Our Story
A name that means “mother”
Throughout history, mothers and grandmothers have been not only keepers of the family and home, but also keepers of traditions, values and skills. They have passed down their knowledge, recipes and songs through generations.
Mairik — which means “mother” in Armenian — carries on that tradition through the art of Armenian hand embroidery. The name is a tribute to the women who taught these stitches, and to the women who embroider every piece we make today.
A craft more than 2,000 years old
Mairik’s founder, Janet Karapetyan, set out to preserve the unique mastery of Armenian hand embroidery, a craft practised for more than 2,000 years.
Our embroideries represent five different regions of Armenia and symbolize welfare and prosperity. Armenian women traditionally stitched these motifs onto their clothes as protective amulets against the evil eye — and each Mairik piece carries that meaning forward.
Among the techniques our artisans use is Marash embroidery, a dense interlaced stitch from historic Cilicia that is built up row by row over many hours. Alongside it you will find Ayntap work and fine silk embroidery, each with its own patterns, colours and history.
Made by hand, passed on by hand
Every Mairik piece is handcrafted by Armenian women, including ethnic Armenian refugees from Syria. Our workshop also runs an embroidery school, where the secrets of this traditional craft are passed on to the next generation — so that these stitches stay in everyday use rather than only in museum cases.
No two pieces are ever exactly alike. Hand stitches vary slightly in tension and length, and the back of the work shows neat, deliberate thread paths. These small differences are the mark of a person, not a machine.
Materials and design
Our clothing is made from 100% linen and embroidered with 100% cotton thread or, on selected pieces such as the Van set, with 100% silk thread. Linen grows softer with every wash, and with gentle care an embroidered piece can last for decades — see our care guide.
Many of our designs take their names from Armenian places. The Sanahin collection, for example, is named after the medieval monastery in Lori province, whose carved stone speaks the same geometric language as Marash motifs. Our table linen — from the Nonna tablecloth to the Grappe runner and Raphaella placemats — brings Armenian lace and embroidery to everyday and holiday tables alike.
Giving back
A share of our profits goes to charities that support girls’ education. When you choose Mairik, you support the women who make each piece and the girls who will shape what comes next.
From Yerevan to your home
Every piece is made in Armenia and shipped worldwide from Yerevan. Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new collections and the stories behind them. If you have a question about a piece, sizing or a gift, write to us at info@mairik.com — we are always happy to help.
Discover the collection
Hand-embroidered resort wear and table linen, made in Armenia.
