KIND WORDS & TESTIMONIALS
Curious about our community and programs? Scroll down to read what past participants say. And if you'd like to have priority access to new offerings, subscribe to Letters from Home. You'll be among the first to get notified!
“After participating in Cigdém's programs, my way of thinking about the challenges and obstacles in my life has shifted. I’ve developed a new mental approach and attitude to deal with them. Each of her offers is an opportunity to put ourselves first for a change.”
“This is the most sacred and safest space to write I've discovered online. And this class is a great way of gathering content for a book. It was delightful. What a wonderful experience and a fantastic collection of writers and writing! I'm going to miss this group."
“I would have never been able to do on my own all the deep digging that Cigdém guided me through. My business is now booming in all directions. Great new clients, speaking gigs, teaching, art. I'm so happy!"
“Writing. Stamina. I love this experience. Our writing is becoming a string of stories that paint a much larger picture. The words are flowing and they just won’t stop. Maybe I will write that book some day.”
“I’m thrilled by the chance to experience this whole different way of thinking about writing. Deeply personal, evocative and inspiring. The whole program was beautiful in its structure and detail. Thank you Cigdém, for the richness of your unique creativity and care.”
“Cigdém offers a unique blend of powerful business discussions cloaked in a clear-eyed and kind global view. She is fully present, amazingly available, egalitarian, truthful, funny. And she has a depth of knowledge and resources that are astounding.”
“Cigdém's organization and presentation of information goes far to ensuring I can follow and implement successfully, as well as prompting some inspired and creative solutions formed on solid structure. The additional input and support from both Cigdém and fellow participants is, as always, the top perk.”
"Cigdém's groups completely changed my relationship with writing. I’m not afraid of writing anymore. I even enjoy it. I’m able to tackle larger pieces with a critical eye; I’ve become a better editor. I also decided that a memoir is in order soon—something that never crossed my mind before, ever. Everything Cigdém offers is thorough, well-crafted, and with a sense of completeness. As a facilitator, she complements her evoking writing with a gentle presence, fluff-free.”
"I'm really appreciating all the calm wisdom, advice and tips embedded in this course. The pace is great—each lesson is in a 'bite-sized chunk' and doesn't feel overwhelming. And I enjoy the reassurance of knowing that all the important aspects of my work are being addressed."
“Working with Cigdém has changed how I view and talk about my work. She has a gift of intuition, seeing through all of the crap to the heart and truth of it all. She has an amazing gift for teaching. I’d describe working with her and her presence as indescribable. No words!”
“I’ve been able to increase my income while decreasing travel and other stressful projects. I’m so happy about everything I’ve learned and how my business is shaping up. My business is getting much more focused on the things I love most and I’m getting my offerings in line with my passions and values. I enjoy so much stress-free productivity now!”
“Cigdém's firm yet gentle guidance during this program pushed me to find time I didn’t think I had, make leaps I didn’t think were possible, and enjoy types of work I used to dread. The daily reading, activity and feedback are perfect in length and subject. The communal atmosphere is delightful!”
“I’m in the strategist’s chair every day in my own business, and what I really needed was someone who could give me what I give to my clients: wise, supportive strategy. Working with Cigdém has been one of the smartest investments I’ve made this year.”
“I’ve begun to feel less intimidated by my website and have become willing to embrace it as an art form. Cigdém has vision and takes time to understand you, your perspective and your work. She advises you in a way that is suited to you. I now feel more professional and ready to take my creative business to the next level. People also take me more seriously now because of how I talk about myself and my work on my website.”
“Cigdém creates a vibrant space for women’s voices in a world that feels increasingly hostile to those voices. With creative and probing prompts and exercises, she encouraged me to open up and explore not only what I believe, but why I believe it. It’s not easy work—her programs are rigorous, but it’s necessary work, and in her groups I grew as both a writer and a person."
“Working with Cigdém has saved me time, energy and lots of stress. I feel more confident around the behind-the- scenes parts of my business. The peace of mind that provides allows me to focus more on my clients which is my strong point and the reason I went into business in the first place. My biggest win has been a sense of peacefulness.”
“Thank you for this amazing program, Cigdém. I’m seriously impressed by the quality and depth of it. A strong introvert, I felt validated and understood when going through this course. This class gave me so much hope that I could create a sustainable business and a life that would honor who I am as an introvert and a person needing more calm and quiet to be healthy and happy.”
“Smart. Pointed. Insightful. Spurring... Cigdém has a way of helping you dig deeper to find and embrace a point of difference that’s meaningful for you and your market. Her wealth of knowledge is only matched by her warm and nourishing personality, making each session a delightful experience from start to finish.”
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“Cigdém is the bees-knees of project design and implementation. She’s biz savvy, super creative and makes commerce-chat fun and compelling. I adore her work, empowering women to live their most fulfilling life and getting paid to do what they love!”
“Cigdém has the strengths and gifts of (1) listening to what you say and putting it into the most precise, non-redundant words that capture the essence and spirit in one go, (2) helping you understand both the inner and outer journey you need to go through to discover, develop and share your story, (3) creating a sense of purposeful space to breathe whilst having a plan and deadlines to deliver, and (4) helping you understand your unique brand story vs others that are out there—guided by love but also with a ‘don’t bullshit yourself’ approach.”
“Two weeks. Only two weeks to change my perspective, my viewpoint, my outlook, my awareness, my attitude, my understanding. I don’t consider myself a writer but I do have a story to tell. Deep, deep gratitude for you, Cigdém. For holding my stories, my writing with such grace."
“I cannot recommend Cigdém's work highly enough. She’s extraordinary. You cannot be anywhere in her sphere of influence without being compelled and propelled into action and transformation. She’s winsome and wise; a woman with whom you'd be privileged to connect and work.” Writer & Speaker, USA
“This program came at a time when I was beginning to disconnect from my business and what I enjoy doing the most. Cigdém asks the right questions I didn’t know to ask myself. Through her gentle process, I connected to my business in an entirely new way. Self-reflection is a key cornerstone to this program, and I really loved giving myself time and permission to do so.”
“Can I just say how much I’m loving this group? It’s come along at a time when I should have said no to adding one more thing to my overflowing plate, but I’m so, so grateful I said yes. And I’m more grateful for the honesty, courage, openness and acceptance of everyone here. Thank you.”
“I found this program invaluable to help me clarify my goals, what I want to offer and who my clients are. Besides, my website is much clearer, my blog got cleaned up, I’m running online courses, which is my biggest win so far. I really appreciate Cigdém's intelligence and kindness. She’s given so much to all of us, I don’t know how she does it!”
“I’m amazed by Cigdém's breadth and depth of knowledge and wisdom. I really appreciated the slow and considered intake, without overwhelm. The camaraderie and feeling of belonging was, hands down, the biggest win. I learned things about business that have helped me streamline and develop what I’m doing. And the confidence I’ve gained from knowing I have this support system has made it easier to take the sometimes scary steps I need to take to keep moving forward in my work.”
“Cigdém's been the catalyst for me to step onto my true purpose. To bravely enter the creative abyss. To know that it’s safe to embrace my inner knowing. I cannot thank her enough for her gentle mentorship and patience as I worked through heavy perfectionist energy. Working with Cigdém will bless your life far beyond what I can convey on paper. I highly recommend her work.”
“Cigdém is an amazing mentor. She helped me clarify and refine my project and has been a fountain of creative ideas for business, marketing and getting in touch with my own authentic gifts. In just one call!”
“I wake up in the middle of the night, and I check my phone for new writings. I wake up in the morning and read more pieces over my breakfast. I love each and every single contribution I’ve read. I want more. I check my phone through the day, not wanting to miss a word. And the stories that haven’t been shared yet, or written yet, I so hope they see the light of day here...because we are ourselves here, we are our authentic selves.”
“These writing groups provide a huge opening to explore and navigate my own thoughts and then create from them. Cigdém's stories never fail to start a little tornado, a good tornado, of muses and reflections, forming the words that eventually get put down. I feel increased confidence in my writing by the responses I receive. I also see myself more clearly through my responses to the writing of others.”
“Being part of this group is just filling and emptying me simultaneously. I’ve never found such an accepting space to write the truth in. Me and I had a morning blether—me said ‘this is unlike anything I’ve ever done’ and I replied ‘it’s by far the best thing you’ve ever done.’ I’ve been telling everyone just how amazing and wonderful and inspiring and gutting and everything this is. I’ve never written such raw and open stories before. Thank you Cigdém for such a trusting place to explore.”
“This course provides a strong structure, a container for personal inquiry at a deep soul level. Writing and journaling using this unique program have revealed another layer of the path of becoming whole. I have a new understanding of the facets of my personality and soul. This has allowed me to align the inside and outside, the introvert and extrovert, the personal and public, in a whole new way. I recommend this to anyone on a path of integration who wants to treat themselves to deep self-caring.”
“Women often go through life just ‘faking’ it or trying to get through a day to get to the other side never really knowing who we are, let alone why we’re here or what we’re to learn. My life has never been more meaningful than when I participated in Cigdém's writing and journaling course. It gave me ‘permission’ to go inside without feeling selfish or narcissistic.”
“My heart is leaping out of my chest, Cigdém! This is so amazing for my logical brain and I can play so well with my creativity/writing with this framework. Thank you for this.”
“Cigdém's writing community has offered me a welcoming, safe, supportive space to be seen and heard, and the biggest benefit is confidence in myself as a writer. I recommend this community to any woman who’s looking for a circle of support for her writing. It offers the opportunity to be part of a community; a respectful, caring, honest, and intimate circle. If you’re mid-life and introspective, and if you want to develop or deepen your writing practice, you’ll benefit the most.”
“These essays and prompts have taken me so much deeper than I foresaw, much is churning within, and it’s timely. I’ve been writing privately and hope to have time to share here—there’s much to be gained by sharing. I love coming here to answer the questions. They often give me a different perspective. Thank you!”
“Cigdém brings her authentic self to the table and makes a generous contribution to the world. Her work demonstrates an incredible commitment to excellence and to making the world a better place.”
“This group is unlike anything I’ve experienced. It has unleashed many words that needed a meadow to romp in without fear. One simple thing, one small step! It was exactly what I needed. It was rich and insightful, but manageable! Time to focus on a different perspective of my business. Thank you so much, Cigdém. Your insight and wisdom is a gift to me. I feel nurtured and understood.”
"This course is a beautiful and loving way to honor the passion of writing which overlaps into my world in so many ways. I’m honoring my own self-worth by this commitment, and I can see the gifts blooming already."
“This has to be one of the best programs available online. Cigdém's extensive knowledge and calm reassurance helps you open up to the possibilities of what you are capable of achieving in your creative life and business, and she guides you through at your own pace.”
“This program is great! I wish I had it a long time ago to prevent unnecessary headaches. The training includes so many details that were not provided in past training classes from other experts. Cigdém was very present and prompt. I was surprised by the level of her involvement. Kudos!"
“Cigdém has an amazing gift for inspiring people and bringing them together. With each interaction with her, I come away with an expanded sense of what’s possible and new avenues of thought to travel down.”