Can Tarlan, the visionary founder of Nocturne, shares insights into his daily routine and the secrets behind his successful fashion brand. Launching Nocturne at the age of 24, Tarlan has since seen his brand flourish into one of Turkey’s prominent fashion names. We caught up with him to explore how he navigates a typical day and what drives his business success.
24 Hours with Can Tarlan
Morning Routine
How does he start the day?
My day begins promptly at 6:30 AM. Depending on my schedule, I either take a brisk walk or play tennis 2-3 times a week to start my day on an active note.
09:00 AM
By 8:30 AM at the latest, I’m at the office. My mornings typically start with a casual catch-up with my colleagues. We often discuss the latest news and trends before diving into the day’s work.
12:00 PM:
My first meal of the day is scheduled for 1:30 PM, as I generally adhere to an intermittent fasting routine. I prioritize consuming protein to kickstart my nutrition for the day. On most days, I prefer to enjoy lunch in solitude unless I have a meeting or a guest. One of my go-to spots for lunch is Isola, conveniently located near my office.
2:00 PM:
Mornings are reserved for handling routine tasks, so when lunchtime rolls around, I shift my focus to more dynamic activities, such as weekly meetings or exploring new projects.
4:00 PM:
Given the time zone differences, I aim to connect with our international teams through online meetings around 4:00 to 5:00 PM. These meetings provide valuable insights into our operational processes and the overall sales landscape.
7:00 PM:
I typically wrap up my workday around 7:00 PM. My second meal usually follows at 7:30 PM. If the weather is pleasant, I like to unwind by spending some time on the beach, letting the serene environment melt away the stress of the day. My evenings are quite flexible—if I’m at home, I often relax by watching TV and spending quality time with my dogs.
Sleeping
I must admit, going to bed early isn’t my strong suit. I usually find myself drifting off to sleep around 1:00 AM.
Work and Life Secrets
What is your time management method, and how do you use your time efficiently?
My approach to time management revolves around tackling issues as soon as they arise. I find it counterproductive to delay matters that can be resolved promptly. For me, dragging out tasks over hours or even days is a waste of time. The “right-now” approach is a method I particularly apply to work-related matters, ensuring that I handle things efficiently and without unnecessary delay.
Your favorite time of day?
I’m particularly fond of the late afternoon, right when the sun begins its descent, casting a golden hue over everything.
What do you do to de-stress?
To unwind, I usually take a weekend getaway every couple of weeks, escaping to nature whenever possible. Whether it’s a trip to the sea or a retreat into the forest—depending on the season—I find immense healing power in nature. It’s something I actively seek out to restore balance and tranquility.
What’s your strategy for navigating Istanbul’s traffic and chaos?
In Istanbul, escaping the notorious traffic isn’t really an option—you have to adapt to it. I typically stick to routes between home and work, choosing meeting spots along the way. And, of course, I avoid hitting the road during peak traffic hours whenever possible.
What is your most important advice to young people about being a manager?
Life is a continuous journey of learning. Regardless of our age or past experiences, there’s always something new to discover. My most significant piece of advice is to never fall into the trap of thinking, “I’ve arrived.” Young managers should avoid creating a comfort zone that restricts their growth. Instead, they should stay curious and open to all kinds of innovations and knowledge. It’s crucial to recognize the importance of teamwork and interpersonal relationships in the professional world.
“As for managing tasks, I believe that stretching out issues that can be resolved within a specific timeframe is a waste of time. Adopting a “right-now” approach, especially when it comes to work-related matters, is a practice that I strongly advocate.”
What is your personal strength in your work?
I would say my greatest strength is empathy. I make it a point to deeply understand the other person’s perspective—their comments, the reasoning behind them, and the solutions they suggest. I carefully analyze these within the framework of my own systematic approach, which allows me to draw well-informed conclusions.
Can you tell us about the process of creating a collection?
Every collection begins with a dream, a spark of inspiration. From there, we ground that idea by crafting a compelling narrative around it. Typically, our seasonal collections are composed of 10 distinct groups. To bring that dream to life, we then select a fabric that resonates with the vision and design a pattern that complements it. The group is completed, and as each group comes together, our collection takes shape.
How would you define Nocturne in three words?
Brave, confident, and remarkable.
What is your favorite weekend activity?
I love to travel as much as possible, immersing myself in the discovery of new places and flavors while enjoying quality time with those around me.
What is your method of achieving work-life balance?
Traveling allows me to nourish myself in various ways, providing both relaxation and inspiration. This rejuvenation is key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
What are your favorite restaurants and venues in Turkey?
I’m a frequent visitor to Bysteak, mainly because it’s close to my home. For meetings or casual gatherings with friends, Delicatessen is usually my go-to spot. When I’m looking to dine outside the city, Manzara Söğüt Restaurant is a personal favorite.
- Burkay Adalığ: “I Wouldn’t Trade a Rakı Table for Anything”
- Sii Eawsakul Tells the Secrets of Luxury Travel
- The Artist of an Era: Alev Ebüzziya
