We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marina Vanyan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Marina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

My hero is not a single individual but rather the collective embodiment of dedication, perseverance and authenticity that I’ve encountered throughout my journey.

However, if I were to pinpoint two people who have deeply influenced me, it is undoubtedly my grandmother and my mother. They have been the guiding lights in my life, shaping my values, beliefs, and aspirations in profound ways.

My grandmother was a single mother who raised two kids on her own. She immigrated to the US and continued to uphold her independence until the last day of her life; she was 93 years old. Despite facing countless challenges and obstacles, her determination to provide for her family and build a better life for herself and her children never wavered. Her resilience, strength, and determination in the face of adversity have left an indelible mark on me. She taught me invaluable lessons in perseverance and resilience. Additionally, her sense of humor brought lightness to even the darkest of days, showing me the power of laughter in overcoming life’s challenges.

My mother, has been a source of inspiration and strength. Despite the challenges she faced in her life, she has always shown courage, grace, and resolve. Her love, support, and unwavering belief in me have been a constant source of encouragement and inspiration, guiding me through life’s ups and downs. Furthermore, her warm heart and strong faith have shown me the importance of compassion, kindness, and faith in something greater than oneself.

Both women have profoundly influenced my journey, teaching me invaluable lessons about resilience, perseverance, courage, compassion, and faith. Their constant love, strength, and support have shaped me into the person I am today, and I am endlessly grateful for the impact they have had on my life.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Marina Vanyan. I am a designer, entrepreneur, and firm believer in the transformative power of design. As an immigrant from Armenia, I hold strong ties to my roots while embracing the opportunities that this country has offered me.

Along with my Bachelor of Architecture degree, I am the proud recipient of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Woodbury University. My journey has been one of passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

For 24 years, I poured my heart and soul into honing my skills at a corporate firm, learning and growing every step of the way. But six years ago, I took a leap of faith and decided to forge my own path by founding Vanyan Studio.

At Vanyan Studio, our mission is simple yet profound: to provide innovative design solutions that not only meet our clients’ needs but exceed their expectations. With a primary focus on healthcare architecture, we’re committed to creating healing environments that inspire hope, promote wellness, and enhance the human experience. As a Certified Women-Owned Business, we take pride in our commitment to responsible leadership, sustainable practices, and self-empowerment.

What distinguishes us is our holistic approach to problem-solving and our steadfast commitment to making a positive impact. We don’t merely design structures; we curate experiences. Every project we undertake is infused with a dedication to excellence, integrity, and authenticity, ensuring each space leaves an indelible mark.

But perhaps what I’m most proud of is the incredible team that makes it all possible. Together, we’ve cultivated a culture of collaboration, respect, and innovation, where every voice is heard, and every idea valued. I’m immensely grateful for the passion and dedication they bring to our work every day.

Guided by the belief that leadership is about envisioning a brighter future and empowering others, I remain determined in my commitment to nurturing talent and upholding integrity and consistency. Together, let’s dream BIG, think outside the box, and embrace the power of design. Let’s shape environments that not only reflect our values but also inspire and uplift all who encounter them.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Starting Vanyan Studio six years ago was a leap of faith. Leaving behind the familiarity of my corporate career was scary, but I was driven by a deep passion for design and a desire to make a difference. Having worked at the previous firm since I was 16 years old, transitioning to my own venture was both thrilling and daunting.

I’ll be honest, the journey wasn’t easy. I faced uncertainty, financial struggles, and doubts. But I refused to give up. With each challenge, I dug deeper, drawing strength from my belief in the power of design to transform lives. I surrounded myself with a supportive team and leaned on mentors for guidance. Together, we weathered the storms and celebrated the victories, no matter how small.

Today, Vanyan Studio stands as a testament to resilience and determination. Every project we undertake is infused with heart and soul, a reflection of our unwavering commitment to excellence. Our journey is a reminder that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson that has truly stuck with me is the importance of learning to have confidence in myself. When I was starting my career, doubts often crept in, and trusting my abilities was a struggle.

However, over time, I came to realize that believing in myself is crucial for success. It’s like going for a run – at first, every step feels challenging, but as you keep going, your endurance improves. There have been moments, both professionally and personally, where I faced major challenges. Instead of letting them knock me down, I chose to view them as opportunities to lace up my shoes and hit the pavement, embracing the challenge with a positive attitude.

Through these experiences, I learned that confidence isn’t about being perfect; it’s about trusting yourself even when the road ahead seems daunting. Now, I approach challenges with more confidence, knowing that I have what it takes to conquer them. It’s a journey, but with each stride forward, my confidence grows a little more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vanyanstudio.com/
• Instagram: vanyanstudiodesign

Image Credits
Photo by: Agata Gravante Photo by: Damian Turner Photo by: Tom Bonner