30 Questions with Ezgi Kaya: Founder of SEYYAH, Old Town’s Newest Jewelry Destination
Ezgi Kaya always dreamed of creating a space where people could gather, a place with warmth, community, and something beautiful at the center of it. What she found, during a summer back home in Turkey, was the medium that would make that dream real. A few months of making embroidered jewelry with her mother was all it took: a hobby became a passion, a passion became a brand, and that brand became Seyyah, now located in a sun-filled storefront in Old Town Alexandria.
1.What inspired you to start Seyyah? How did the idea first take shape?
About ten years ago, I spent four months in Turkey while relocating from North Carolina to Alexandria. During that summer, my mother was making embroidered jewelry as a hobby, and I joined her. I quickly discovered how much I loved creating with my hands, and that moment planted the seed for what would eventually become Seyyah.
2. How did you choose the name ‘Seyyah’?
Seyyah means "traveler" in Turkish. I chose it because jewelry travels with you through life, through places, memories, and moments. The name reflects both my personal journey between countries and the idea that style moves with you wherever you go.
3. I see you started the brand with your mom. What has it been like building the business together?
It has been very special. My mom has incredible patience and craftsmanship, and working together allowed us to turn something that started as a hobby into something meaningful. Over time, our small group grew to include other women in our family as well.
4. What was the first piece you ever made?
Our very first pieces were necklaces. One of the first designs I made was inspired by the Mediterranean beach; it had blues and pinks with flowing wave-like patterns. It almost looked like a tiny painting embroidered with beads.
"It almost looked like a tiny painting embroidered with beads."
5. How is the jewelry made?
Our embroidered statement pieces are still handmade in Turkey by the group of women we work with. Our everyday jewelry collection is produced with trusted manufacturers who specialize in sterling silver and gold vermeil.
6. What is the process of making a piece of jewelry from start to finish?
It usually begins with an idea or a quick sketch. Then we develop samples, adjust details like proportions or stone sizes, and make sure the piece feels comfortable before moving into production.
7. What role do the artisans in Turkey play today?
They remain an important part of the brand. Their craftsmanship and experience influence many of the embroidered designs.
8. You use the term "long-lasting jewelry." What does that mean to you?
For me, it means jewelry you can wear every day and enjoy for years. Our everyday pieces are made from sterling silver and gold vermeil, which are durable and comfortable while still being beautiful. For our embroidered designs, we use high-quality Japanese beads that are known for their durability. We pour a lot of care and heart into making each piece, so our hope is that they stay with you and bring you joy for a long time.
9. Where do you find inspiration?
Travel, architecture, colors in cities, and sometimes small everyday details. Every place has its own textures, colors, and rhythm, and those elements often show up in my designs.
These earrings are inspired by the Flamenco dancers in Spain.
10. How do you look for inspiration when you're traveling?
I pay attention to small details, markets, tiles, fabrics, or jewelry in local shops. Sometimes those little moments later turn into design ideas.
This bracelet was inspired by the tile at the metro station in Istanbul
11. One place that has had the biggest influence on your designs?
Turkey will always influence my designs because that's where the brand began, and it's home.
12. If you could design a collection inspired by somewhere you haven't visited yet?
Italy. I've never been, but it has such a rich history, beautiful beaches, and incredible colors and textures. It's also known for its jewelry tradition, so it would be a wonderful place to draw inspiration from.
13. Are there particular colors, textures, or materials that consistently inspire your designs?
Gold tones, natural stones, and textures that feel timeless.
14. What made you choose Old Town Alexandria as the first storefront?
Old Town has such a strong sense of community and character. It felt like the perfect place for Seyyah.
15. What do you hope people feel when they walk in?
I hope it feels welcoming! A place where people can stop by, browse, and maybe stay for a conversation.
“When you can order everything online, the store needs to be a special place, like a destination.”
16. What do you love most about being part of the Old Town small business community?
The connection between small businesses and customers.
17. Favorite coffee shop in Old Town?
Misha's Coffee.
18. Favorite restaurant?
Taverna Cretekou. It was the first restaurant I went to when we moved here. It was summer, their garden was open, and the owner was walking around talking to everyone. It reminded me of home, Greece and Turkey share so much of that warm hospitality.
19. A hidden gem in Alexandria?
The small streets near the waterfront.
20. Minimal jewelry person or statement piece person?
It's hard to choose. I tend to wear minimal pieces every day, but for special occasions, I love a great statement piece.
21. What piece from Seyyah do you personally wear the most?
My everyday gold huggies.
22. Three pieces you always take on vacation?
My travel jewelry is usually a mix of statement and minimal pieces. I almost always bring a statement necklace, especially in the summer, because it can instantly elevate even a simple shirt. I also pack a couple of ear stack combinations and lots of bracelets for warm weather.
23. If Seyyah were a destination, where would it be?
Somewhere sunny by the sea.
24. One piece of jewelry with a special story?
My grandmother's earrings. She wore them every day for as long as I can remember. They have beautiful gold leaves, and they always felt very special to me. I'm hoping to design a small collection inspired by them one day.
25. Best city in the world for jewelry shopping?
Istanbul. The historic Grand Bazaar is full of jewelers, and I don't think many places can compete with that experience.
26. Favorite travel destination?
Spain. I've visited a few times, and people are incredibly warm. The food and drinks are amazing everywhere you go, and there are beautiful places everywhere.
27. Bucket-list destination?
Italy. I've never been, but I think I would love it. One of my dreams is to do a solo road trip there in a few years.
28. Window or aisle seat?
Window.
29. Best meal you've had while traveling?
A bánh mì in Hoi An at a tiny crowded place that Anthony Bourdain visited. I was only there for three days but ended up eating that sandwich twice.
30. What does the next chapter of Seyyah look like?
I want the store to be a very welcoming place, somewhere people can stop by, chat, maybe share a drink, and feel part of a community. When I moved here from North Carolina, it wasn't easy to meet people, and I know a lot of women feel that way. I want Seyyah to be a space where that changes. Where women can come together, meet each other, and actually connect! I'm hoping to host events, happy hours, things that give people a real reason to walk through the door, and leave with more than just a piece of jewelry. And on the collection side, I also want to expand into solid gold pieces that people can keep forever and pass down.
Ezgi plans to host a grand opening event in April!
SEYYAH
101 A S St. Asaph Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
