Hi, I’m İlkim — like Lil-Kim, without the L.
I was born in Istanbul in 1996, but my story spans 8 countries and 10 cities — from Baku to London, Munich to Dublin. Moving around so often shaped me into what I am today: a global citizen with a love for storytelling, community, and culture.
I’m a digital strategist and modern esnaf (entrepreneur), blending creativity, data, and strategy with the human side of connection. Over the past 5+ years, I’ve worked across NGOs, start-ups, creative industries, and EU organisations; managing everything from brand development and stakeholder projects to paid campaigns and website design.
I co-founded Hello İncem, our family’s boutique in Datça, where we celebrate craftsmanship, sustainability, and community. Running a small business taught me to wear many hats; from curating brands and growing a community to overseeing end-to-end digital operations.
Previously, I spent nearly 4 years at FoodCloud, a Dublin-based social enterprise tackling food waste, where I grew our digital presence, delivered high-performing campaigns, and led the migration of our website to Webflow.
At my core, I believe good marketing starts with great storytelling. Whether it’s a campaign, a product, or a small boutique, my goal is always to connect people to something meaningful.
Beyond work, I’m a traveller, reader, and festival-goer who thrives on exploring new cultures and finding inspiration in unexpected places. Yoga, after many false starts, has finally become my slow space. It’s a moment to pause, breathe, and ground myself amidst life’s fast pace. And yes, I’m unapologetically an espresso martini enthusiast.
I travel, I experience, I learn, and I invite you to join me on this journey.