Mariam Mkrtchyan’s business resolution: flexibility, firm nerves, will and diligence

Art Areni handcrafts and original souvenir shop is located in Areni village of Vayots Dzor province. In conversation with us the co-founder of the shop Mariam Mkrtchyan told us that there are handmade works of Vayots Dzor and Syunik masters. According to Mariam, “Art Areni” is distinguished by the fact that it is the first in Vayots Dzor and one of the region’s cultural representation, where visitors can not only shop, but also get acquainted with the culture of the region, as well as participate in Batik –  painting on clothing and scarves, puppet-making, natural flower jewelry and carpet-weaving lessons. And the latter is especially desirable by tourists. In addition to master classes, Art Areni also features a wine and tea taste salon. Thus Art Areni consists of two parts: a master-room and a taste salon.

“Our main goal is to develop women’s entrepreneurship in the provinces, make their works recognizable, and introduce our visitors to our culture. I am a lawyer by profession, my friend is a painter and before Art Areni, we helped to show the handmade works of women in Vayk and nearby communities of Vayots Dzor province to be exhibited and sold in a number of souvenir halls as well as in a number of festivals. As a result, there was an idea in our region to have a place where it would be possible to represent those women and young people who would also help them earn additional income to ease their families. After a few business trainings, we finally came to our conclusion and started our work. At present, we are cooperating with more than fifty masters, of whom 90% are women and the next year we want to increase their number, “said Mariam.

“Art Areni” has also become an information center for tourists, as it is directly on the highway and thus the girls help to orient themselves in the choice of guest houses, hotels, as well as Armenian cuisine. And this is increasing the scope of cooperation with local companies, especially wine producers.

Mariam notes that they have been through many hardships. “Since the founding of Art Areni, we have faced many challenges so far, but we have overcome them by our stubbornness and diligence. Let me say that the foundation of business by the woman is both easy and difficult. Especially it is funny that many Armenian men, asking who is the owner and getting the answer, are surprised  saying that this is a bit unbelievable for them, and maybe we hide the real owner. In their opinion, only a man can engage in business. But with our work and our success we, in fact, prove the opposite, “she emphasized.

Mary is convinced, it is possible to do business in Armenia, – one just need to have flexibility, strong nerves, will and diligence …. and if you are a woman, strong nerves will need to be particularly effective in fighting stereotypes.

Full text in Armenian