Syunik Crochet Group

Artisan Organization: Syunik Crochet Group

Country: Armenia

"My name is Gohar Hovhannisyan, and I am the proud leader of the Syunik Crochet Group, known locally as Gortselove, which means crochet in Armenian. Our group was founded in the Syunik region of Armenia, specifically in the town of Kapan. Composed of ten talented women, our mission is to empower and support each other through the art of crocheting, preserving our craft while also providing for our families and communities.

"The roots of our group date back to 2010 when I was first introduced to the world of handmade crafts. At that time, crochet was a personal hobby of mine, a way to express my creativity and stay connected to Armenian traditions. However, working closely with the Homeland Development Initiative Foundation (HDIF), is that my small hobby turned into something much bigger. With HDIF’s support, I began receiving orders and producing eco-friendly toys, and my passion for crocheting transformed into a craft with an income. Over the years, I assembled a group of talented women, many of whom were struggling to find work or had been displaced from Artsakh. Together, we formed Syunik Crochet Group to share our craft with the world.

"Crochet holds a special place in Armenian culture. It is more than just a craft; it is a tradition passed down through generations, often within families. While our products don’t always incorporate traditional Armenian designs, they embody the spirit of Armenian artisanship—care, precision, and attention to detail. We focus on creating handmade products, primarily using eco-friendly and natural materials. Our creations include beautifully crafted bags, scarves, hats, and other accessories, each made with love and dedication.

"One of the most important aspects of our work is the impact it has on our community. We provide employment opportunities for women, many of whom were unemployed or displaced. We train our members, helping them develop new skills and confidence in their craft. This not only allows them to earn an income but also empowers them to contribute to their families and regain a sense of independence. Our work has become a source of hope and stability, especially for those affected by the conflicts in Artsakh.

"The challenges we’ve faced along the way have been many, from limited resources and financial instability to the difficulty of building trust within our community. However, we have always focused on transparency, quality, and the value of our handmade products. This dedication has earned us the trust of our partners and customers. Over time, we’ve expanded our product range, and today, we take pride in offering diverse, high-quality handmade goods that are both functional and artistic.

"As the leader of the group, I take great pride in fostering collaboration among our members. We work closely together, sharing tasks and responsibilities to ensure that every product meets our standards of excellence. While I oversee the overall process, every woman in our group plays a vital role in the success of our work. This sense of teamwork and unity has created a supportive environment, where we not only work together but also support each other through life’s challenges.

"One of our long-term goals is to continue growing as a group, expanding our product offerings and reaching new markets. We are committed to preserving Armenian craftsmanship while also embracing modern designs that appeal to a global audience. As we look to the future, we also hope to provide additional benefits to our members, such as educational support for their children or health insurance, as we continue to grow.

"We believe in the power of collaboration, both within our group and with other partners. We are always open to new opportunities and partnerships that help us grow and expand our reach. Our work not only supports our members but also contributes to the development of small border communities in Armenia, providing recognition and support for areas that are often overlooked.

"Thank you for supporting Syunik Crochet Group. Every product you purchase is a reflection of our dedication, creativity, and the rich heritage of Armenian craftsmanship. We look forward to sharing our handmade creations with you and continuing our mission to empower women and preserve our cultural traditions.""