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From Military Service to Metalwork: Karen Hakobyan’s Journey Toward a More Secure Future
For 39-year-old Karen Hakobyan, from Noyemberyan, northern Armenia, finding a new path in life meant returning to a craft he had grown up around. After a heart condition forced him to leave military service, Karen turned to metalworking, drawing on the skills he had learned from his father, a skilled craftsman, and his uncle, a welder. The Fund for Armenian Relief had supported Karen’s family at several critical moments, helping them navigate difficult circumstances and gradu
19 hours ago3 min read
Through the Lens of Purpose: Nare’s Journey to Building a Photography Business in Sisian
At just 20 years old, Nare Simonyan has already built a name for herself in her hometown of Sisian. Today, many locals simply know her as "Nare the photographer"-a title she wears with pride. What began as curiosity has grown into a thriving small business. Nare has opened her own photography studio, making it one of only two studios currently operating in the town. After graduating from school, she enrolled in the Armenian State Pedagogical University in Yerevan to study pho
Jul 92 min read
Turning Family Tradition into a Thriving Business
In every stitch and seam, the story of SENAR Home Textiles reflects a deep-rooted love for craft, family tradition, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives local businesses forward. Founded by Narine Hovhannisyan and her husband, Seyran Arakelyan, blends generations of textile know-how with modern small-business innovation. At 52, Narine carries the legacy of craft passed down through her family. “My grandmothers were engaged in needlework,” she shares. “I learned from t
Apr 32 min read
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