Arusyak Tigranyan

Arusyak Tigranyan is considered one of the first Armenian female entrepreneurs. She lived and worked in the 19th century — a time when women’s participation in the economy was nearly nonexistent. Yet, Arusyak broke those boundaries and carved out her place in the history of early Armenian entrepreneurship. Her example is still remembered today as a symbol of courage, initiative, and faith.
She was born during the era of Imperial Russia and received an education — something very rare for women at that time. Arusyak Tigranyan applied her knowledge in practical life by creating her own business. Her entrepreneurial style was based on honesty, hard work, discipline, and respect for the customer. She valued local production, protected national values, and sought to support her community through her business.
In addition to developing her own enterprise, Arusyak also contributed to elevating the role of women in society. Her image played an important role in shaping the idea that a woman, too, can lead, own a business, offer solutions, and make independent decisions. Her activity can be seen as precedent-setting — especially for women today who wish to grow their own small businesses or launch startups.
The name Arusyak Tigranyan is associated not only with economic activity but also with the preservation of social values. She was a businesswoman, but at the same time, deeply concerned with society, culture, and philanthropy. Her life is a clear example that a female entrepreneur can be both successful and valuable to the public.

Her story continues to inspire many — especially young women who wish to forge a new path in business, create their own brand, and live on their own terms. Arusyak Tigranyan’s work and mindset have left a lasting mark on the culture of Armenian entrepreneurship.