The New Face of Peshtemal: K’ai&Vrosi
Although the Black Sea peshtemal is commonly known to originate from Trabzon, research suggests it actually belongs to Giresun. Instead of delving into this debated topic, we focus on the transformation of the peshtemal, traditionally used in other ways, into a design item. We spoke to Çiğdem Kacar Selimoğlu, founder and everything of K’ai&Vrosi, a brand from our region that brings the peshtemal to life as a design bag with a production process worthy of its heritage. We know her fondness for black tea, but we still had to ask... which tea is her favorite?
Can You Tell Us About Yourself and the K’ai&Vrosi Process?
I have a memorable story from around 10 years ago, when I was waiting for a bus in Giresun’s bus terminal. I rested my head against the window and noticed peshtemals swaying in souvenir shops. I thought they deserved more than just being a valuable tablecloth. I had studied Italian language and literature and was working for companies exporting premium Italian fashion brands at that time. I guess being involved in production led me to ask this question, and since no one was doing it, I decided to be the one to do it. In 2018, I established K’ai&Vrosi, a brand name derived from the Lazca word meaning "good."
The Brand Formation Process of K’ai&Vrosi
As far as we know, the formation of K’ai&Vrosi’s brand is the result of your own hard work and dedication. This has led you to success as a woman entrepreneur. Your passion for your work will hopefully inspire many producers and entrepreneurs. Do you have any advice for female entrepreneurs based on your experience?
Just like the peshtemal woven on the loom, my journey has been woven stitch by stitch, with persistence and hard work. Like every woman from the Black Sea region. I am focused on sharing and learning, and even if there are rare negative experiences where both meet, they are always instructive.
The Bag Production Process at K’ai&Vrosi
How many cities and processes are involved in making a K’ai&Vrosi bag? How many hands touch a bag before it is finished?
I can summarize it as two cities and three districts. In Trabzon, the fabrics are woven on the loom, and in women’s craft workshops, the bags are finalized with woven straw baskets. In Istanbul, the leather workshop completes the bag. To put it numerically, about 20 people are involved in creating one bag.
Thoughts on Tea
Although you’re a great tea drinker, we’ve heard you lost last year’s tea drinking championship. We’re really sorry to hear that. What are your plans for this year? How many cups are you aiming for?
I say it’s impossible! If my arm were to be cut open, tea would flow instead of blood. That’s how much I love tea. There’s no target in tea drinking; the number of cups is limitless.
The Most Enjoyable Time to Drink Tea
What’s your favorite time to drink tea?
Recently, especially during Ramadan, when the call to prayer rings out. (We did this interview during last Ramadan.) Other than that, honestly, anytime.
Your Favorite Tea Spot
Where is your favorite place to drink tea?
If I’m in Istanbul, Moda Tea Garden holds a special place. They serve the authentic black tea in a thin-walled glass with a slightly red-patterned plate and the view is a must. When I’m in the Black Sea region, every stop after Samsun has a special taste, but I also can’t forget the tea brewed in the plateau.
Your Most ‘Tea’ Moments
What are your most ‘tea’ moments, for example, the must-have settings for Turkish tea?
The line "Let me brew a tea" from the series "Yaprak Dökümü" might have been taken from me, it’s that serious! Sometimes in moments that solve problems, sometimes in joyful times, and at other times as a unifier, I think we should never underestimate the value of tea. I wonder which other nation drinks tea by the sea... something to think about.
Hazelnuts or Tea?
As someone married to a person from Ardeşen and being familiar with both industries, which do you think is harder, hazelnuts or tea?
I’ll say that everything involving handcraft is tough, so I’ll make sure I keep both sides happy. However, the truth is that hazelnuts, if they’re not frozen or their flowers don’t fall off in one night, are a labor-intensive fruit, collected both from the tree and from the ground. It doesn’t end with just picking them; monitoring the rain, drying them, threshing, and sorting them out… Sorry, tea, but we part ways here.
Favorite Tea at Lazika
Do you have a favorite tea other than black tea at Lazika, and if so, which one would you recommend?
Now that we’ve talked about tea in the Black Sea, tea at Lazika takes it to another level. Because even with a small pinch, the color and taste... You can’t quite understand. Joking aside, as someone who has been using black tea with plateau tea for a long time, I really liked the new Hisli Harman series. My favorite is Deli Dolu. Not surprised, are you? :)
Where to Buy K’ai&Vrosi Products?
Lastly, where can we purchase K’ai&Vrosi products?
You can find us at www.kaivrosi.com, our store in Suadiye, Istanbul, Brandroom stores, Karaköy Mae Zae, and at ‘74Escape’ in the Bodrum Maçakızı hotel.
Prepared by: Yasemin Taşkın