Mariam's Story

I am from Khnushinak, a village in the Martuni region of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). It is a peaceful place on top of hills, where homes are built on the slopes. People live in harmony with nature, always connected to the land around them. But the 2020 war in Nagorno-Karabakh marked a turning point in our lives, forever changing them.

In Armenia, I am trying to integrate into life after such a tragedy—the untruthful and barbaric war that claimed so many bright lives. Step by step, I am doing my best to rebuild my life and start a business in the field of confectionery.

Although I am a teacher and worked as a computer operator in our village school back in Artsakh, I also used to work as a pastry chef, and people have always ordered cakes from me for their occasions.

I loved both jobs and was fortunate to have incredibly educated and talented people around me. Our village school was well known for its talented pupils, and the village was known for its humble and frank inhabitants.

We stayed in Artsakh until the evacuation in 2023. Even in the face of overwhelming loss, we tried to restore what the war had destroyed. Many of us attempted to rebuild, some started new homes, while others repaired the remnants of their old ones. While we faced unimaginable challenges, we were determined not to give up on our dreams.

No one could have imagined that such a tragedy would continue, and we would lose everything we had worked so hard for.

I clearly remember the last day in Artsakh. I packed whatever I could, knowing I wouldn't have a chance to take much. I carefully wrapped my baking tools in a beautiful cloth and placed them in the corner of my house to prevent breakage or damage. I left, knowing I might never use them again. Back then, I realized how much my work meant to me, and I found myself holding onto the hope that I would continue one day.

Baking is not just a profession for me, it is a meditation, a form of art, and a connection to something deeper. Perhaps that dedication helped me find the right people at the right time, allowing me to receive new equipment and continue my work as a pastry chef here in Armenia.

The Armenian Fund for Sustainable Development's support inspired me to work with even more dedication and intensity. One of the key aspects of my work is that I am a principled pastry chef. I value honesty and care for my customers, aiming to exceed their expectations. I use only natural ingredients, without artificial or chemical additives, because I believe that true quality comes from nature's finest gifts. And I find joy in knowing I contribute to people's happiness.

Another important aspect is that I pay attention to every detail, including the aesthetics of the packaging, to show my gratitude to those who order cakes from me. I want each creation to reflect the love and care that went into it.

People must understand the love behind every cookie I make, especially now. After the war, I lost both my father and mother in a car accident. Yet, I believe that the success I've found is my mother's blessing. Her memory continues to guide me, filling me with gratitude for the opportunity to carry forward her teachings.

She was the one who instilled in me a deep love for baking, and through her, I learned to love and care for others through my craft. I often think of my mother's bright, proud face when I bake cookies. I feel her presence in those moments, like an angel watching over me, guiding and protecting me.

Nevertheless, living in a village brings challenges, particularly in sales. However, I know well what struggle feels like, as we experienced hunger, cold, and the devastation of war in Nagorno-Karabakh. I am proud of our community's resilience, and I know that my business will thrive soon; I need to be patient and work harder.

Lastly, as an Artsakhian woman who deeply appreciates her culture and traditions, I want people to know that we, Artsakhians, have a profound responsibility and mission to preserve our dialect, as it's our heritage. At home, we speak in the dialect with young children, hoping they will remember their roots and preserve the linguistic features. Our language is a living connection to our past, and I'm proud to carry that cultural heritage and identity. In a constantly changing world, I find strength in holding onto what truly matters: our roots, traditions, family, and the work I love the most.

Arev Society provides management support to the AF4SD "Vulnerable Women Empowerment" program.