Through self-education and enduring numerous trials, Larisa Grigoryan founded the handmade toy brand "Lara Soft Toys." Her favorite hobby has become an integral part of her life, helping her overcome severe psychological and financial hardships following the 2020 war and the 2023 displacement. Larisa was born in the village of Machkalashen in Artsakh's Martuni region, but grew up in Stepanakert. She graduated from the obstetrics department of the local medical college and later earned degrees in biology and pharmacy from Artsakh State University.
After qualifying as a midwife, she spent four years waiting for a position at the Stepanakert maternity hospital. Because finding a vacancy was difficult, she decided to try her hand in a new field during the wait and started sewing toys. Her love for sewing dated back to childhood, when she felt a strong desire to work with her grandmothers' sewing machines. In 2020, when she was hired at the maternity hospital, she did not abandon her idea and began combining medicine with founding her own production. She bought a sewing machine with her first paycheck and gradually expanded her product range, moving from soft teddy bears to unique bunnies and other animals.
Unfortunately, her first creations remained in Krkzhan at her grandmother's house, as it was unsafe to go there following the September 2023 war. During the painful days of displacement, Larisa was only able to take her toy patterns and a few working tools with her. After moving to Armenia, well-known public figures shared her page on social media, which brought in new orders, and one customer even gifted her a new sewing machine.
Having spent 37 days in Stepanakert during the 44-Day War providing aid to the wounded and pregnant women, the severe trauma she sustained led her to decide not to practice medicine anymore. She now lives in a rented apartment with her family, striving to overcome daily financial burdens. Larisa has created over 10 different product lines, embroidering children's names as well as the flags of Armenia and Artsakh on them. She sells her products through social media, infusing each toy with warmth and the spirit of Artsakh.
Finding employment and achieving financial stability remain primary challenges for displaced residents of Artsakh. Larisa Grigoryan's story demonstrates how crucial personal initiative is in overcoming severe post-war trauma.
At the same time, stories like hers highlight the serious gaps in housing security and social support that displaced families face on a daily basis. While participating in small business development programs helps cover ongoing expenses, systemic solutions are necessary to achieve long-term stability.
