Irina was born and raised in Hadrut, where she spent her childhood and adolescence. It was there that she dreamed, reflected, and mentally shaped her future. After graduating from school, Irina was accepted into Artsakh State University, where she studied in the Pre-
Conscription and Physical Education Faculty.

 

Upon completing her studies, she worked for about ten years as a military instructor in a school and later as a methodologist and coach at the Hadrut Youth Sports School. Although Irina excelled as a coach, she never imagined that one day she would find joy in crafting unique accessories from natural leather. Her interest in leatherwork traces back to her time in Hadrut, when a relative who practiced the craft would visit from Yerevan. This relative would bring tools, leather, and materials to work on crafts in their home. Irina watched quietly, admiring his creations. Yet, her fascination with leatherwork might have remained unfulfilled if, unfortunately, in 2020, she and the rest of Hadrut's residents had not been forced to leave their homes due to the war.

 

The war profoundly changed Irina’s life and spirit. Deeply attached to her homeland, she never imagined any circumstances could uproot her life. For three years in Yerevan, she continued her work as a coach at the relocated Hadrut Sports School, but her thoughts were constantly drawn back to Hadrut. She had left more than just her home; her hopes, dreams, and plans for the future remained there too. Yet, Irina is not one to succumb to despair. She can no longer recall exactly when or how she came across a piece of leather among her belongings, but she decided to experiment with turning it into an ornament. She discovered that working with her hands soothed her and provided a welcome escape from her daily worries. Encouraged by the praise of friends and family, she decided to take her craft more seriously, purchasing leather and tools to refine her skills.

 

Irina particularly enjoys crafting wallets, a passion that sets her apart. Remarkably, she cuts and sews the leather entirely by hand. When asked if she plans to buy a sewing machine, she firmly says
no, explaining that the true essence of her work lies in its handmade nature. Observers of her wallets often find it hard to believe they aren’t machine-sewn, a testament to her meticulous craftsmanship. She pours love into every creation, ensuring that each piece is
one of a kind. Her dedication has even inspired her son, who now proudly owns a wallet he crafted himself. He has also taken to gifting his handmade wallets to friends on their birthdays, a tradition that reflects Irina’s influence.

 

This is Irina—an authentic daughter of Artsakh: resilient, determined, and endlessly creative.