Have you ever felt that you’re not fully utilizing the spaces in your home? Meet Varduhi Barseghyan. She transformed her former bedroom into a professional atelier, creating garments that are worn from Yerevan to Argentina.
For many years, young designer and clothing modeler Varduhi Barseghyan dreamed of having her own atelier, equipped with modern sewing machines and professional tools. With support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Varduhi made her dream a reality. In her father’s house in the Ginevet settlement of Ararat region, her former bedroom is now a fully equipped atelier. At first glance, it’s hard to believe that such a professional studio could be set up in a room of a home in the remote and tranquil village of Ginevet.
Varduhi participated in the “I Can” pojectof the UNDP “Sustainable Communities” programme and was selected for her business proposal. Through this project, Varduhi established her atelier and received professional sewing machines and equipment. In addition to equipment support, the “I Can” project also provided her with a month-long training in business plan development, financial management, marketing, and negotiation skills.
“Before joining the program, I was involved in sewing but didn’t have the proper conditions or equipment. I only had one sewing machine, which was limited to thick fabrics; I didn’t have a table or a professional iron. When I saw the program announcement, I was going through a difficult time and wondered if it was the right moment to apply. But I decided to try. Later, I got a call and was invited for an interview. I was thrilled,” Varduhi recalls.
As part of the project, Varduhi received digital sewing machines, which allow her to work with various types of fabrics and achieve high-quality results.
“Now I have four sewing machines for stitching patterns and leather pieces. One is exclusively for leather. I sometimes joke that if this sewing machine were a man, I’d marry it. I use it the most because it’s incredibly versatile,” she says.
Varduhi has her own clothing brand, *Underline*, which she established five years ago. Initially, she only made coats, but with her new machines, she now sews trousers, shirts, vests, and dresses as well. The digital sewing machines have made her work quicker and more efficient.
“Since becoming a program beneficiary, my atelier has transformed. It wasn’t renovated before, and I didn’t even have a table—I used to iron on the floor. With program support, I also got an iron suitable for thick, heavy fabrics. It gives results that a household iron simply can’t achieve. Now, I have a comfortable workspace and can work 12 hours a day without feeling tired,” says Varduhi.
Each year, *Underline* releases two new collections: spring-summer and autumn-winter, available at *5 Concept*, a store dedicated to Armenian brands. Her designs attract many foreigners who are impressed by her unique style, crafted in Armenia, specifically in the small village of Ginevet.
