Meet Emre Sonmez

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Emre Sonmez again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Emre, always such a pleasure connecting with you and thank you for sharing your stories, insights and inspiring messages with our community. We’re looking forward to getting the download and what you have been up to since our last interview, but first can you briefly introduce yourself to folks who might have missed the prior conversation.
Hello again, Shoutout LA! It’s great to reconnect and share what’s been happening since our last chat. I’m Emre Sonmez, and it’s been an exciting journey navigating the ups and downs with my brands, SOFI and FabricLA.

About My Brands: At SOFI, we continue to excel as a trusted wholesale fabric importer and distributor, connecting designers and retailers with top-quality fabrics from mills in Turkey, China, and Taiwan. We’re all about providing a vast selection, from knits and wovens to special novelties, and we take pride in our custom printing services. FabricLA, on the other hand, caters to DIY enthusiasts and professional crafters, offering a variety of materials that inspire and enable all kinds of creative projects.

What Makes Us Stand Out: Our competitive edge? Definitely foresight. Anticipating trends and adapting swiftly is part of our DNA. This isn’t just about selling fabric—it’s about building lasting relationships through stellar service that puts our customers at the forefront.

Highlights of My Journey: Over the past few years, I’ve learned a lot about resilience and innovation. From expanding our product lines to enhance our offerings to adapting our strategies in a dynamic economic climate, every step has been about growth and learning.

My Path Here: Reaching this point was no small feat. It involved a lot of hard work, strategic thinking, and a commitment to never settle. The challenges of starting and growing a business from the ground up from financial hurdles to staying motivated are daunting, but they’re also what mold you into a better leader and entrepreneur.

Looking Forward: Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue innovating and improving. Whether it’s finding new ways to meet our clients’ needs or enhancing our service, both SOFI and FabricLA are dedicated to not just meeting but exceeding expectations. We aim to ensure that everyone who works with us not only finds what they’re looking for but also leaves feeling valued and supported.

Awesome, so we reached out because we wanted to hear all about what you have been up to since we last connected.
Since we last spoke, the landscape has continued to evolve rapidly, and both SOFI and FabricLA have navigated these changes with a focus on growth and adaptation.

The past few years have been a whirlwind of activity. At SOFI, we’ve further solidified our position as a key player in the wholesale fabric industry. We’ve expanded our partnerships and continued to diversify our product offerings to meet the ever-changing demands of designers and retailers. This expansion has not been without its challenges, especially given the global supply chain disruptions. However, our ability to remain flexible and responsive has allowed us to manage these challenges effectively and even turn them into opportunities for innovation.
FabricLA has also seen tremendous growth. We’ve broadened our reach in the retail market, enhancing our online presence to better serve DIY enthusiasts and professional crafters. Our focus has been on providing an array of fabrics that not only inspire creativity but also meet the practical needs of our customers.

One of the most exciting developments has been our increased use of digital technology to improve customer interaction. We’ve implemented new online tools that enhance the shopping experience, allowing customers to easily find and order the exact fabrics they need. Watching our team adapt and embrace these new technologies has been incredibly rewarding.

Moreover, I’ve been thrilled to see our community engagement skyrocket. We’ve launched a series of DIY videos on our YouTube channel, drawing in creatives from all over the world. These videos have not only boosted our brand visibility but have also strengthened the sense of community that FabricLA is all about. By sharing our expertise and encouraging viewer interaction, we’ve created a vibrant space where enthusiasts can learn, create, and share their passion for crafting.

Naturally, the journey hasn’t been without its obstacles. Navigating the financial complexities of expanding a business in a fluctuating economy has been challenging. Keeping pace with market trends and customer expectations requires constant vigilance and flexibility. Yet, these challenges have taught us invaluable lessons in resilience and innovation.
Looking Forward: Looking ahead, I am most excited about exploring new markets and continuing to innovate our product lines. There are plans in place to further expand our eco-conscious selections, responding to the growing demand for sustainable and responsibly sourced materials. We’re also looking to strengthen our community initiatives, giving back to the areas we serve and fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration.
As we move forward, my focus remains on maintaining the high standards of quality and service that our customers expect from SOFI and FabricLA. The next chapters of our story are filled with potential, and I am as motivated as ever to see where they will lead.

Alright, so let’s do something a bit more fast-paced and lighthearted. We call this our lightning round and we’ll ask you a few quick questions.

Favorite Movie: Shawshank Redemption, Inception, The Matrix

Favorite Book: Emotional Intelligence, Built to Sell, The E-Myth Revisited.

Favorite TV Show: The Sopranos, Mad Man

Favorite Band or Artist: The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyed, Queen

Sweet or Savory: Sweet

Mountains or Beach: Beach

Favorite Sport (to watch): Swimming

Favorite Sport (to play): Soccer

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Swimming

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: Race car driver

French Fries or Onion Rings: French Fries

Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: Bobby Axelrod

Favorite Cartoon growing up: Tom and Jerry, He-Man

Favorite Childhood movie: Home Alone, E. T

Favorite Breakfast Food: Breakfast burrito

What do you want people to remember about you and your brand? What are some of things that you feel are most important, unique, special, etc?
I want people to remember more than just our products at FabricLA. Yes, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of fabrics and crafting materials, but what’s truly important to me is how these products fit into the lives of our customers. I hope they remember how our DIY hobby kits helped create special moments at home, crafting with kids or laughing with friends over a new project. These are the memories that last a lifetime.
At FabricLA, we’re not just selling fabric we’re offering a way to make meaningful connections and create joyous experiences. Whether it’s a quiet evening spent sewing with a spouse or a lively afternoon crafting with children, these moments are precious. They’re what life is really about: spending time with loved ones and making memories.
Moreover, I hope people remember me as someone who embodies honesty and a strong work ethic. I am someone who is never daunted by the amount of work ahead. These traits are at the core of how I lead my life and manage our business, striving to provide the best for everyone we touch through our work.
So, when you think of FabricLA, I hope you think of the warmth of a shared project, the smiles of your family, and the laughter of friends. But also, remember the dedication and integrity behind it all. That’s the legacy I hope to build and the memory I wish to leave in the hearts of our customers.

Website: https://www.fabricla.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabricla_

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18988978/admin/dashboard/

Twitter: https://x.com/fabricla_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fabricla/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fabricla-los-angeles-2

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@fabricla_?si=EAGhjFU00EddAklB

Other: https://www.sourceoffabric.com