At Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design, a seminar titled “Women’s Entrepreneurship in Cyprus” was held on April 6, 2026, bringing together businesswoman Füsun Aroğlu and students. During the event, Aroğlu addressed women’s entrepreneurship through her personal and professional journey, explaining how she entered the business world and how she overcame the challenges she faced. Starting from her early experiences in her father’s textile shop in Nicosia, continuing through her time in the banking sector, and leading to the establishment of her own company, her story highlighted that entrepreneurship is not only about having an idea, but also about determination, consistency, and continuous effort.
Throughout the seminar, key concepts such as entrepreneurship, perseverance, communication, customer relations, and business growth were emphasized. The discussion also addressed the prejudices women may face in professional life and how these barriers can be challenged. Aroğlu’s story of starting her business at the age of 28, as a mother of two, with only two machines and two employees in a small workshop, and gradually expanding it by increasing production capacity, opening a second branch in Kyrenia, and later developing a dormitory investment in Famagusta, provided a strong source of inspiration for students. Participants had the opportunity to observe that career paths are not always linear, and that experience, strong relationships, and persistence can be just as important as academic knowledge.
Another key point highlighted during the event was that entrepreneurship is not only an economic activity but also a process that involves confronting social perceptions. Aroğlu’s ability to overcome early doubts and prejudice about her success demonstrated that achievement is also a personal transformation. Sharing her experiences in a sincere and realistic manner, she encouraged students to build their own paths with confidence.
In her closing remarks, Aroğlu emphasized that success does not come easily, but can be achieved through discipline, determination, and effective communication. She reminded students of the importance of building strong relationships while pursuing their goals, concluding with a clear message: “Be ambitious in your work, focus on communication, and build strong relationships with the people around you.”
Throughout the seminar, key concepts such as entrepreneurship, perseverance, communication, customer relations, and business growth were emphasized. The discussion also addressed the prejudices women may face in professional life and how these barriers can be challenged. Aroğlu’s story of starting her business at the age of 28, as a mother of two, with only two machines and two employees in a small workshop, and gradually expanding it by increasing production capacity, opening a second branch in Kyrenia, and later developing a dormitory investment in Famagusta, provided a strong source of inspiration for students. Participants had the opportunity to observe that career paths are not always linear, and that experience, strong relationships, and persistence can be just as important as academic knowledge.
Another key point highlighted during the event was that entrepreneurship is not only an economic activity but also a process that involves confronting social perceptions. Aroğlu’s ability to overcome early doubts and prejudice about her success demonstrated that achievement is also a personal transformation. Sharing her experiences in a sincere and realistic manner, she encouraged students to build their own paths with confidence.
In her closing remarks, Aroğlu emphasized that success does not come easily, but can be achieved through discipline, determination, and effective communication. She reminded students of the importance of building strong relationships while pursuing their goals, concluding with a clear message: “Be ambitious in your work, focus on communication, and build strong relationships with the people around you.”