“For Me, Business Life Is Both a Challenge and a Source of Enjoyment”

Interview by: Harun Yazici

As we begin our conversation, I should note that Helin Avşar’s energy and passion for creating are immediately felt within the first minute. Her multicultural educational path, her motivations behind shifting from the media industry to entrepreneurship, and the impact she aims to create today with Magnasand reveal just how layered and inspiring her story is.

While speaking with her, I sensed both a strong curiosity and an inner voice saying, “I can do more.” In this interview, we explore Avşar’s personal transformation as well as her dreams for the future.

Let’s start with your educational background. What kind of education did you receive, and what was the first job you took on after graduation?

My education took an international direction starting from my high school years. I first studied at the American College of Switzerland, followed by general studies at the Institute Château Beau-Cédre in Montreux. This period allowed me to improve my language skills and experience different cultures up close.

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I later moved to the United States to continue my studies at the American College of Florida. I completed my undergraduate degree in Business Administration and then earned my master’s degree at Lynn University, specializing in business and management. I also attended the Château de Chillon – Lady School program in Switzerland, where I received special training in etiquette, protocol, social grace, and international culture.

“Curiosity and ambition have always been my strongest driving forces.”

After graduation, I took my first steps in international business projects. Since my education was shaped in a multicultural environment, my entry into the business world mirrored that same direction. Working with teams from various countries helped me apply what I learned in real life. Later, I returned to Türkiye and entered the textile industry.

How did your transition from the media and entertainment world into business take place?

Even while working in media and entertainment, creating, innovating, and leaving an impact on people were always important to me. Over time, I felt the desire to build something more lasting—something that could genuinely improve people’s quality of life.

That’s exactly where Magnasand came into the picture. The idea of bringing the scientifically grounded, naturally magnetic black sand from Ünye into modern daily life excited me deeply. My involvement in the business world today is really the result of that excitement and curiosity. Now we continue our journey with the joy and anticipation of introducing our first products to people.

What motivates you the most in your professional life?

What motivates me is a mix of curiosity and ambition. I’ve always asked myself, “I wonder if I can do this?”—and that question alone boosted my energy.

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And of course, there’s the fun side of it! Meeting new people, trying myself in different projects… all of it gives me this feeling of “Here comes another adventure!” Success is wonderful, but for me, it’s the journey itself that’s the most enjoyable part.

In short, business life is both a challenge and a source of enjoyment for me. If I can smile while working, it means my motivation is already at its peak.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a female entrepreneur in Türkiye?

Starting with the advantages, I believe the empathy and communication skills that come with being a woman truly make a difference in business. Women bring a unique perspective to team management, customer relations, and creative problem-solving. Additionally, society tends to show interest in women’s success stories, which can open doors in terms of motivation and support.

On the disadvantage side, unfortunately, some biases still exist. Sometimes you hear, “Can a woman really do this?” But in a way, that also becomes a source of motivation—because we women are very good at turning obstacles into opportunities.

In short, being a female entrepreneur means both responsibility and strength. Making the most of the advantages and overcoming challenges is all about perspective. I’ve always tried to take that approach; every difficulty is simply a new opportunity.

What excites you the most these days? Is it Magnasand?

Absolutely. What excites me the most right now is seeing the impact Magnasand will create step by step. Bringing the naturally soothing effect of magnetic black sand—known for years—into modern life with scientific support is a huge responsibility, but also incredibly exciting.

Helping people feel better in their daily lives or easing their discomfort matters a lot to me. Creating a brand is one thing, but creating benefit is something else entirely. I believe we are on a very special journey, and I’m working with great enthusiasm.

Do you plan to bring Magnasand to Germany?

Certainly. From the very beginning, we knew our brand had international potential, and we are already exporting to certain countries. Germany is a market with strong health awareness and high interest in natural, scientifically backed products.

“Magnasand is not just a brand; it’s an opportunity to create real impact.”

We are currently in the strategic planning phase. With the right partnerships and positioning, seeing Magnasand products in Germany is not far off. For us, it’s not just about exporting; it’s about telling the story of this valuable natural resource from Türkiye to the world and making its impact visible on a global scale.

Who or what inspires you the most?

What inspires me most isn’t a single person or a single event. Strong women who write their own stories have always been a great source of inspiration for me. Seeing their perseverance and their refusal to give up constantly motivates me to say, “I can do it too.”

And life itself is incredibly inspiring… Sometimes a small conversation, a country I visit, or even a random encounter opens a completely new window for me. My educational years, where I met different cultures, have shaped my vision more than anything else.

In short, inspiration for me is a flow rather than a single source. Powerful stories, brave decisions, and transformative moments in life have always been what push me forward.

Do you have any projects other than Magnasand?

Since childhood, I’ve loved observing people and keeping journals. My favorite “game” was creating stories and bringing them to life—essentially living the stories I wrote.

I studied screenwriting for four years under prominent writers and academics and graduated from Istanbul Film Academy. I’ve been writing scripts for the last 7–8 years and have nine completed scripts so far.

I spend nearly all my free time watching series and films, and I also read books by important authors. My research-oriented nature is strong; in every project, I value thorough preparation and deep investigation.

You have also worked in various media outlets. If you were the interviewer, which business leader would you want to interview—and why?

If I had the chance, I would definitely choose a visionary business leader. What impresses me most is how people turn an idea into reality and how they overcome the challenges along the way.

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I would love to sit down with someone who built a global brand from scratch and now inspires thousands. There’s always a hidden motivation or a turning point in their stories. I value not only the financial success but also the struggle and passion behind it.

My favorite part of interviews with such leaders is understanding their mindset—how they view risks, where they draw the line when dreaming, how they respond to failure. Such stories inspire both the audience and myself.

In short, I would choose someone with a strong vision who has brought a unique perspective to the world and made a mark with their work. Because conversations like that nourish the mind and the soul.

Lastly, would you like to send a message to the Turkish diaspora in Germany?

To all Turks living in Germany, I’d like to say this: You represent both your home country and the place you now call home. This is a great power and a great responsibility.

“Living abroad may be difficult, but it opens doors to new colors and horizons.”

While holding onto your roots and values, don’t hesitate to explore new cultures. Life can be challenging at times, but every challenge is an opportunity, and every new experience is a chance to learn.

Remember, wherever you are, achieving your dreams, investing in yourself, and inspiring others is in your hands. Living abroad may be difficult, but it also offers a unique experience—one that opens doors to new colors and new horizons.