Mine Senyucel is a pediatric surgeon. At least she used to be in her home country of Turkey but when her family moved to Indiana for her husband’s job, she learned about the hurdles required to obtain her license in the United States.
“I thought when we first moved here, I might go back to medicine but I spent some time with my family and had a young son,” Senyucel said. “The residency in the U.S. would be seven more years and I really enjoyed my life as a housewife and mom.”
She began volunteering at the Indy Humane Society, helping in the preparation and post-op needs of animals who have undergone surgery.
With a skill for crafting since childhood, Senyucel also began working on needle felt, jewelry, mixed medium and various home décor pieces to stay busy.
“My mom is a retired art teacher and I grew up watching her use different techniques and materials. I began making different pieces as presents to family or friends and even to make my home beautiful and unique,” Senyucel said. “One of my friends encouraged me to start an Etsy shop and join the local artisan markets.”
Mine and Unique was created to display and sell her work across the country and Senyucel began attending the various hand-crafted artisan markets in the area.
The former surgeon’s attention to detail is evident in the customized designs and she said she loves allowing her imagination to flow.
“No two pieces are the same,” Senyucel said. “Even if I tried to do the exact same thing, I couldn’t do it because the color or the shape are slightly different. They are all unique and one of a kind.”
Many of her pieces now hang in a child’s bedroom or nursery and she often creates artwork for what she calls “unforgettable moments” such as an anniversary or first birthday.
“It’s been really therapeutic for me and so much fun,” Senyucel said. “I love the creativity and for the first few months, each time I’d finish a project, I couldn’t stop thinking about starting a new one.”
Not only has she found a new calling in life, Senyucel has also found a new community of friends in the vendor markets she attends.
“The people in the community are so kind and they’re interested in my story. I’m enjoying this opportunity,” Senyucel said.
For more information, visit the website at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MineandUnique or follow on Instagram at mine_and_unique.