Shaghik Rastgelenyan: “I really get power and strength from this land”

Syrian-Armenian Shaghik Rasgelenyan, who has come up with brave and interesting ideas, has always heard and read about Armenia, has always dreamed of seeing her homeland, but did not realize that 2012 will be decisive in her life in terms of connecting her future life and activities with her homeland. One of her dreams was a model’s profession, which became a reality after arriving in Armenia.

After departing from Syria with her siblings, Shaghik decided to continue her study in the International Business Department of the European University, worked for some time at the Iraqi Airlines, after which she collaborated with Atex Fashion Center obtaining the second  – model’s profession. Bouncing and beautifully looking at the first line of the models Shaghik was always welcomed with enthusiasm, and it was not surprising that she was entrusted with the full responsibility for representing the Caucasus at the International Model Competition in Alicante, Spain.

Shortly afterwards, Shaghik decided to implement the Live-love-word and Live-love-bracelet international programs aimed at representing historical and cultural values ​​and the natural world of any country via Facebook, Instagram. In her words, the programs were aimed at promoting tourism development. In 2015 she started with Live-love with her Syrian-Armenian friends Sari Byuzandyan, Stefan Sanosyan and Aline Azoyan, which has already 40,000 followers online.

Live Love Armenia is a campaign aimed at diversifying Armenia’s sights, nature and historical-cultural sites, the Armenian lifestyle and habits. We are convinced that the internet coverage of the Armenian people’s cultural wealth will contribute to the development of tourism in our homeland. Our goal is to further deepen Armenia-Diaspora ties. Our followers are mainly Diaspora, there are also foreigners, due to us they see and recognize Armenia “says Shaghik in a conversation with WomenNet and adds that Armenia has also been introduced for a week with the” Live-love-word “international program.

In her plans decision to help Syrian-Armenian and local needy families for charitable purposes has its unique place. The whole amount from the sale of bracelets made by her small team was provided by a Syrian-Armenian family of wool handlers, whose members made hats and scarves after processing the wool.

Shaghik also collaborates with the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and the “One Armenia” charity organization. Recently, Shaghik has set out to launch a unique project. With her group and students of art schools in the capital, she decided to paint and landscape one of the Yerevan suburban streets or yards, to decorate it so that the guests and residents of the capital would be able to take photos there.

Now, when I live in Armenia, I do not want any Armenian to leave it. I want everyone to find a job that is close to their native land and love and cherish it. I truly get strength and power from this land.

Full text in Armenian