Living by Nature’s Rhythm with Moyy Atölye’s Founder

In the lush mountains of Çamlıhemşin, Özlem Erol spends her days tending to medicinal plants and caring for her bees—two of her greatest passions. Her life moves at a gentle pace, yet her creative energy never stops flowing. Working alongside local women she affectionately calls “Amazons” gives her a profound sense of strength. There’s something quietly grounding and inspiring about sharing her everyday routines, beauty rituals, and homemade remedies.

You split your time between Ayvalık and Çamlıhemşin. What do you love most about this rhythm of life?

Moyy Atölye used to have a small shop in Ayvalık, so for about three years, especially in winter, I spent most of my time there. I still go back occasionally, but after closing the shop, my visits became more sporadic.

Ayvalık is livelier compared to Çamlıhemşin—it’s peaceful yet social, close enough to people without the chaos of a big city. Çamlıhemşin, on the other hand, offers a rare kind of solitude. It’s where I retreat, recharge, dream, plan, and create. It’s my center, the place where I truly exist.

 

How’s your daily routine in Çamlıhemşin?

I always wake up early and go to bed early. Living in harmony with the earth has become second nature to me. It might sound uneventful, but to me, it’s the ideal rhythm. The day shapes itself around the weather, the light, the season. Some days plans change because of the rain or the mountain roads—and that unpredictability feels right.

The first few hours after waking are phone-free. I read, or if it’s tea season, I head out to the garden to pick tea leaves. Those quiet moments feel like meditation. I have a small garden where I grow something new each year, and my mother joins me in the summers. She’s the one who teaches me about soil, plants, and traditional know-how passed down through generations.

And then, of course, there are the bees. Depending on the season, I check the hives, tend to the combs, and harvest honey—a ritual that constantly reminds me how patience and rhythm are intertwined with life itself.

You’re deeply connected to nature. How has that shaped your perspective on life and yourself?

It’s been sixteen years since I moved here. Whenever I visit Istanbul or anywhere fast-paced, I feel restless. Even if I enjoy it at first, I quickly get overwhelmed. Life here is quieter and more spacious. It gives you room to breathe.

Lately, I decided to turn my attention outward—to nature, to the world around me. The constant self-analysis that used to feel important now feels draining. Living here naturally pulls you into awareness; it teaches you to observe, to listen, and to be present without overthinking.

 

Even in your quiet life away from the city, you seem deeply aware of what’s happening in the world. What are the rituals or practices that help you nurture your body and spirit?

No one can—or should—completely turn away from what’s happening around us. What I do have, though, is the privilege of quiet. Life here unfolds slowly, and I try to protect that calm. I avoid reading the news or scrolling through social media early in the morning and late at night; the mind is too porous at those times. Guarding those hours is one of the simplest ways to care for yourself.

And creating is my anchor. The act of making something, no matter how small, keeps me rooted.

How does self-care fit into your relationship with your body? Any rituals or favorite products?

I genuinely enjoy taking care of myself. I know my body well; I can tell when something feels off or when it needs a little extra care.

Movement is essential for me. Sleep and nutrition matter, but so does a calm mind. When the mind isn’t at ease, the body carries that tension.

My favorite ritual is hammam. Whenever I’m in Istanbul or Bursa, I make time for one.

As for products, I keep it minimal: moisturizer, sunscreen, and rosewater are my go-tos. I love Homemade Aromaterapi, and sometimes I pick up natural formulas from pharmacies in Lesbos.

 

Have you discovered any natural beauty remedies or healing plants in Çamlıhemşin?

There’s an incredible variety of plants here, though knowing how and when to use them takes time. I try to work with what I know, in its right season. Elderflower, for instance, blooms in May; its tea is wonderful for coughs and sore throats. Linden is another favorite. But nettle is the one I swear by. It purifies the blood, flushes toxins, and revitalizes the body. It’s also great for hair and skin.

And then, of course, there’s honey. To me, it’s nature’s most generous gift. You can use it as a face mask, apply it to wounds, cold sores, even burns. It’s antiseptic, restorative, and nourishing in ways no formula can replicate.

How do you take care of your skin? What are your go-to products?

I’ve started noticing a few dark spots so sunscreen is the one thing I never skip. I’ve been doing face yoga for nearly twenty years. I first learned it from a Filipina woman back when I lived in Istanbul. When practiced regularly, it really works. It doesn’t just tone your skin—it uplifts your mood. I love rituals that nurture both.

Once or twice a year, I visit my dermatologist for treatments. But honestly, no product or treatment works on its own. Without the right lifestyle, they don’t last.

Your sister teaches Pilates. How does Pilates fit into your life?

My sister is an excellent Pilates instructor, and practicing with someone like her is really wonderful. Pilates feels almost like physical therapy—it strengthens and stretches the spine, muscles, and joints. I wish I could keep it up regularly, but it’s just not possible here in Çamlıhemşin.

You recently collaborated with Homemade Aromaterapi. How did that project come about?

I’ve loved and used Homemade Aromaterapi products for years. Since the hammam ritual is so special to me, we decided to create a hammam set together.

At Moyy Atölye, we designed handwoven hemp and cotton peshtemals and exfoliating mitts. Homemade Aromaterapi complemented the set with natural soaps and oils. We even styled their Nişantaşı window together. It was such a joyful process. It was our first collaboration, and I hope there will be more.

 

Can we expect more beauty-related collaborations from Moyy Atölye soon?

Yes, that’s actually the direction I want to take. I plan to build Moyy Atölye’s production model around collaborations and limited collections. Co-creating feels more meaningful, and in a world already filled with excess, creating less but better feels right. In craft-based work like ours, smaller collections with stories behind them feel more authentic and sustainable.

I especially enjoy collaborating with women-led brands. There’s a plan in the works with Tulya Madra, and we’ll soon be releasing napkins printed with Işık Güner’s botanical illustrations—just in time for the new year.

What does beauty mean to you?

For me, beauty is honoring what’s beautiful within you, and letting it shine through. It’s about kindness, grace, and presence. A beautiful person is someone whose energy speaks before they do.

What’s your favorite flaw?

I don’t really see it as a flaw, but my nose is a bit bony and I’m shorter than average. When I was younger, especially during my teenage years, I didn’t like being short. Now, I love it. It’s part of who I am.