By Suleyman Çağlayan, born in August 1990, never imagined that his life would take him from the narrow streets of Istanbul’s Tarlabaşı neighborhood to the towering skyline of New York City. But sometimes, dreams are built not just on ambition but on perseverance and the kindness of others.
A Journey with Trials: Suleyman’s New York Adventure
It was 2019 when Suleyman set foot in New York. He had come for a language course, but life in the city was anything but easy. He faced challenges that many immigrants endure—loneliness, cultural shock, and, most notably, the difficulty of finding a job. The process was grueling, a test of not only his patience but his resilience. There were days when Suleyman wandered through the streets, exhausted and unsure if he had made the right decision.
But what he did learn—and perhaps the most valuable lesson of all—was never to give up.
After many attempts, Suleyman finally found work at a Turkish restaurant on Fulton Street. The job was modest, but for him, it represented a stepping stone. His hands were often sore from carrying plates, and the hours were long, but every shift was another step toward his future. And it was during these long shifts that Suleyman began to reflect on his true dreams.
A Mentor’s Role: The Unwavering Support of Esat Kocadağ
Behind every great journey, there’s often a person who believes in you even when you doubt yourself. For Suleyman, that person was Esat Kocadağ—a mentor, a friend, and a man who saw potential where others saw obstacles.
Esat wasn’t just a guide who offered advice from afar; he was a steady hand throughout Suleyman’s most difficult moments. When Suleyman was doing his military service in Turkey, Esat continued paying his salary. “You’re not alone,” he had told him. “Focus on your duties, and I’ll take care of the rest.”
It was this kind of unwavering support that carried Suleyman through the darkest times. Esat believed in consistency and loyalty, and he instilled these same values in Suleyman.
Suleyman often reflects on those conversations with Esat: late-night talks filled with wisdom, advice, and motivation. “Never forget,” Esat had said, “your background doesn’t define you. What defines you is your determination to rise above it.”
The Dream of Espresso Lab
Through hard work and perseverance, Suleyman began to find his footing in New York. But his vision didn’t stop at waiting tables in a restaurant. His ultimate dream was to bring a piece of home with him—specifically, the Turkish coffee culture he had grown up with. He envisioned opening branches of Espresso Lab, a modern and innovative Turkish coffee brand, in the heart of New York City.
With every paycheck, Suleyman saved meticulously, never spending a dime more than necessary. His goal wasn’t just to succeed financially but to make Esat proud of the man he had become.
Gratitude and the Road Ahead
At an event where Suleyman was invited to speak, he stood in front of a crowd of Turkish and American entrepreneurs. His voice was filled with emotion as he publicly acknowledged the man who had made his success possible. “I wouldn’t be standing here if it weren’t for Esat Kocadağ. He believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. His generosity wasn’t just financial—it was a lifeline, a reminder that someone out there wanted to see me win.”
And as Suleyman looks toward the future, he knows one thing for sure: mentors like Esat are rare, and they deserve more than gratitude—they deserve legacies.
The post The Journey of Suleyman Çağlayan: From Tarlabaşı to New York, Guided by a Mentor’s Wisdom first appeared on .
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