How do we build a stronger and happier Armenia? And what do we need to know about a successful startup? If you’re looking for advice and inspiration, look no further. This story is about four women who were obsessed with the idea of seeing a happier society. That was the main goal and was enough for launching a new startup – “4u.am”.
“4U” (for you) means everything for the customer. Even the name says it all about the company and its values. We strive to be the most customer-obsessed company in Armenia.
How it started
Let’s go back in time a little and discover how a simple flower delivery developed into a successful online gift shop.
Why a flower delivery?
Back then the main target of our company was women, and the main goal was to make women feel loved and appreciated. Later, as the business was growing, the mission of 4u.am changed and now our platform provides services to a wider audience.
Today, 4u.am has 35-40k monthly website visitors who can choose Armenian gifts from more than 10,000 products. Moreover, not only we could partner up with 170 other companies, but have also established a growing team.
4u.am aims to make everyone happy and satisfied. There’s one more thing we do-inspire. Stay with us and keep reading, if you want to find out the story behind success and get inspired.
Four co-founders with different backgrounds
The concept of 4u.am was born among four incredible women – Zhenya, Tatev, Syuzanna and Narine. Later on, Syuzanna left. But since day one, these women were able to nurture the idea and achieve great results.
What’s the best way to put the whole puzzle together? Let’s discover what each co-founder has to say about her experience and what’s her piece of advice as a successful businesswoman.
ZHENYA has always had great customer support skills and experience in HR management. She was the founder of our Customer Care team of ‘Angels’, who take proper care of each one of our customers. Her inspiration comes from Amazon. She learns a lot of business secrets, tips and valuable lessons from this successful company.
Zhenya was the first Customer Care Angel and broke many stereotypes of usual customer support service. In her opinion, a successful person is able to judge accurately and doesn’t fall into euphoria.
“Now we’ve got 8 Angels and each of us is doing the best to keep this spirit of unity and customer obsession.”
TATEV is passionate about business and marketing.
Before starting 4u.am, she and her husband were already running two small businesses. That’s why she took responsibility for the promotion of the startup.
“We’ve shared all the responsibilities based on our competence, but the team is growing, and everything can change at a time. That’s a usual practice for startups.”
Tatev is looking up to her husband for inspiration who is the CEO of 4u.am. “His work ethic and willingness to learn are a great example for me.” Tatev is also a mother of two kids and she is one of the best examples of a female entrepreneur that manages both her personal and professional life very well.
Tatev ensures us that we all have equal opportunities but not all of us use it the same way, and her advice is to dream as big as possible.
NARINE was obsessed with finances and numbers, which has helped her take care of the operational processes at the beginning. Her formula for success consists of natural failures and self-development, which she describes as “a part of our thoughts, mood, energy” and whether we’re ready for new challenges.
“When you’re working on a startup project, it’s very necessary to be ready to learn something new all the time. Maybe even a new profession, like I’ve learned photography.”
Narine doesn’t have a specific person or company as a source of inspiration. Her motivation comes from a more broad vision, as she values the courage of a soldier, the craziness of a dreamer and the kindness of human nature.
Challenges or opportunities?
Just like any other startup company, 4u.am, as well, had many difficulties and obstacles. Let’s take a look at the specific challenges that our co-founders had to go through.
First, you have to build your own confidence and implement your experience in the growth of your company. Then investors will trust you.
Secondly, when it comes to women, Armenians treat them with a little uncertainty, so business ladies are still rarely met here. But these three women have certainly broken the stereotype and are the perfect example for young ladies to put their ideas into action.
“Business ladies are so welcome these days! Everyone tries to assist you”.
Narine
The most important point is that they were ready to face any struggle. They knew what they were fighting for right from the start.
By putting in the essential vision, skills and values, Zhenya, Tatev and Narine became the creators of this women-founded startup success formula. Isn’t this the lesson we want our girls to learn?
Success Formula
The four-member team has grown incredibly during the last three years, and now there are more than 45 professionals working towards one goal.
The startup has a goal to provide its customers with happy moments and a comfortable experience. In order to constantly nourish this idea, 4u.am team have also joined the “Made in Armenia” movement, supporting small and medium Armenian businesses.
Work and life: is there a balance?
Nowadays, it’s really hard to keep the balance between personal and professional life, but our clever ladies have figured this out, as well. The secret formula is to have fun with your work and do what you love!
And, to complete this startup success formula, here’s what they advise:
1. Dream big
2. Always plan your actions
3. Look up to your role models.
Zhenya, Tatev and Narine are the inspiring trio of how women can achieve success in work and personal life, and we certainly are very proud and have a lot to learn from them.
At 4u.am, we not only value customer satisfaction, but we also dream, learn and get inspired together. We’re sure that our wonderful trio has easily become your source of motivation for making your dreams come true.
Dream big and be passionate about what you are doing!
