Boyajian Inc.
Boston, MA
John Boyajian began selling a line of specialty foods to the hotels and restaurants of Greater Boston, as a way to pay for graduate school. In 1987, drawing upon his Armenian heritage and family tradition, John made his first bottles of garlic- infused olive oil for the customers of his new retail operation in Cambridge, MA. Not realizing the public had never before seen herb infused olive oils, the surprising response to Boyajian’s garlic infused olive oil was overwhelming. Today, Boyajian boasts a line of fine infused oils, bread dipping oils, vinegars, pure citrus oils, & natural flavorings and extracts, and resides in a 30,000 square foot state-of-the art production facility and corporate headquarters in Canton, Massachusetts.
Chili Chews
Los Angeles, CA
Shant Reganyan and Vicken Kejejian have been friends since their school days at Holy Martyrs Ferrahian School, where they quickly bonded over a shared love of creativity, community, and a good challenge. Growing up in the close-knit Armenian community of Los Angeles, they learned the value of hard work, friendship, and staying true to their roots.
In 2020, they channeled that spirit into launching Chili Chews, a bold and unique candy brand that blends sweet, sour, and spicy flavors into one unforgettable experience. What started as an idea between two lifelong friends quickly grew into a national brand, now found in major retailers and beloved by customers across the country.
For Shant and Vicken, Chili Chews isn’t just candy. It’s a celebration of flavor, friendship, and the vibrant culture that shaped them.
Alysia Kezerian Designs
Oakland, CA
Alysia Kezerian is a fourth-generation Bay Area creative whose work is inspired by her two greatest loves: her home state of California and her Armenian heritage. You'll see it in the nostalgic architectural scenes of her illustrations and in the bright colors and intricate patterns of her one-of-a-kind earrings.
Each piece is made by hand, with an eye for the small details that make a place or a tradition feel familiar. Whether she's drawing a sunlit Victorian streetscape or shaping a pair of statement earrings, her goal is the same: to create work that feels personal, joyful, and rooted in where she comes from.