Artbox has had a catalyzing role in the entrepreneurial journeys of many Armenian female founders. In celebration of Women's History Month and the many achievements of women, we invite you to learn something new about Artbox alumni's creative female entrepreneurs.

In this article, you will find the stories of founders behind Artbox Alumni fashion businesses and their advice to the new generation of creative female entrepreneurs.

Artuyt

Arevik Arakelyan, CEO/Founder – Artuyt

Artuyt produces exquisite scarves that unearth the Armenian cultural tapestry and elevate it for the global markets. Two of Artuyt’s silk scarf collections, created in collaboration with Armenian graphic designer Gayane Yerkanyan and Armenian collagist Vazgen Bazhbeuk-Melikyan, debuted at the Milan Fashion Week Spring 2022/2023. The brand also received mentions from Harper's Bazaar Spain and Elle Italy.

Artuyt was founded by Arevik Arakelyan, driven by a passion for art and fashion, after noticing a gap in the Armenian art representation in the global landscape. 

Arevik envisions a positive shift in the fashion industry where major fashion houses collaborate with smaller emerging brands to complement their influence. “While recognizing the significance of established houses, providing smaller entities a platform and sharing the stage can foster diversity and fresh perspectives. This approach creates a more inclusive and vibrant fashion landscape, which is also beneficial for new female entrepreneurs,” said Arevik Arakelyan.

DASEIN

Ina Abrahamyan, Anna Vahrami, and Vanane Borian, Co-founders of DASEIN

DASEIN is an independent magazine about contemporary Armenian presence, culture, and aesthetics. It offers modern advertising solutions based on collaboration between businesses and local creators from various fields.

The co-founders of DASEIN are three friends – Vanane Borian, Anna Vahrami, and Ina Abrahamyan. They make a perfect blend of art, design, and directing. Recognizing that Armenia is home to many talented, beautiful, and stylish individuals without a quality platform for their representation, they decided to create an independent magazine that would showcase these personalities. With the support of Artbox, the founders printed the first issue of the magazine, achieving a very qualified product.

Vanane Borian advises women looking to start their creative business: “Believe in yourself and break through any patriarchal glass ceiling.” 

Hovash

An earring from Hovash's collection

Hovash is a jewelry producer that crafts exquisite, hand-made pieces celebrating the beauty of nature and individual expression.

The co-founder of Hovash, Sona Hovhannisyan, fell in love with the art of making handmade jewelry from an early age. She used to go to her father's studio, where she realized how much love and positive energy handmade jewelry contained. With this realization, Hovash was founded to empower individuals through jewelry as a tangible expression of their unique narratives.

Sona Hovhannisyan about her female inspirations: “The women in my family have been my greatest source of inspiration. In particular, my great-great-grandmother's resilience during challenging times, such as the Genocide, left a profound impact on me. Despite facing adversity, she and her daughters showed a remarkable determination to create a better future. Their courage and care are a constant reminder of the power of resilience and compassion in driving positive change.” 

NENSI AVETISIAN

NENSI AVETISIAN Spring Summer 2024 Collection

NENSI AVETISIAN is a clothing and accessories brand fusing Armenian craftsmanship, monumental spiritual architecture, and sustainability.

The brand was established in 2020 by Nensi Avetisian after graduating from the British Higher School of Art and Design in Moscow. Nensi grew up with her grandmother, whose stories about the Armenian cultural heritage inspired the brand. Thus, references to Armenian music, painters, and architecture are always present across all NENSI AVETISIAN collections.

Nensi advocates for the promotion of inclusivity and diversity within the fashion industry. She believes that by offering accessible resources and mentorship programs, we can empower emerging female entrepreneurs, ultimately contributing to a more vibrant and diverse landscape.

AVAGYAN

AVAGYAN Fall Winter 2024 Collection

Sonya Avagyan started deconstructing and reconstructing her clothes at the age of 5 and never stopped doing that since then. At the age of 17, she founded her brand AVAGYAN.

During her entrepreneurial journey, several women inspired Sonya to continue her work. Among them, she vibrantly remembers Rouzanna Torozyan, who founded the women's resource center in Goris and had a powerful impact on the Syunik community.

One of the AVAGYAN brand’s achievements Sonya is proud of is creating a collection entirely in Armenia and supporting women in regions who carry out traditional methods of garment-making.

“I advise every woman to always listen to their inner voice, trust their senses, and work work work,” said Sonya Avagyan.