Hey, I’m Talya Kaya

Some years ago, I made a pivotal decision that changed the trajectory of my career. Despite graduating from Political Science in college, I found myself drawn to UX Design. It wasn’t an easy shift, but I taught myself how to code, explored tools like Sketch & Figma, and eventually got accepted into the UX Engineering graduate program at Goldsmiths, University of London.

Before the Shift

I was working as a product manager at a startup, after having built a diverse career in industries like pharmaceuticals, marketing, and even acting. While I was hitting milestones—getting aspired results, increasing my income —there was something missing. I didn’t feel connected to the work I was doing. It lacked meaning for me, and the daily 9-5 grind left me craving freedom and a sense of belonging.

The Turning Point

One day, while sitting with my designer colleague at work, I realized I didn’t want to be the one just briefing someone else—I wanted to be the one creating. If others could do it, I knew I could, too. That moment sparked a shift in me. I began teaching myself, taking online courses, and learning how to design and code, determined to prove that I could break through my own limits.

New Beginnings

After graduating with distinction from Goldsmiths University of London, I stepped into the world of UX with a fire I hadn’t felt in any previous role. My first challenge came at a large enterprise, it was a crash course in the kind of real-world impact UX could have. Navigating between stakeholder expectations and user needs, I saw firsthand how design could transform the way people interact with technology. It was the perfect blend of creativity and problem-solving, but deep down, I knew I wanted something more dynamic.

That’s when I joined a global startup. It was a fast-paced environment where ideas were currency, and I was fortunate enough to meet a mentor who would reshape the way I thought about design and product development. I began to see UX not just as a functional discipline but as a creative force that could drive business strategy.

However, my journey took a turn when I realized that not everyone appreciated the power of UX. At one point, a co-founder casually referred to UX as "cosmetic makeup for the product," a sentiment that made me rethink my position.

I made the bold decision to join another startup as the Head of Product, where I had the freedom to shape the entire product process from the ground up. It was here that I truly found my voice in UX. I introduced frameworks that harmonized design with development, bridged the gap between user needs and business goals, and led the charge in creating a product that gained recognition within the industry.

That experience gave me the confidence to launch my own brand. Landing the first client became a defining moment, a testament to the fact that I had turned a dream into something real, something impactful. It was a feeling of validation, filled with both challenges and triumphs. There are moments of pure freedom, but also days of struggle. I’ve learned that while owning your path is empowering, it also means taking full responsibility for your success.

Why I’m Sharing This

I believe that the power of UX lies in its ability to bridge the gap between users and businesses, creating experiences that are not only functional but impactful. My journey into UX wasn’t magic—it was the result of hard work, curiosity, and a belief that design can transform how people interact with products.

Today, I help businesses and teams achieve that transformation through tailored UX consulting services. Whether it’s managing complex UX workflows, designing intuitive products, conducting in-depth user research, or building scalable design systems, my mission is to turn your vision into results-driven solutions.

Let’s Connect

If you’re looking for a UX expert to elevate your product or team, let’s start a conversation. Whether you need guidance on UX strategy, help with design execution, or support in understanding your users, I’m here to collaborate with you.

Let’s create something great together—get in touch here.