Village People: Mediterranean Living
Owned by Ali and Stacey Engin, Mediterranean Living is a go-to spot in the Village with authentic Turkish homeware and Turkish coffee readings.
We caught up with Ali to hear his story, learn what motivated him to launch his business, and hear his thoughts on being part of the Container Village.
Q: What’s your favourite colour?
A: Purple and blue.
Q: Where did you get the idea for your business?
A: The idea came from my time in Australia. While studying there, I worked at a Turkish restaurant with a section of Turkish products like lamps and cushion covers. I really liked the vibe and thought, ​‘If I ever get the chance, I want to do something like this.’ So, when I moved to Nanaimo, BC, I opened a smaller shop with a similar feel and products. After that, I realized I loved working for myself and decided I didn’t want to work for anyone else anymore.
Q: How did you come up with the name of your business?
A: The name is inspired by my background and the Mediterranean lifestyle. It’s a nod to places like Turkey, Greece, Morocco, and Italy — all around the Mediterranean Sea. I wanted the name to reflect the vibrant colours and the clear, blue waters of the region. The logo with the evil eye ties into that theme too. The brand is all about celebrating handmade products and the unique charm of Mediterranean culture.
Q: Is your Container Village location your first brick-and-mortar retail shop?
A: This is my second physical store. The first one was in British Columbia. I’ve always wanted to open a store ever since I came to Canada, and it’s been exciting to see that dream come true
Q: Why did you want to set up shop at AREA 506?
A: When we were living in Moncton a couple of years ago, we saw an ad on Facebook about the Container Village. We loved the idea of having a smaller store and being close to the cruise ships. The container concept seemed really unique and an attractive meeting place.
Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I always dreamed of being a soccer player and played a bit when I was younger, but school got in the way. My second dream was to own my own shop and be my own boss, which is something I’m excited about achieving.
Q: Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?
A: I would have started my business earlier and been braver about it. There were definitely reasons to hold back — like financial concerns, kids, and other responsibilities — but I wish I’d taken the plunge much sooner.
Q: What do you consider your biggest success?
A: I’d say not giving up. No matter how tough things get, I always keep pushing forward. My family is definitely my biggest success, but the fact that I’ve managed to keep going even after setbacks is something I’m really proud of.
Q: What’s next?
A: I’m considering opening a new concept that combines a bigger coffee shop with our Turkish products, including traditional Turkish coffee readings. I’d love to set up a few of these around New Brunswick. If it doesn’t end up being a coffee shop, I’m also interested in expanding with more locations similar to this one.
If you’re an entrepreneur with a business that you think would be a great fit in the Waterfront Container Village, and you’re interested in hearing more about available opportunities, email hidden; JavaScript is required — we’d love to hear from you!