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September 2, 2025

Blending Heritage and Style on Balboa Island

Caria Atelier Brings Mediterranean Elegance, Slow Fashion, and Sustainable Design to Newport Beach

Inspired by her Turkish background and a love of natural materials, Aydan Keresteci founded Caria Atelier to bring handcrafted, high-quality, and slow fashion goods to Newport Beach. Caria Atelier is a thoughtfully curated boutique on Balboa Island that blends Mediterranean elegance with modern, sustainable design. Caria Atelier is more than a shop; it’s a space for community and connection, celebrating women, and supporting local artists. She envisioned a boutique that not only reflects her style but also tells a story: celebrating artisan craftsmanship and supporting small, women-owned businesses locally and abroad.

Building a Business with Purpose

Aydan sought support from the OCIE SBDC to develop her passion into a business. With the guidance of business consultant Emily DeLapp, Aydan successfully created her first formal business plan with examples tailored to her vision, which helped her adapt her vision into a plan that reflected both her values and goals. They also reviewed branding, mapped out her boutique launch and online strategy, and reviewed market research provided by the SBDC for similar businesses in the area to ensure her concept was well-aligned with local demand. 

Reflecting on her experience, Aydan said, “It is amazing to have a trusted partner. Emily is knowledgeable and has experience in every step I could count on. I felt supported in every topic and guided towards the right direction.”

Creating Impact in Newport Beach

Aydan successfully shaped her vision into a brand, defining her boutique’s identity and developing its core values. She has also set up operational planning, mapped out a framework for overhead, and set financial goals. With the SBDC’s help, Aydan has secured capital and has successfully increased Caria Atelier’s sales. 

“I’m incredibly grateful to this organization,” Aydan shared. “Not just for the practical guidance in launching my business, but for the profound emotional support that came with it. Emily’s belief in me arrived at a time when doubt could have easily taken over. Her encouragement helped me stay grounded and reminded me that resilience isn’t just a business skill, it’s a mindset.”

Looking to Start or Grow Your Business?

Connect with the OCIE SBDC today. Access expert business consulting, training, and resources at no cost to you. Whether you are launching a new idea or scaling an existing business, the OCIE SBDC is here to help you succeed.

Call 1-800-616-7232 or schedule a 15-minute intake appointment today.

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Blending Heritage and Style on Balboa Island  

Mike Daniel is the network director of the Orange County Inland Empire SBDC Network, which assists aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners throughout Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Mike was formerly the director of the SBDC office at Long Beach City College. As business owner and entrepreneur himself, he started his career as the owner of a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory location in Manhattan Beach and went on to open a second location in Long Beach in 2001. In 2007, Mike sold the Manhattan Beach store for an above-market offer then invested in several additional locations as a minority shareholder. Mike further expanded his candy empire with venture located in Shoreline Village in Long Beach called Sugar Daddies Sweet Shoppe, based on fill-it yourself candy options.

Mike has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton.