Our Founder

Gamze Ates, My Beachy Side Founder
My Beachy Side

 is a fashion label conceived of by entrepreneur Gamze Ates. It offers bold, outspoken, and free spirited women a novel style option for seaside summers, special occasions, and resort vacations. The brand debuts for summer 2016 with accessories, ready-to-wear pieces, and its signature barefoot sandal designs.

While searching for unique accessories for her beachside wedding, Ates dreamed up the idea for My Beachy Side’s first product, an accessory that adorns the legs and feet.  In a moment of creative clarity, she commissioned a jeweled knit “barefoot sandal” to complete her bridal look.  After a stream of compliments and inquiries, Ates realized she had stumbled upon her aha moment and soon launched My Beachy Side with a selection of unique hand knit designs.

My Beachy Side’s social consciousness element gives Syrian refugees and Turkish women opportunities to better their lives.  Ates works with established NGO’s to reach women in difficult situations, and partners with them as vendors to craft her products.  Each is given the opportunity to name her cost for their labor, which, in the spirit of altruism, is not negotiated and paid upon product delivery, providing financial support and building self-esteem. This non-charitable model has proven mutually beneficial in Ates’ native Turkey, where only about 30% of the female population is employed outside the home.

Design inspiration is taken from Ates’ Turkish heritage and cultures around the world where women embrace adornments and the symbolism, including Africa, India, and the Mediterranean. Ates explains, “My Beachy girl keeps her Chakra’s healthy, embraces the big waves, and loves Boho style.  She is in tune with current events and understands what affects one affects all.” 


Prior to launching My Beachy Side, Ates founded Admiral Line, Inc., a successful international shipping company. She later sold it to DHL worldwide and was named a Senior Executive Vice President.  While at DHL, Gamze spearheaded the Emerging Markets for Global Customer Solutions Division, managing operations for 82 countries in the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the former Soviet Union. In addition, Gamze was instrumental in DHL’s Corporate Social Responsibility Program, where she worked with UNICEF and local NGO’s.  Among the list of accomplishments, Ates was also the New York Editor of Turkish Vogue.

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