From balancing ledgers to building brands, Tugce Kaplan discovered her true calling was helping other visionaries shine online.
Her path to entrepreneurship wasn’t linear, it was a leap of faith. With a degree in public finance and an early career in audit and accounting, Tugce quickly realized she was in the wrong industry.
“I realized I was in the wrong industry for myself,” she recalls. “Making that decision for a major change was the start of everything.”
That bold shift led her to the world of marketing, where she found not just a career, but a deep sense of purpose.
“Each day working in marketing filled my life. It became something I was passionate about, it didn’t feel forced or negative anymore.”
Even then, entrepreneurship wasn’t part of the plan. But as more business owners began seeking her help with their websites and online presence, the path became clear.
“After I started my own business, I thought, why didn’t I do this earlier?” she smiles.
The Why: A Partner in Your Success
That “why” became the driving force behind TK Marketing Hub, Tugce’s boutique agency dedicated to helping entrepreneurs bring their vision to life online.
“They had the idea, they had the business, but online it didn’t reflect that well,” she explains. “When I create that online business system, when I reflect their vision and help them show up as they deserve, and they start seeing results… that’s the most satisfying part. The satisfaction in the work makes it all worth it.”
The Expert’s Perspective: Cutting Through the Chaos
With years of hands-on experience, Tugce has identified the biggest challenge most entrepreneurs face: overwhelm.
“The most common mistake is disorganization, in their systems and in their mind,” she shares. “Marketing is such a large subject. Most business owners think of all parts at once, without a plan or prioritization.”
Her approach centers on clarity and structure.
“When I come aboard, the first thing I do is create a roadmap. We prioritize what their business needs most and choose the platforms that will benefit them the most. That strategy prevents wasted time and budget.”
A Case Study: From Chaos to Clarity
Tugce recalls working with a client who tried to DIY his WordPress site with help from a well-meaning friend.
“It became a whole hot mess,” she laughs. “He knew what he wanted, but everything was disorganized.”
She stepped in, defined clear branding guidelines, clarified goals, and built a cohesive, user-friendly website complete with a booking option.
“Seeing his relief, being able to focus on growing his business instead of feeling stuck, was worth all the hours spent,” Tugce says. “At the end, a relationship was built, and that matters.”
The Entrepreneurial Journey: Continuous Growth
For her, entrepreneurship is a journey of constant evolution.
“You consistently want to do more, be more. It takes effort to learn in so many ways,” she reflects.
Her biggest lesson? The human side of business.
“I’m in a service industry, and I work with many types of business owners. People management is key, understanding different mindsets, bringing them relief, and improving communication every day.”
Recently, Tugce shared three powerful lessons on her LinkedIn, a reflection of her commitment to transparency and growth.
“I believe in learning out loud,” she says. “That’s how we all grow together.”
Check it out here.
Looking Ahead: Growing with a Personal Touch
The next chapter for TK Marketing Hub focuses on scaling with soul. Tugce plans to build a small, specialized team to support clients more efficiently, while preserving the personal connection her clients love.
“My clients have direct access to me; it’s an ‘I’ve-got-your-back’ experience,” she explains. “They can message me anytime for ideas or quick changes. My goal is to keep that level of trust even as we grow.”
The IKONIK Circle: Collaboration and Community
This same passion for supportive growth led to her latest venture: The IKONIK Circle, a new collaborative project with IKONIK Magazine.
“The idea came to me as a random thought while I was at the gym,” she laughs. After meeting IKONIK founder Oyéta Kokoroko at an Internet Masterminds event, the collaboration just made sense. “I handle so many parts of marketing, but publication was a missing piece. This project allows me to bring my clients more visibility and connection.”
Through The IKONIK Circle, Tugce now offers entrepreneurs the chance to be featured in IKONIK Magazine and receive a complimentary marketing consultation, helping them gain exposure and clarity at the same time.
“It’s all about growing together. We’re just getting started, and I’m so excited for what’s to come.”
Rapid Fire with Tugce
Go-to Drink: “Coffee, black, no sugar, no cream. But only in the mornings! After that, I switch to tea.”
Advice to Her Younger Self: “Don’t question your worth or your ability. And definitely don’t care about those who don’t believe in you, you can do it if you want it enough.”
Explore Her Work:
Discover featured projects and client transformations from TK Marketing Hub.
tkmarketinghub.com/projects
Connect with Tugce
Discover how TK Marketing Hub can help you bring your business to life online.
Book a free 1-on-1 consult today with Tugce, visit tkmarketinghub.com
Instagram: @tkmarketinghub
Presented by IKONIK Magazine
Where visionaries, creators, and founders share stories that inspire culture, connection, and impact. ikonikmagazine.com
