Meet Nükhet Yalçınkaya aka BlckHoneyGirl a true jewel in the worldwide coffee community. Nükhet connects art with coffee and nourishes the coffee world with content that is always out of the box, out of the ordinary and inspires aficionados all around the globe. She is a designer and a devoted brewer and as she says herself “Sometimes I think coffee might just be an alien gift”.
Nükhet currently helps to develop the Tough Love – a roastery with major rebel energy. She is soaking in all the creative juices there and loving every second of it.
She also handles all of the coffee-related aspects for Turkish Airlines’ Flight Academy inside café called Daniels. From menu development to keeping the vibes right and the brews on point. She is fixated on the atmost guest satisfaction.
Moreover, Nükhet collaborates with various brands in the coffee industry, from equipment, and coffee subscriptions to designing labels and visual identities for roasteries. But only with the brands that have the same values that she does and ones that contribute directly to the coffee community.
Nükhet, what is your first memory with coffee?
My granddad sneakily saved for me the leftover Turkish coffee grounds from his cup, away from my mom’s watchful eyes. It was bitter as hell but oddly thrilling!
What inspired you to pursue a career in the coffee industry, and how did you get started? What did you do before coffee?
I used to work at SPX, the extreme sports store. I was all about snowboarding and skating, but when customers started importing gear from abroad, I thought, “What’s next for me?”. Tattoos blazing, I started looking for jobs in Istanbul that wouldn’t judge me for being me.
Barista life caught my eye—it wasn’t just a job; it was a vibe. I saw this one barista behind the counter, totally in the zone, like it was his stage. Every move was intentional yet human and his smile set the tone for everyone’s day. I was hooked.
You have mentioned that you’ve started your barista career with our ECT İstanbul video. Can you tell us more about it?
I was grinding in a commercial coffee shop, devouring videos and articles like a maniac. ECT Istanbul guide opened my eyes to the city’s specialty coffee gems. Seeing cafés I didn’t even know existed, and learning about roast principles—it was like falling in love. Suddenly, my off days were all about chasing new flavours and geeking out over coffee because of the ECT Istanbul video 8 years ago.
Tell us a bit about your current roles and projects.
As for Tough Love, this brand is my everything right now. I literally uprooted my life to be here. Our motto is pure fire: “Tough Love is brewed for rebels. The misfits and the unapologetically bold. Every sip strikes against the ordinary—a wake-up call for those who live with grit and passion. It’s not just about coffee. It’s about living fiercely without compromise.”
How could I not be inspired by that?
At Daniels, I’m making sure every coffee break for pilots and instructors is top-tier. Plus, I run our social media—because who doesn’t need a little aesthetic caffeine in their feed?
I WORK AT 3 JOBS RIGHT NOW!! WOW.
What parallels do you draw between the rituals of coffee and the rituals of art?
Coffee brewing feels like an art form to me. The first time I made a pour-over, the bloom reminded me of cosmic explosions—like the universe was unfolding in my server. It made me believe coffee might just be an alien gift.
Both art and coffee rituals are about flow, creativity, and passion. For me, art loses its magic when it’s made just for money, and coffee loses its soul if it’s not brewed with love. It’s about doing it for yourself first, then sharing the joy with others.
What stories or values do you aim to convey through your coffee-inspired illustrations?
Hands. My art is full of hands because they’re the real heroes—from the farmers picking cherries to the barista pouring latte art. I also use mountains and asymmetrical patterns to reflect coffee’s journey: it’s tough, raw, and unpredictable, but always standing tall, like nature’s perfect chaos.
How did your experiences growing up in a restrictive and judgmental environment shape your creative philosophy?
When you grow up in a cage, your mind learns to fly. My art is bold and unapologetic because it’s my escape and my rebellion. Every brushstroke or coffee bloom is me saying, “I’m here, and I’m free.”
How do you maintain authenticity and confidence while navigating the pressures of social media and commercial demands?
Honestly, reels almost killed my vibe. Ten-second videos? Ugh. I used to film multi-angle shots with proper storytelling. But then I reminded myself: my social media is for me. It’s my immortal diary, not just a feed for likes and shares.
I’m all about loyal followers, not numbers. Staying true to myself keeps me grounded, and I’ll keep sharing my world with whoever vibes with it.
What draws you to collaborate with brands like Cxffeeblack and Orea, and how do these partnerships align with your values?
Working with Cxffeeblack was magical. They’re all about the culture, the art, and the struggle behind coffee. Seeing my art turn into a product was surreal.
Orea? Total game-changer. They broke all the rules and created something genuinely unique. I only collaborate with brands that respect sustainability, coffee farmers, and the unique artist. If they’re not about that life, I’m out.
How do you envision the coffee industry evolving, and what role do you see art playing in that transformation?
Art and coffee will always dance together, but I see minimalism taking over in coffee shops. Robusta might get its moment in the spotlight too—it is a fighter, just like us.
But let’s be real: coffee might become a luxury, like in some dystopian movie. If we can still afford a cup in the future, we’ll count ourselves lucky.
What is your ultimate vision for blending your passions for coffee and design?
Freedom. Give me creative freedom, and I’ll give you magic. From Dubai to Canada, every design I’ve done without limits feels like a legacy. I want to keep working with passionate people and create work that lasts.
What message would you give to those who feel like the “bad sheep” in their communities, based on your journey?
Being an outsider is a blessing. It gives you space to grow and figure out who you really are. Look at the people judging you—they’re stuck in toxic cycles and craving validation.
Focus on yourself. Be your own hero. I started making videos with a watering can from IKEA, and look at me now! Feed your soul with music, movies, and knowledge. I’m living proof that self-love can take you places.
What coffee challenges are you looking forward to? Any new projects or collaborations?
Tough Love is about to explode with collaborations—musicians, tattoo artists, students, you name it. We’re dropping merch, throwing events, and chasing every childhood dream. We are just a dream now, but who needs dreams to come true in real life… We dream it. It will be real.
Quick Fire Questions for Nükhet Yalçınkaya:
Would you serve filter coffee with milk if asked for it?
Not if it is a manual brew.
Do you ever take sugar with your coffee?
Just with Turkish coffee.
Espresso or Filter coffee?
It depends but mostly filter coffee.
Milky or Black?
It’s obvious. Only Black.
Do you aim for Sweetness, Acidity, or Body?
Sweetness.
Slurp or Spit?
Always slurp.
Cake or Pastry with your coffee?
Cake!
Hobby besides coffee?
Skating, painting and all the creative things out there.
Favourite piece of barista equipment?
The scale!
