Women Who Launch: Serra Türker Bayır, Founder of Misela

What’s your earliest fashion memory?  

One of my earliest fashion memories is watching my grandmother get ready—she had a  beautiful ritual of dressing, from her silk scarves, to the way she’d pair jewellery with her outfit.  That quiet elegance and attention to detail stayed with me and helped shape my  understanding of personal style. 

When did you first know you wanted to enter the world of fashion as a career?  

During my teenage years, I was deeply drawn to painting and interior design, which led me to  pursue Interior Architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design. However, once I began the  program, I quickly realised it wasn’t as colourful or expressive as I had envisioned. That  prompted me to shift my focus to textile design—something that instantly sparked a new  level of creative excitement for me. Working with textiles opened up a world of pattern,  texture and colours. By the time I graduated, I knew that I wanted to be in the world of  fashion.  

Describe your career arc which resulted in the launch of Misela? 

After graduating, I began my career in New York as a textile designer at Tocca. At the time, I  imagined that seeing my patterns come to life on garments would be the ultimate dream. But  I quickly realised I was looking for a more direct and structured way to apply my designs.  While working full-time, I started taking accessories classes, and during my first assignment (designing handbags) it all clicked. I knew instantly that this was what I wanted to do. That  moment sparked the idea for Misela, and the brand was born. 

When did Misela launch, and how has it evolved since?  

Misela was founded in 2008 in New York. The brand began with a focus on evening bags— pieces that felt elegant and timeless. Over the years, the collection naturally evolved to  include a full range of handbags and accessories designed for every part of a woman’s day— from daily essentials to travel companions and statement evening pieces. While the product  offering has grown, the core of Misela has remained the same: timeless design,  craftsmanship, and a strong sense of identity. 

How has your background influenced your design process? 

As a designer, inspiration often comes from your surroundings, but my cultural background has played a significant role in shaping my creative process—especially once I started studying abroad. Being away from home gave me a deeper appreciation of where I come from and the rich visual heritage of our region. I found myself drawn to the geometric patterns found in traditional tiles and architecture, which became a recurring source of  inspiration. That connection to heritage—reinterpreted through a modern lens—continues to  influence how I approach design today.

Tell me more about some of your hero products and your iconic herringbone monogram…

 Our clutches and totes are among the most loved pieces in the Misela collection—they’ve really resonated with our community for their versatility, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal.  They’re designed to effortlessly transition from day to night, from city life to travel. As for the herringbone monogram, I created it with the intention of offering a timeless,  universal design. Something that would remain relevant and elegant for years to come. The herringbone pattern has been used across cultures for generations, and reinterpreting it as our signature felt like the perfect way to honour tradition.

What has been your proudest achievement to date? 

Building a handbag brand from Istanbul and gaining global recognition has been one of my  proudest achievements. Bringing Misela to an international audience while staying true to its  roots has been incredibly meaningful. I also look back fondly on the early days of our Made To Order collection; seeing it embraced by inspiring women like Heidi Klum, Jessica Alba, Diane Kruger and Alessandra Ambrosio was a surreal and proud moment. 

What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome? 

The first five years of building a brand are by far the most challenging. In those early stages,  it’s not just about how hard you work, it’s about having the patience and resilience to push  through uncertainty and setbacks. Turning a vision into reality takes time, and one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that building something meaningful requires endurance just as much as passion. 

What does a typical day look like to you? 

These days, my mornings start around 7am when my almost 3-year-old son wakes up. I love  spending that quiet time with him before the day begins. Around 10am, I head to work, either to our HQ or to the workshop to oversee production and meet with the team. By 4pm I’m usually back home to catch up on calls with New York, and I wrap up the day with dinner and some quality time with my son. It’s a full day, but one I feel grateful for. 

Which styles in your collection do you gravitate towards?

For an evening out, I usually reach for the Carolina or Alexa clutches from our Belgravia  collection—they’re chic, compact, and always elevate a look. For everyday, I love using the 

Sienna from our Los Angeles collection as my smaller bag, paired with one of our oversized canvas totes to carry my laptop and daily essentials. For travel, I rotate between the Deena oversized tote from Riyadh and the Nora tote from our Anatolia collection. They’re both spacious, practical, and elegant enough to take from airport to city without skipping a beat.

What is it about your job that continues to inspire you? 

What inspires me most is the ability to create something from scratch and watch it grow.  Whether it’s designing a new product, building a collection, or shaping the brand’s next  chapter—it’s the process of bringing an idea to life that keeps me constantly motivated and  creatively fulfilled. 

What does it take to be a female entrepreneur? 

I used to think there wasn’t much of a difference between being a female or male 

entrepreneur. But now, as a mother, I see it differently. Being a female entrepreneur means  showing up fully both at work and at home, balancing ambition with care, and success with  presence. It takes resilience, clarity, and a deep sense of purpose to navigate both worlds and  grow in each. 

What’s next for Misela and how would you like to see the business evolve? 

Looking ahead, I’d love to continue building and nurturing our global Misela community; connecting with women who resonate with the brand’s spirit and story. I’m also excited to keep evolving our collections, introducing new designs that reflect both creativity and  craftsmanship. The goal is to grow with intention, staying true to our roots while exploring  new opportunities in lifestyle and personalisation.

https://int.misela.com/