This week we caught up with the woman behind The Plum Edit, Zeynep. After spending nine years as an art consultant, and also being an art collector herself, she’s brought her natural eye for beauty and detail into the digital world, creating a space that feels both inspiring and real. In our chat, she opens up about the journey behind the publication, how her art background still shapes her creative choices, and what it really looks like to juggle work, family, and everything in between.
Tell us about The Plum Edit, and what originally inspired you to launch your lifestyle publication?
It really started from my love of sharing discoveries with the people around me, beautiful spaces, inspiring artists, designers, thoughtful travel, and wellness rituals. I’ve always been drawn to special and inspiring things that capture my attention and add meaning to everyday life. Friends often asked for my recommendations, and I realised there was space for a publication that felt personal, curated, and honest, something that not only showcases what I love, but also brings a sense of ease and sparks curiosity in daily life. That desire to help people discover new experiences and feel inspired is what led me to create it.
You spent nine years working as an art consultant. In what ways has that experience influenced your eye for curation and the aesthetic direction of your lifestyle publication?
My experiences and background have shaped the way I see beauty, meaning, and storytelling. Being exposed to art, travel, and culture taught me to recognise what feels genuinely inspiring. That sensibility guides the aesthetic direction of the publication: intentional, authentic, and rooted in discovery. I want readers to feel inspired, to discover something new, and to naturally become part of the community with pleasure.
Where do you look for inspiration, and how do you keep your content feeling fresh, intentional, and relevant to your audience?
I try to organise all the content with our target audience in mind, people who would genuinely connect with what we create. Together with a wonderful team, we work carefully on the details, stay attuned to what’s happening around us, and consider the themes we cover as a whole. Our aim is to touch on a wide range of topics so that anyone interested in the lifestyle world can find something that speaks to them.
How do you approach balancing the demands of managing a growing publication with the daily realities of family life?
I have three sons, and managing their schoolwork, commitments, and after-school activities, while also nurturing our family life, is a big part of my daily reality. But I do it with pleasure, because I see The Plum Edit as an extension of my family. Giving time to the publication brings me joy in the same way caring for my children does. With organisation and a structured approach, I feel I’m able to balance both worlds. Of course, it isn’t always easy, but I do my best, and I genuinely enjoy the process.
As The Plum Edit grows, what are you most excited for?
From the start, The Plum Edit has been a platform I’ve built with great care and attention to detail. As it grows, I’m excited to introduce new sections and fresh ideas inspired by my love for art, design, and beautiful living. There will be surprises shaped through The Plum Edit lens, unique lifestyle concepts that our audience will enjoy. I’m also looking forward to seeing The Plum Edit community grow and become more interactive. We’re planning special events and experiences, and there are many upcoming projects I can’t wait to bring to life. We’ll keep building, discovering, and seeing where this journey takes us together.
Before ending the interview, I’d love to add one last note. At The Plum Edit, we want to offer you the best possible experience, and staying connected through our Substack and mailing services helps us do that. By registering with your email, you’ll be able to access exclusive content, special recommendations, and invitations to more private events created for our close-knit community. We’d be so happy to have you join us.
