Hucrem Hale Afakirya
Abuja,Nigeria
Summary
Management and communications professional with 9+ years of leading teams and managing cross-cultural operations between Nigerian and Turkish clients. Skilled negotiator with proven ability to close deals, handle projects end-to-end and resolve complex client issues. Experienced in TR-ENG interpretation with deep understanding of Nigeria -Turkey business dynamics, stakeholder management, and delivering training on sales /customer service. 13 years’ experience bridging Turkish investors/businesses with Nigerian clients through interpretation, contract negotiations, and project delivery.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Managing Director/Interior Designer
Cavallo Luxury Design Ltd.
Abuja
2016.08 - 2025.12
- Directing day-to-day work of 11 employees and motivated teams to exceed objectives.
- Directing administration and optimisation of financial operations, payroll and accounting process.
- Coordinating with the auditor on the company’s annual accounts and financial statements alongside shareholders to verify accuracy.
- Regular presentation of financial reports to the board of directors.
- Leading client negotiations for project-based deals, closing high-value deals with Nigerian clients by handling objections, building trust, ensuring customer satisfaction, overseeing project execution end-to-end.
- Interpreted business needs, client’s requirements and cost structures to increase forecast accuracy.
- Met clients to determine décor needs and project scopes covering space planning, layout and colour schemes.
- Developed space planning concepts and selection of colour palettes and material presentation.
- Designed custom furniture adapted to floor plans, working with multiple furniture vendors.
- Selected furniture, accessories and building materials for different interior spaces, desired form of function and renovation of existing structures. Travelled outside of the country for project shopping.
- Organised importation of goods including the process of production, freight and clearing from Turkey to Nigeria.
- Visited exhibitions and related events around the World to maintain up-dated knowledge on industry trends and changing styles, contributing ideas and productive client relationships. (Exhibitions like CNR Istanbul Furniture Fair, Salone Del Mobile Milano Furniture Fair in Italy, Decorex London in England)
Turkish Language Instructor
Yunus Emre Institute
Abuja
2022.03 - 2023.12
- Designed A1-C1 level Turkish lessons for groups of students from different backgrounds, ages and nationalities.
- Conducted exams, written tests, and tracked student progress with detailed feedback reports.
- Worked with the directors of the institute to hold official/diplomatic events, coordinating official meetings, seating plans and protocol flow.
- Provided Turkish-English translation, briefing notes for directors.
Sales Specialist
GL Events
ANKARA
2013.02 - 2016.06
- Set up appointments with potential and current customers to discuss new events and services.
- Prepared sales contracts.
- Collected and processed payments.
- Maintained routine communication with clients to assess overall satisfaction, resolve complaints and promote new offerings.
- Helped resolve client problems quickly with superior customer service.
- Organized events like Furniture Exhibition, IT Workshop and Exhibition.
- Took part in the promotion of the events in overseas countries, mainly targeted West African countries like Nigeria to attract potential buyers to the events to introduce them to the first-hand producers, vendors in Turkey.
- Followed all trade events, B2B and B2C meetings organized by government and private institutions to promote the events and extend the network for potential visitors.
- Travelled to targeted countries like Nigeria, Qatar, Dubai for creating an extended network for potential customers in order them to visit the exhibitions and promote the events.
Education
Master's Degree - Foreign Trade and International Marketing
ANKARA UNIVERSITY
ANKARA, TURKEYBachelor's Degree - Art History (Double Major), Philosophy
ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY
ISTANBUL, TURKEYAssociate's Degree - Public Relations
ANADOLU UNIVERSITY
ESKISEHIR, TURKEYSkills
- Computer Skills: Microsoft Word, Excel and QuickBooks, AutoCAD
- International Relations
- Organizational Leadership & Team Development
- Project& Event Management
- Cross-cultural Communication& Negotiation
- Budget and Vendor Management
- Client and Service Experience
- Sales & Customer Service Training, Staff Development
Certification
- Edward Language School- London/ UK Advance Level Certificate in English
- Framingham State University - Massachusetts/USA Academic Writing
- TSE, Turkish Standards Institution- Ankara/TURKEY Quality Management Certificate
- Istanbul Academy of Fine Arts-Istanbul/TURKEY Interior Architecture
Languages
Turkish (Native), English (Advanced), French (Beginner)
REFERENCES
- Nnamdi, Okafor, Director/CEO, +234 803 788 0928, Infinity Furniture Ltd.
- Macit, Koc, Director, +234 810 271 3060, Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center
Timeline
Turkish Language Instructor
Yunus Emre Institute
2022.03 - 2023.12
Managing Director/Interior Designer
Cavallo Luxury Design Ltd.
2016.08 - 2025.12
Sales Specialist
GL Events
2013.02 - 2016.06
Bachelor's Degree - Art History (Double Major), Philosophy
ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY
Associate's Degree - Public Relations
ANADOLU UNIVERSITY
Master's Degree - Foreign Trade and International Marketing
ANKARA UNIVERSITY