oriented.
The sense of discipline, responsibility, and self-control I developed during my university years gave me the strength to endure the financial and operational pressures of my first year as an entrepreneur. Success, in my view, is achieved not just through knowledge but through consistent discipline—the ability to start each day with determination and stay focused even when things get difficult.
Equally important is the art of building connections based on knowledge, not only on social exchange. Instead of asking, “Who can I borrow from?”, try asking, “Who can teach me to do this the right way?” My mentors and colleagues have been my greatest teachers, offering insights that no amount of money could buy.
In the early stages of entrepreneurship, the most valuable capital is not money but system knowledge—the understanding of how things work efficiently and sustainably. True knowledge protects you from wasting time and resources. In short, the best investment you can make is in yourself. Gain experience, expand your horizons, cultivate your sense of aesthetics, and the results will follow naturally. Never give up—because sometimes, success simply belongs to those who choose to take one more step.