Mother of three, Seda Papoyan, decided to quit her job to launch the startup of her dreams.  Young and enthusiastic, Seda proposes a new solution in child care to address the needs of working mothers in Armenia.  As a graduate of Kolba’s incubation cycle in 2013, Seda continues to develop new ideas under her social venture.

Seda, what inspired you to start the venture?

The problem I’m trying to solve through my start-up was bothering me for a long time.  The understanding of the issue comes from my personal experience as I am a happy mum of three children.  Still, along with caring for my children I have managed to do many things in my professional life.  Undoubtedly, this was possible thanks to my parents’ support, but I’d love for my parents not to be exhausted.  It’s all about the solutions… new solutions.  For instance, when I work late, I don’t know any child care center or kindergarten that will care for my children at 10 pm.  I couldn’t see any solutions for this problem, so I decided to create them.

So how does it feel to run a social enterprise?

You know it’s hard doing business in Armenia.  Especially when there are no advantages for beginners.  For instance the tax system, I think that as a beginner and particularly as a social enterprise, I should have been granted some breaks.  Alas, we don’t have any.  But I am trying to be optimistic and push my venture forward as much as possible.

What’s are the next steps?

There is always space to develop the venture. I originally proposed to create a mobile nanny sourcing service for children.  But since then we thought about organizing a summer school for kids.  There are children of a certain age that are not at school in summer and it’s neither possible to keep them at home with all their energy, nor are yards a good option for them.  So here we are!  Fifteen mothers trusted us.  Out of nowhere, as we don’t have any prior experience, but they trust us.

What’s the secret behind this trust?

Once a parent approached me asking what the children eat here and how it is cooked.  I told her that we don’t cook here.  She was concerned whether the food was clean and well prepared.  I could tell her only one thing: my children eat here.  As a mother I can respond to every concern parents may have.  These are small things, but they build trust.

What would be your advice to other citizens who want to take the initiative as you did?

I could have never imagined that we could build this venture so quickly.  My biggest concern was venue rental, which create so many financial and sustainability risks for beginners.  Still, that was one of the risks I took and I don’t regret it.  Whatever I know and have now, I gained through risk taking, testing, experimenting and being open to new opportunities and approaches.  My advice would be to take the risk!

How did Kolba help?

I think I might have never started this venture without Kolba’s support.  At least, I might have started it much later when I would find enough time between balancing my professional and family life.  Which basically means that I might not ever have started.  Inside everyone there is a business idea.  But some people need a nudge and a little confidence to start.  Kolba gave us the confidence to take the first steps.