How Serhan Aydemir Built a Niche Platform for the Community

January 21, 2025
Written by Admin TOA
Published in Entertainment

Serhan Aydemir's journey from Türkiye to the United States is a testament to his passion for technology and determination to build a new life. Growing up with an interest in technology and computers, Aydemir’s career began to take shape with the rise of the internet in Turkey during the mid-90s. With a background in graphic and web design, his move to the U.S. in 2010 represented a significant step toward pursuing his dreams.
The decision to relocate was driven by his longstanding desire to live abroad, a dream initially inspired by his uncle and cousin living in the U.S. However, upon arrival, Aydemir found himself facing the challenge of starting anew in a country where his relatives were no longer present. Leaving behind his family, career, and belongings to start from scratch was no easy feat. Despite these hurdles, Aydemir’s resolve was bolstered by his dreams and the excitement of a new beginning.

His initial experience in America was marked by a five-month period of unemployment. During this time, Aydemir relied on freelance projects from abroad. His diverse experience as a DJ, producer, radio programmer, and graphic and web designer eventually led him to a position at a Turkish radio station, marking his first substantial employment in the U.S.

The concept for usailan.com, a prominent Turkish-language website serving the Turkish American community, emerged from Aydemir’s observation of a significant gap in resources for Turks living in the U.S. Noticing this need while job hunting in New York, he decided to create a platform to bridge the gap. Launched in April 2011, usailan.com quickly established itself as a valuable resource. Although Hürriyet USA’s classifieds page was a major competitor at the time, Aydemir’s platform soon gained traction. By June 2011, following the closure of Hürriyet USA, usailan.com’s visitor count soared from 80 daily to thousands.

Today, usailan.com offers a wide range of features and services, including job ads, rental listings, business sales, and a ‘Turkish American Business Directory’ for Turkish companies in the U.S. The platform also provides essential information about living in America and includes a ‘Community’ section for users to seek advice and share experiences.

Looking ahead, Aydemir envisions expanding the platform with new modules, including a virtual marketplace for niche products. His commitment to continuous improvement reflects his dedication to meeting the evolving needs of the Turkish American community.

For other immigrants considering starting their own business in the U.S., Aydemir offers a message of resilience and adaptability. He emphasizes that while moving to a new country presents significant challenges, it also offers opportunities for growth. “Believe in yourself, act with determination and patience, and remain open to new cultures. The obstacles you encounter will strengthen you and help you achieve your goals.”

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