Our Founders

Rise Home Collection was founded in 2021 by friends Sarah and Nihal. They are a lawyer and an investment banker who share a passion for antique and vintage treasures.

Prior to founding Rise Home Collection, Sarah spent a decade working at international law firms. She has lived in London, Los Angeles and Hong Kong and is now based in Istanbul, Turkey. Sarah’s love for vintage rugs was sparked when she worked with an interior designer to redesign her home in Istanbul.

Sarah says “I bought two vintage rugs and it didn’t take long before I was hooked. They bring together two things I adore: history and beautiful interiors. Being based in Istanbul, I decided to explore the world of rugs that is, very luckily for me, right on my doorstep.”

Nihal is an Istanbullite with a passion for handmade creations and construction projects. Having worked in international investment banking for more than a decade, she now holds the position of director at the largest infrastructure company in Turkey and manages multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects.  Nihal grew up surrounded by highly skilled craftsman. Her family have been carpenters and hammersmiths since the Ottoman Empire – all the way back to the 17th century. Through them she gained an appreciation and discerning eye for handmade objects. 

She says “When the opportunity arose to create Rise Home Collection, it was an intuitive choice. Handmade heirlooms will always be part of who I am.”

As experts in their respective professional fields, our Founders bring a unique perspective to the table. Their business management skills mean that Rise Home Collection is perfectly placed to serve the needs of the design world and individual customers alike.