"Dreamers Market" - Interview with Deniz Karmona Benbicaco

By Bessy ADUT

Deniz Karmona Benbicaco is a dynamic entrepreneur bubbling with enthusiasm for supporting small businesses and fostering vibrant community connections. Originally hailing from Istanbul, Turkey, Deniz embarked on an exciting journey to California with her loving husband and two energetic sons five years ago. Prior to diving into her entrepreneurial ventures, she delighted in honing her skills through various marketing executive roles at world-renowned brands.

Fueled by her own journey as a small business owner, Deniz joyfully founded Dreamers Market, a whimsical marketplace that radiates with the spirit of local artisans and provides an enchanting platform for them to shine. What began as a cozy little venture has blossomed into a bustling community hub, now boasting an impressive 16 locations that host lively events every single weekend.

Deniz's contagious passion for empowering small businesses and nurturing a supportive atmosphere has been the secret ingredient behind the resounding success of Dreamers Market. Deniz will continue to radiate positivity and remain steadfastly committed to her vision of Dreamers Market as a magical realm where dreams come to life.

Where are you located?

Irvine / CA

What are your current projects?

I am the owner and Event Director of Dreamers Market Events, where we specialize in hosting Small Business Pop-up Events across Southern California. Our events provide local artisans, creators, and small businesses a platform to showcase their products and connect with the community. We are dedicated to creating vibrant and inclusive spaces where people can discover unique products, support small businesses, and foster meaningful connections. In addition to organizing these pop-up events, I am also actively involved as a partner in community City Programs aimed at empowering small business owners. Through these mentorship programs, we strive to provide valuable resources and support to help entrepreneurs succeed and thrive in their endeavors.

Could you share with us how you started and got to where you are today?

My journey began in Istanbul, Turkey, where I nurtured a passion for supporting small businesses while working in various marketing executive roles at renowned brands. Five years ago, my family and I embarked on an exciting adventure to California. Inspired by my own experiences as a small business owner, I felt compelled to do something bigger, something where I could make a meaningful impact on others' lives. That thought sparked the idea for Dreamers Market, a vibrant marketplace dedicated to showcasing the talents of local artisans and creating a community where small businesses feel valued and supported.

What started as a cozy venture has flourished into a bustling community hub, with 16 locations hosting lively events every weekend. My dedication to empowering small businesses and fostering a supportive atmosphere has been pivotal to Dreamers Market's success.

Has it been a smooth road?

It hasn't been a smooth journey. We faced numerous challenges along the way, especially when it came to starting and growing our business in California. Finding suitable locations for our events was tough, and convincing landlords of our potential success was no easy task. Once we secured spots, the next hurdle was building a strong community around Dreamers Market and finding talented individuals who aligned with our vision. I worked tirelessly to earn people's trust and cultivate a supportive atmosphere where everyone felt valued and appreciated.

Despite the difficulties, we remained focused on our goal and persevered. Each obstacle became an opportunity for growth and learning. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my loving husband and our two amazing sons, who supported me every step of the way. Their unwavering encouragement kept me going, even during the toughest of times.

Could you tell us more about your life and career...

Throughout my life, I've always been drawn to the creative side of business. This led me to pursue a career in advertising, starting in well-known agencies in Istanbul. While it was enjoyable, I realized it didn't fully satisfy my desire to create something meaningful. This prompted me to transition to brand marketing for globally recognized brands like Levi's, The North Face, Eastpak, and Vans.

Working with these brands taught me that being a small part of something big wasn't fulfilling enough. I yearned to create something entirely my own. In 2015, I co-founded ROSSEA with my aunt Rozita in Istanbul, and together, we enjoyed over five successful years. We sold ROSSEA to its new owners with pride, marking a chapter of growth and achievement during the pandemic, shortly after I moved to the US.

During Covid-19, I learned how to create custom designs and started making personalized bags for people with their names on them. After the pandemic, inspired by my experiences as a small business owner, I began attending local markets with my products and offered live customization at the events. Being a vendor at these markets was so enjoyable, and I was truly amazed by the dedication of countless small businesses around me. However, I also noticed that they often lacked the promotion and recognition they deserved

This realization sparked the idea of creating The Dreamers Market. A year later, in June 2022, we had our first event as "Dreamers Market". Today, I feel incredibly grateful for the community we're building every day, bridging the gap between small businesses and their potential customers.

What do you think goodness is?

Goodness is kindness and compassion in action, making a positive impact on others and the world around us.

Who are you outside of your professional life?

I'm a proud mom to two amazing sons and a loving wife to an incredible man! You'll often find me singing my heart out and living life to the fullest with a big smile on my face!

Are you interested in environmental issues?

Yes, I am definitely interested in environmental issues! Protecting our planet and promoting sustainability are important to me. I believe that taking care of the environment is crucial for future generations and we all should support initiatives that promote a healthier planet.

Do you think the world is not a good place right now?

I believe the world is still good but it's tired.

How do you make the world a better place?

I like to make the world a better place by spreading kindness and compassion wherever I go. Whether it's lending a helping hand to someone in need or simply sharing a smile with a stranger, I believe that small acts of kindness can go a long way in brightening someone's day.

How can we all make the world better?

By taking the time to listen to others... I think that's the most important thing that people are forgetting to do.

How can science and spirituality coexist?

Science and spirituality can both help us understand the world, but in different ways. Science looks at things we can see and measure, like how plants grow or why the sky is blue. Spirituality is more about feelings and beliefs, like finding meaning in life or feeling connected to something bigger. They're like different tools we can use to learn about the world and ourselves.

If you could go anywhere, where would you go (and why)?

I would stay at my current place because I am where I want to be. However, I wouldn't say no to a trip to the Maldives because that's my next dream destination to visit.

Could you please provide us with shareable links?

https://www.dreamersmarkets.com
https://www.instagram.com/dreamersmarkets/
https://www.facebook.com/ocdreamersmarkets/

Could you please provide media links to share?

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsbowvo6dLTMO_PLd13Y57g

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