The Capitalyst: Your love for jewellery began within your family. At what moment did you realize this was not just a tradition you inherited, but a path you were choosing for yourself?
Ogulcan Yildiz: I realized that my journey with jewellery was more than just ritual when I began experimenting with designs in my teenage years. I remember crafting my first piece—a necklace for my mother using heirloom materials—but it felt like an expression of my unique identity rather than just continuing a family tradition. This blend of personal creativity and familial legacy ignited my passion and commitment to the craft.
The Capitalyst: How do you protect the emotional and artisanal value of jewellery while also building a modern luxury brand that operates at a global scale?
Ogulcan Yildiz: Balancing emotional and artisanal value with modern luxury requires a deep respect for craftsmanship. At Cadaro, we focus on storytelling—each piece not only reflects skill but also embodies rich histories and personal narratives. Our artisans are key to this process, ensuring that every item encapsulates emotion while using contemporary design practices that resonate globally.
The Capitalyst: The COVID-19 pandemic hit right as you were planning to open your first shop. Most founders would have paused. Instead, you launched new collections and hosted events. What drove that decision, and what did it teach you about building a brand under pressure?
Ogulcan Yildiz: The decision to move forward during the pandemic stemmed from a belief in adaptability and resilience. I understood that while circumstances were challenging, our clients sought connection and beauty in uncertain times. Launching new collections allowed us to innovate, while the events created community. This taught me that pressure can catalyze creativity and strengthen brand loyalty when approached with authenticity and courage.
The Capitalyst: You have said that travelling is crucial to both your happiness and your creative process. Can you take us inside that connection? Walk us through a specific journey that became a design.
Ogulcan Yildiz: Travel opens my mind and inspires my creativity. One journey to Morocco, with its vibrant colors and intricate patterns, deeply influenced a collection called “Mosaic Dreams.” The design reflects the stunning tiles and architecture I encountered there. Each piece embodies the essence of Moroccan culture, merging it with our brand’s unique style, allowing me to create something that resonates on a personal and aesthetic level.
The Capitalyst: Fine jewellery has traditionally been slow to change. What is the most significant shift you have seen in the industry since you started Cadaro?
Ogulcan Yildiz: One of the most significant shifts has been the rise of conscious consumption. Customers today are more demanding about ethical sourcing and sustainability in jewellery. This change has prompted brands, including Cadaro, to embrace transparency, ensuring our materials are responsibly sourced and that every piece supports artisanal communities while maintaining the luxury standard.
The Capitalyst: Claudia Schiffer wearing Cadaro’s iconic “Green Sun” piece put the brand on a much bigger stage. Yet you seem intentionally understated about celebrity endorsements, focusing instead on personal client relationships. Is that a conscious philosophy, and does it ever create tension with the demands of luxury marketing?
Ogulcan Yildiz: Yes, this philosophy is quite deliberate. While celebrity endorsements can amplify visibility, I believe that our strength lies in relationships with our clients, who become ambassadors of our brand through their personal stories and experiences. While there is potential tension in balancing marketing demands with authenticity, prioritizing genuine connections ultimately garners deeper loyalty and trust, which is invaluable.
The Capitalyst: A piece of fine jewellery is often passed down through generations. Do you think about legacy when you are designing, the idea that something you make today might outlive everyone in the room?
Ogulcan Yildiz: Absolutely. I approach each design with a sense of legacy, understanding that a piece may tell stories beyond my time. It motivates me to create with intention, knowing that our jewellery is not just an accessory but could become a cherished heirloom, encapsulating memories and emotions for future generations.
The Capitalyst: For aspiring creative entrepreneurs watching, what is the toughest lesson from scaling Cadaro globally across Europe and the Middle East while staying true to your artisanal vision and bespoke service model?
Ogulcan Yildiz: The toughest lesson has been learning the importance of maintaining authenticity amidst growth. As we expanded, the challenge was to ensure that our artisanal roots remained central to our identity. It taught me that scaling doesn’t mean sacrificing quality; instead, it’s about finding innovative ways to enhance our bespoke service while honoring the craftsmanship that defines Cadaro. Authenticity in every piece and experience must permeate as we grow, becoming our true competitive advantage.
