We recently had the chance to connect with BURCHIN AYDIN and have shared our conversation below.
BURCHIN , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Right now, a normal day for me starts early with managing multiple Hairports USA salon locations across Florida and New York. I check in with my team, review appointments, and stay on top of design projects for new salon openings. I’m also expanding into mobile services and e-commerce, so my day involves strategic planning, vendor meetings, and a lot of creativity. No day looks exactly the same, but every day includes hair, hustle, and heart.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Burcin Aydin — a Turkish-American entrepreneur, hair designer, and the founder of Hairports USA, a fast-growing chain of boutique hair salons across Florida and New York. I’ve been in the beauty industry for over 15 years and built Hairports with one goal in mind: to turn a salon visit into an unforgettable journey — where style, creativity, and personal attention come together.
Hairports is not just a salon. It’s an experience. We blend classic and vintage salon elements with modern techniques to offer both comfort and innovation. What makes us unique is our ability to connect art, beauty, and hospitality in a way that makes each client feel seen and transformed.
I started Hairports in Miami and expanded to Boca Raton, New York, and now Tampa. Our fifth location is underway in Fort Lauderdale, and I’m currently working on a mobile salon project called “Hairports on Wheels” — a retro-inspired mobile salon offering high-end services by appointment.
In addition to salon management, I also design and decorate salons for other owners across Florida, working with top cosmetic suppliers to bring the best environment and product selection to each location.
Hairports USA is more than a brand — it’s a movement built on passion, aesthetics, and authentic customer care. I’m excited to keep growing, to support creative talent, and to bring global-level quality and comfort to everyday beauty services in Ame
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the most defining moments in my life happened when I was a teenager growing up in Turkey. I watched my father—a hardworking barber—serve his clients with such care, precision, and pride. He didn’t just cut hair; he uplifted people. I realized early on that work, when done with love and integrity, could be life-changing—not just for you, but for everyone around you.
That moment shaped my worldview. I stopped thinking of success as money or status, and instead saw it as connection, creativity, and consistency. That perspective stayed with me when I immigrated to the U.S. and started Hairports. Every salon I open, every stylist I mentor, and every client I welcome is rooted in that same spirit of humble service and meaningful impact.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me humility, patience, and empathy—things success alone could never give me. When I first came to the U.S., I faced rejection, language barriers, and financial struggles. I had the skills, but I didn’t have the connections. I wasn’t seen. That pain reminded me what it feels like to be overlooked, and that’s why today I go out of my way to empower others—especially young stylists who just need one person to believe in them.
Success is shiny, but suffering is where your values are forged. It taught me to slow down, to stay grounded, and to never forget the people who helped me when I had nothing. It’s why every Hairports salon I build is designed not just to serve clients, but to lift up the people who work inside it.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Suffering taught me humility, patience, and empathy—things success alone could never give me. When I first came to the U.S., I faced rejection, language barriers, and financial struggles. I had the skills, but I didn’t have the connections. I wasn’t seen. That pain reminded me what it feels like to be overlooked, and that’s why today I go out of my way to empower others—especially young stylists who just need one person to believe in them.
Success is shiny, but suffering is where your values are forged. It taught me to slow down, to stay grounded, and to never forget the people who helped me when I had nothing. It’s why every Hairports salon I build is designed not just to serve clients, but to lift up the people who work inside it.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If immortality were real, what would you build?
If I had endless time, I would build a global network of Hairports creative hubs — not just salons, but cultural spaces where beauty, fashion, art, and community come together. These spaces would mentor young talent, uplift local artists, and create jobs in places where opportunity is rare.
But more than a physical empire, I’d focus on building a mindset — that beauty is a right, not a luxury. I’d use my time to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs to lead with kindness, creativity, and purpose. Because the most powerful legacy is not what you leave behind, but what you ignite in others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hairportsusa.com
- Instagram: @burchinaydin
Image Credits
All images by HAIRPORTS USA team
