Today we’d like to introduce you to Gozde Oztoprak Appel.
Gozde, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m originally from Turkey, and my journey in marketing has taken me through some big corporate roles. In 2018, I made the move to the US on a tourist visa, but in 2019, I faced a setback when I got deported due to a visa application mistake. That unexpected turn led me to spend the next 1.5 years abroad, navigating the challenges of the pandemic as a digital nomad while doing freelance work. During this time, I was on a quest to discover who I truly am and what I wanted.
In 2020, I was fortunate to obtain my green card, which allowed me to return to the US as a permanent resident. I started working in startups, focusing on marketing once again. However, it became clear to me that I wasn’t aligned with the company cultures I had experienced in my career. That’s when I made the bold decision to step away from my job and venture into the world of freelancing. I had a six-month gap, during which I contemplated my path.
Luckily, I had some clients who believed in my work, and I also felt the desire to expand and hire a team. As I pondered how to structure this new phase of my career, I realized that it was time to start my own business. I named it “Lune,” which means “moon” in French. The moon has always fascinated me and serves as a reminder to trust the process. Just as the moon has its phases, so do people, relationships, and the stories of every brand.
Marketing, particularly social media marketing, is often misunderstood. It can feel like a constant race with everyone trying to go viral, following generic strategies, and imitating each other. It’s exhausting. However, I believe that authentic connections are the key. In my company, we act as a bridge between brands and their ideal audience. Every brand has a remarkable story, but they often struggle to tell it.
That’s where I come in.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road, and one of the most significant challenges I faced was the unexpected deportation in 2019. At the time, I had recently married a born and-raised American citizen whom I had dated for several years. I was on a tourist visa, and after our marriage, I sought advice from the USCIS on the best way to obtain my green card. Unfortunately, I received incorrect guidance, which led me to make a decision that had far-reaching consequences.
I was advised that I could leave the country and apply for my green card upon my return. Taking this advice, I embarked on a solo journey, traveling the world for a few months. However, when I returned to the U.S. from Sydney, Australia, with a layover in Honolulu, Hawaii, I faced a harrowing experience.
I was held at the airport for hours, subjected to interrogations, and eventually denied entry. Unlike typical cases where individuals are held in a holding cell at the airport until the next available flight, my situation in Honolulu, a smaller airport, led to an unexpected turn of events. I spent about 20 hours in a prison facility, alongside individuals who had committed serious crimes. Despite the circumstances, these individuals treated me kindly and showed unexpected camaraderie.
The following day, I was sent back to Seoul, Korea, as my unplanned journey continued. I had no sense of time or what day it was due to the international travel. From Seoul, I eventually made my way back to my home in Istanbul, where my 18-month journey to obtain my green card and reunite with my husband truly began. It was a challenging period, marked by uncertainty and adjusting to life post-pandemic.
Throughout this journey, I faced numerous obstacles, including the difficulty of securing a job and adapting to life in the U.S. It took almost a year to obtain my social security number, and adjusting to post-pandemic life added an extra layer of complexity. However, I embrace these struggles as they have played a significant role in shaping who I am today.
As Rumi beautifully puts it, ‘The wound is where the light comes in.’ I am not upset that I had struggles along the way as they have made me who I am today. I’m proud of the resilience I’ve developed through these experiences, and they have contributed to my determination to create something meaningful in the world of marketing.
As you know, we’re big fans of Lune Creatives. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Lune Creatives is more than just a marketing agency; it’s a reflection of my deep belief in the power of authentic connections and storytelling. Every package we offer is tailored to our client’s unique needs. We specialize in a wide range of services, including social media management, consulting, and paid media strategies.
Our core mission is to be the storytellers of the digital age, transforming traditional marketing into a journey of genuine connection and engagement. We’re here to help businesses bridge the gap between their brand and their ideal audience, creating marketing solutions that resonate and inspire action
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success, to me, is defined by the impact we make on the lives of others and the positive change we bring to the world. In a world where everyone is isolated, and yet everyone is just a click away, fostering genuine connections becomes increasingly valuable. It’s not just about personal achievements or financial gains, although those can be important milestones.
True success is when our actions and endeavors contribute to the well-being of individuals, communities, and society as a whole. It’s about leaving a lasting legacy of positive influence, inspiring others to reach their full potential, and fostering genuine connections that make the world a better place.
Success is measured not only by what we achieve for ourselves but also by the positive ripples we create in the lives of those we touch.
Contact Info:
- Website: lunecreatives.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingclubmiami/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gozdeoztoprak
Image Credits
Odette Photo+Art
