When it comes to combining passion and purpose, few stories are as inspiring as that of Ediz Ozturk, founder and CEO of Doyoueven. From nearly becoming a lawyer to building one of Australia’s leading activewear brands, Ediz has redefined what it means to follow your dreams.
With Doyoueven reaching customers in over 150 countries, Ediz has created more than just a fitness brand—it’s a global community that empowers people to push their limits and embrace self-improvement. In this interview, Ediz shares how he turned a simple fitness blog into a thriving movement, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and what drives his mission to inspire others every single day.
Ediz, turning a simple fitness blog into a global brand in just five years is incredible! What was it that first sparked your passion for starting the blog, and did you ever think it would grow into something this big?
Fitness was always a huge part of my life, and the blog started as a way to share my journey and connect with like-minded individuals. It was never about creating a brand initially but more about fostering a space where people could feel inspired and motivated. I never imagined it would grow into what it is today, but the resonance/passion of our community fueled the evolution from blog to brand, and that collective support is what made it possible.
You were so close to becoming a lawyer before diving into the world of fitness. What made you take that leap of faith, and how has your background in law influenced the way you’ve built Doyoueven?
Leaving law school in my final semester was a tough decision, but I realised I wasn’t passionate about the path I was on. Fitness was where my heart truly lay, and I wanted to create something aligned with my values. My legal background has been invaluable, though- it taught me discipline, attention to detail, and a structured way of thinking that I’ve applied to everything from business strategy to negotiating partnerships.
Sending out those first pieces of merch to influencers was such a creative idea, especially back when it wasn’t the norm. How did you come up with that approach, and how has your marketing evolved as the brand has taken off?
At the time, it was less about marketing and more about sharing what we’d created with people who genuinely inspired us. I wanted to see if the brand resonated with them, and fortunately, it did. Over time our marketing has become much more sophisticated, ensuring there’s an omni-channel strategy to our approach, balancing influencer partnerships, storytelling, and data-driven strategies while still staying true to that authentic connection we built in the beginning.
The sense of community around Doyoueven is really special. How important was it for you to create that community vibe from the start, and what are some of the ways you keep that connection strong with your customers today?
The community has always been at the core of Doyoueven- it’s what drives the brand forward. From day one, we focused on empowering individuals to push their limits and share their journeys. Today, we continue to keep that connection strong through social media content, events, and initiatives like giveaways or behind-the-scenes looks at our creative process. Listening to and involving our customers has been key to maintaining that bond.
Your collections often sell out so quickly, which shows just how passionate your customers are! How do you manage the excitement of those limited drops while also making sure everyone who wants a piece can get one?
Managing demand while maintaining exclusivity is a fine balance. Limited drops are about creating excitement and celebrating the launch of something special. At the same time, we’re always mindful of customer feedback, and where possible, we plan to restock or refine our production forecasts to meet demand. The goal is to keep the energy high while ensuring our community feels valued and included.
Doyoueven has grown to reach people in over 150 countries, which is amazing! What have been some of the challenges in taking the brand global, and how do you keep that close, personal touch with such a wide audience?
Going global has been an incredible journey but not without its challenges- things like navigating international logistics and staying consistent with our message while catering to different markets. We’ve kept that personal touch by staying true to our core values and engaging directly with our community through social media, email marketing, and personalised customer service. It’s all about making sure every customer feels like they’re part of the Doyoueven family, no matter where they are.
It’s clear that you’ve turned your passion into a thriving business. What advice would you give to someone who’s looking to do the same, especially when it comes to staying true to what they love?
Start with something you genuinely care about- something that feels like an extension of who you are. Build from a place of passion and authenticity, but also be prepared to adapt, learn, and evolve along the way. Consistency is key, as is listening to your audience. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to take risks- as cliche ,as it may sound, some of the best opportunities come from stepping outside of your comfort zone!