Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hranush Mashakaryan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hranush, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on was participating in the Digital Exhibition Week of Women in Art in 2023. It was my first experience stepping outside my comfort zone and presenting my work in a public, professional space. The process pushed me to reflect on my creative voice and take responsibility for how my work is perceived. Being part of this exhibition helped me see both myself and my work from a new perspective, which made the experience especially meaningful to me.

Hranush, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Photography was my first way of understanding the world visually. I became interested in it in 2016, before I even had a camera, simply by noticing light, composition, and moments that felt worth holding onto. In 2017, I bought my first camera and opened a small photo studio, where I focused on portrait photography and building technical skills. Since then, the camera has remained a constant companion.

Today, photography is more of a passion than my main profession. I work with websites and digital products, using my photography and graphic design background to improve website performance, clarity, and user experience. Visuals, for me are about communication and intention.

I still travel and photograph whenever I can, and sometimes turn my images into postcards that I sell independently. Through them, I try to show reality as it is, not only polished or “shiny” moments. That honesty and attention to detail are what I carry into all of my work.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My relationship with social media has been very honest and very human. I didn’t build a large audience quickly, mostly because I’m naturally more reserved. I’ve learned that growing an audience often requires bravery – being visible, speaking up, and not being shy about sharing your work and thoughts. That’s something I’ve had to grow into, and at times it’s been a challenge for me.

What I’ve observed is that consistency, activity, and presence matter just as much as talent. Social media rewards people who are talkative, engaged, and willing to follow and interpret trends in their own way. You don’t just post-you participate in conversations, react to what’s happening around you, and show up regularly.

For anyone just starting out, my advice would be not to wait until everything feels perfect. Share before you feel fully ready, stay curious about trends without losing your voice, and remember that confidence grows through action.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

One resource that had a strong impact on my entrepreneurial thinking was the film The Founder (2016). What stayed with me most from that story is the idea that brilliance alone isn’t always enough. Talent, ideas, and vision matter, but without the skills to communicate, structure, and protect them, they can be easily overlooked or taken advantage of.

That lesson made me think more seriously about learning not only creative or technical skills, but also the practical side of work-strategy, negotiation, and long-term thinking. It reinforced the importance of pairing creativity with the ability to act on it intentionally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sites.google.com/view/hranush/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hr.anush/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hranushmashakaryan/