How does one find the strength to move forward during life’s most challenging times? Sofia Sukiasyan’s story is one of resilience—a journey that began with hardship but continues with optimism and determination. Life has taught her the tough art of perseverance.

“After my husband passed away, I entered an incredibly difficult phase. Focusing on anything felt impossible,” Sofia shares. “But looking at my children, I realized I couldn’t stay like that forever. I knew I had to think of them and their future.”

Sofia’s husband died in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh, leaving her with two young children to care for. Initially, she put aside her passion for hairdressing, her favorite skill, and tried to find stability. “I used to travel to people’s homes to do their hair, since I had no proper space at home. I managed to visit about four or five homes each day, but it left me exhausted,” she says.

For years, Sofia dreamed of opening her own beauty salon, but financial challenges held her back. When she learned about UNDP’s Sustainable Communities programme, she hadn’t yet returned to hairdressing, but the programme gave her renewed hope. “For so long, I’d dreamed of having my own salon, but circumstances always held me back. When I heard about this project, it felt like a new beginning, inspiring me to look forward,” Sofia recalls.

With support from UNDP’s Sustainable Communities programme, a new beauty salon was built near Sofia’s home in Areni, fully equipped with utilities and furniture. The local community head recommended her as a potential candidate, and soon after, the project team recognized Sofia’s dedication and creativity, deciding to help her achieve her dream. Now, the beauty salon is Sofia’s family’s main source of income. It’s also where she regained her confidence and rebuilt her life.

“The news of the salon opening was a surprise to everyone in the village. No one expected that I could regain my strength after everything that happened. I realized I needed to set aside my ego and think about my children’s future. This experience motivated me to move beyond that difficult time. In the past, when I visited clients’ homes, conversations would often turn to my husband’s death or the war, which left me feeling even more despondent. Now, people come to my salon and leave their personal worries aside. This work has strengthened me, and I can say confidently that I’m now a stronger person.”