We had the good fortune of connecting with Sinem Mei and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sinem, what is the most important factor behind your success?
My success is primarily due to the seamless integration of performance art and costume design. My career initially began as a fire dancer but expanded to include many other types of expression through costume design and character creation. Aside from what I provide on stage it is also important to be socially aligned with the community that I am involved with. I always try to go the extra mile behind the scenes to make an event great even if it is not in the job description.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have managed in recent years to form a lifestyle that supports my personal interests while allowing me to perform around the world. I perform at the best parties and festivals often while my favorite music artists are performing and with an audience that I resonate with. This is a huge blessing that i am grateful for everyday. As they say ‘choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.’ I believe I achieved this and it continues to fuel me with all the creativity and inspiration that i need. I learned to keep clear and professional boundaries especially in night life settings. When I enter character I become someone else. From the moment I put on a costume I support that character, I don’t casually chat with people, I don’t eat or drink. I leave behind my personal emotions and thoughts in order to not to break the connection between the audience and the character. I learned the importance of this over time by experience.
I love giving people a visual experience to make an event extra special and memorable. This urge moves me forward to manifest what exists in my mind into the world for other people to enjoy and participate in.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In Istanbul, where I am based, I spend a lot of time in Cihangir area. You can find many nice restaurants, bars and cafes filled with cool and interesting people, mostly residents of the neighborhood. You will be surprised by the crazy amount of friendly stray cats whom claimed the neighborhood more than humans.(: Klein is one of the oldest and best night clubs in the city. Make sure to taste street food and enjoy a big range of delicious desserts. Not particularly in my city, but in my country Cappadocia area is very interesting to visit. Out of this world, very unique setting that you can not find anywhere else in the world. I strongly recommend taking a hot balloon ride there. Also my favorite hotel ever called ‘Sacred House’ definitely worths a trip. If you happen to be there on the right dates, Echoes from Agartha festival is without a doubt one of the best festivals I’ve ever attended in the world.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are multiple people who supported and inspired me through my journey. My best friend Elif encouraged and supported me a lot about not giving up on my dreams and thought me that consistency will always pay off. House of Kaya keeps inspiring me aesthetically everyday since I discovered his work. My friend Allen Hulsey always supported my career and pushed me forward. I am thankful to have crossed paths with all these people in my life and many more for fueling my creativity and guiding me.

Website: www.sinemmei.com

Instagram: instagram.com/sinemmei

Other: contact@sinemmei.com

Image Credits
Arda Aytan Kai Photograpy Kristhiansr Yuliya Skya Endorphine Shot

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