Portraits from ATU

Latvia

Madara Ārenta Uzunosmanoglu

Can you introduce yourself? What is your name and surname?

My name is Madara Ārenta Uzunosmanoglu. I am one of the creative souls in this company, with a big and pure heart. I am Latvian with plenty of Turkish vibes in my life, a proud mother of two wonderful kids and a loving wife. I was born in Latvia into a very talented family. 

What is your role at ATU Duty Free and what do you do in this role?

I have been part of ATU Duty Free for 14 years now, and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience different sides of the company throughout this journey.

I had the honor of starting my career with ATU in Tunisia, working in the Category Department. This gave me a great understanding of the company’s operations and the different processes behind the business. Later, I moved into Corporate Communications, where I had the opportunity to work across all five airports we had at that time.

For the past eight years, my journey has continued in Riga, where I have been part of the local operation and built many wonderful memories and relationships.

Now, as we are approaching the closure of our Riga operation, I will enter a new chapter with new country.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I consider myself a citizen of the world. After university, I had the opportunity to live in several different countries — Bulgaria, Egypt, and Tunisia, even before ATU Duty Free was there.

These experiences taught me that home is not necessarily one particular place. For me, home is wherever I am with the people I love. With my family by my side, I believe I can build a home anywhere in the world.

The most important thing is to be surrounded by the people you love. Everything else — the place, the memories and the life you create — can be built along the way.

I think this love for living in different countries comes from my deeper roots. My dad lived in Thailand for 18 years, my uncle lived in Ghana, and my great-grandmother emigrated to France. So, perhaps this love of discovering new places and feeling at home around the world is simply in my genes!

Is there a characteristic you would like to change about yourself? Why?

I would say patience. I’m a person who likes things to happen quickly — when I have an idea or a task, I want to get it done immediately. I’m still learning that sometimes the best things take time, and not everything has to happen right now.

What is your favorite feature of yourself that you are most proud of?

Caring. I’m proud that I genuinely care about people. Whether it’s my family, colleagues, or friends, when I care about someone, I’m fully there for them. 

What is your greatest fear in life? 

The death of people closes to me. 

Is there a talent you wish you had? 

I wish I had a talent for drawing realistic sketches and portraits directly from memory.

Who is your favorite historical hero, from the past or present? 

I wouldn't pick a celebrity or public figure, but honestly, whenever I see a mother with five children, I genuinely view her as a hero.

What qualities do you most value in a friend? 

For me, a true friend is someone who is honest and trustworthy, someone with whom I can be myself and who doesn’t put their own ego first. These are the values I appreciate most in people, because I believe a strong friendship is built on trust, honesty, and mutual respect.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

 I cry so easily—whether it's seeing elderly people who can’t help themselves, sick children, or even just watching a movie. Sometimes I honestly wish I were a bit more cold-hearted.

What is your favorite activity to do in your free time? 

So, honestly, one of my favorite activities at the moment is simply enjoying a quiet moment in silence with a warm cup of coffee. It sounds very simple, but sometimes it feels like the ultimate luxury.

Before having children, I was much more adventurous. I used to dive a lot in the Red Sea, I enjoyed cycling, and, most of all, I loved travelling. Travelling was number one in my life — discovering new countries, cultures, and places has always given me so much energy and inspiration.

What is your biggest regret in life?

I have no regrets. My life is like a book—maybe I'll write it all down one day. It would begin with my childhood — with summers spent growing up in a castle with my grandfather in a small town called Vecauce.

Then there would be the story of how I graduated from university despite a very serious accident. The doctors told me that I might never walk again if I did not recover properly. But I did recover. I graduated, and I walk.

After that came my adventures in the Sahara, where I worked as a guide, followed by several years at sea, working as a sailor. There were Baltic Sea storms, unforgettable journeys, unexpected situations, and countless adventures along the way.

And, of course, there would be the story of how I met my husband — a story that feels as if it was written by destiny itself.

Can you share with us the place and time where you felt the happiest? 

The Maldives holds such a special place in my heart—it's where we were married 14 years ago, and that day remains an unforgettable moment for me and my husband.

Do you have a slogan or motto that has motivated you throughout your life?

The best way to predict the future is to create it!