The Awards Series 2022: Nile Tuzun

The BLLA Team sits down with Nile Tuzun, Founder & Chief Creative Storyteller at Studio Nilebrand and BLLA Board Member of the Year!

BLLA: How did you enter the hospitality industry?

NT: “I am one of 11 architects and designers in my family. I am #10. During our family gatherings, there was always conversation about culture, design, fashion, and lifestyle, which was so thought-provoking for me. I always knew that I wanted to be a creator since I was 16 years old, so, here I am. I guess you can say it was in my blood.”

BLLA: How is designing boutique hotels the work of an artisan? 

NT: “What sets a true artisan apart from an everyday craftsman is an artisan does not fabricate for mass production. An artisan makes their craft their sole purpose in life. They devote their lives to their craft, taking the time to master, perfect and produce their product. Design of any kind, as well as in the boutique movement, means creating from the soul. It is the process of birthing something unique with its own DNA and footprint that can not be replicated, no matter how hard we try. Boutique hotels, by default, have their own sense of identity and style but are always true to the original spirit of their creator.”

BLLA: Why do you believe in the boutique movement?

NT: “I believe in the boutique movement because boutique represents consciously curated, authentic and intentional experiences that uplift, encourage and energize the human spirit. ‘Boutique’ is a lifestyle, an attitude. It is memorable, genuine, intimate, and special. Boutique is a feeling, kind of like ‘magic’ when you know you connect with something at a soul level, and the future is all about the soul.”

BLLA: How do you stay authentic to the boutique essence?

NT: “Personally and professionally, I live, work and lead from the soul in everything I do.”

BLLA: How does BLLA help independent boutique hoteliers, and what is in store for the future of BLLA?

NT: “BLLA offers a welcoming platform for all independent boutique hoteliers and boutique lifestyle lovers. BLLA helps in connecting pioneers, executives, creatives, and solution partners of the boutique hospitality world. The most important part of BLLA is that it has created a community of forward-thinking individuals who are passionate about everything boutique stands for. The future of BLLA is so bright. The best is yet to come!”