Hey there!

I’m Ali Rıza, a brand and reputation consultant based in Izmir, Türkiye. I’m also the founder of ART Brand Atelier, where I help brands grow stronger by refining how they’re perceived. My life motto, both professionally and personally, is: “Perception is the reality.”

I’ve used Couchsurfing actively in the past, especially during my internship in Serbia back in 2019, and I’ve always loved the connections and friendships it helped me build. After a long break, I’m back — not necessarily to host or stay, but to reconnect with what I loved most: meeting people, sharing stories, and experiencing places through the eyes of locals and fellow travelers.

I usually travel solo and work freelance, so I’m always up for meeting a friendly face for a chat, coffee, or even a co-working buddy during the day. My travels often include visiting malls and stores as part of my job, but I always make time to dive into the local culture — from historical sites and traditional food to long walks and vibrant nightlife.

People usually find me easygoing, curious, a good listener, and someone who can bring meaningful conversations to the table. I’d love to get to know new people, learn from them, and hopefully leave them with something inspiring in return.

Let's keep in touch.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’m on Couchsurfing to meet inspiring people from around the world and to connect with locals or fellow solo travelers wherever I go. For me, travel isn’t just about places — it’s about people, stories, and shared experiences.

I don’t usually use Couchsurfing for accommodation, but I love using it to expand my network, make meaningful connections, and find someone to grab coffee, co-work with during the day, or explore the city together.

After using Couchsurfing actively before pandemic, I’m now rediscovering the joy of spontaneous conversations, cultural exchange, and human connection that this community offers.

Interests

• design
• fashion
• communications
• youtube
• cinema
• pop music
• netflix
• social media
• fine arts
• pop culture
• agatha christie
• crime novels
• slavic culture
• tim burton
• edgar allan poe

Music, Movies, and Books

My music taste is pretty eclectic — it really depends on the mood. I can go from dance pop to deep house, indie Turkish tunes to classic rock. I love discovering local music scenes wherever I travel; nothing beats a live performance in an unexpected venue.

I’m a huge fan of thought-provoking dramas, well-written biopics, and cleverly directed indie films. I also enjoy the occasional feel-good movie or sharp comedy. Some films stick with me for their dialogue, others for their cinematography.

I read a lot about branding, communication, and human behavior — not just for work, but because I’m genuinely fascinated by how people think and perceive the world. I also enjoy modern literature, memoirs, and the occasional historical fiction. My bookshelf is a mix of strategy, psychology, and stories that linger.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I had the chance to lead the "Water Explorer" social responsibility project in Türkiye during 2022–2023 with my company. It was an international environmental education program that empowered young people to become water-conscious changemakers. Coordinating its implementation across schools and communities was both challenging and deeply fulfilling — knowing it left a positive impact made it one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.

Teach, Learn, Share

As a communication strategist, I love talking about perception, branding, and how people and ideas are shaped in the public eye. If you’re curious about personal branding, media relations, or storytelling — I’m always up for a good conversation. I can also share tips on freelancing, networking, and working remotely while traveling.

I’m always eager to learn about different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. Whether it’s a local recipe, a piece of history, or a personal philosophy — I’m genuinely interested. Teach me something unique about your city or country!

I can share good vibes, deep talks, my curiosity, and an open mind. Also happy to share meals, music, workspaces, long walks, or a spontaneous city adventure. I believe the best part of traveling is what you share with others along the way.

What I Can Share with Hosts

First of all — good company and great conversation. I’m someone who truly enjoys meaningful dialogue, open-mindedness, and sharing life stories. I’m a communicator by profession, so listening and connecting genuinely comes naturally to me.

I can also offer you a travel buddy for part of your day, a curious mind to explore with, or just someone to chat with over coffee or dinner. I’m neat, respectful, and quite independent, so I’ll always be mindful of your space and time.

If you’re interested, I’d be happy to share insights on branding, communication, or how to build a strong personal or business identity. And of course, I’ll bring a warm smile, Turkish hospitality, and probably some interesting stories from the world of marketing and travel.

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovakia

Countries I’ve Lived In

Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey