Dena is a native of Washington State, married to a Turkish engineer, and has traveled to and lived in Turkey off and on for over twenty years.

She fell in love with all of the art, handicraft, and textiles she found in her adopted land and second home, Istanbul.

Dena personally  selects unique treasures for the shop in Bothell, and with the support of the Seattle area dance community she manages a Belly Dance School.  Now the store represents all the major handicraft and art traditions of Turkey, but also has a growing inventory of dance supplies and costuming for Belly Dancers of all styles.