By: Laura Johnson
Marina Nushikyan is not just a designer — she is a storyteller, a believer, and a visionary who has woven faith and elegance into a unique brand that touches hearts. Born and raised in Yerevan, Armenia, in a family shaped by both business and medicine, Marina was surrounded by discipline, drive, and care from an early age. With a degree in economics and a heart rooted in spirituality, she found her true calling during one of the darkest seasons of her life — turning pain into purpose, and heartbreak into healing.
In 2020, Marina founded NISSI, a spiritual jewelry brand that goes far beyond aesthetics. Each piece is handcrafted with intention, blending sacred symbols, prayers, and Christian themes into modern, wearable art. NISSI is not just about style — it’s about soul. Through her brand, Marina invites women to find strength in their faith and carry that light with them in everyday life.
We sat down with Marina to hear more about her journey, inspiration, and the meaning behind her creations.
What inspired you to create a spiritual jewelry brand?
“The idea came to me during the most difficult period of my life,” Marina shares candidly. “Everything around me was falling apart. I was in pain, but I didn’t want to stay there. I realized I could either be broken or I could turn my pain into light.”
Marina’s deep love for jewelry became her medium for transformation. She began to see each piece as more than decoration — they became personal prayers, something meaningful a woman could carry both on her and within her. “That’s how NISSI was born — a brand where beauty and spirit are one. I wanted to create jewelry that doesn’t just look beautiful but speaks to the soul, that becomes one of the sources of strength and hope for the one who wears it.”
How does faith guide your life and your work?
“Faith is everything to me,” Marina says. “I don’t separate faith from work, or spirituality from style. When God is at the center of what you do, everything else aligns.”
Her designs reflect that unity — combining high fashion with spiritual depth. Sacred symbols, verses, and Christian motifs are delicately incorporated into her collections, making each piece both timeless and intentional. “To me, jewelry is not about trends. It’s about truth. If you create with love and faith, the result carries eternal value. It’s silent, yet it speaks volumes.”
What does it mean to be a female entrepreneur in Armenian culture and society?
Marina’s response is both humble and profound. “To be honest, I never planned to be a ‘businesswoman’ in the traditional sense. I didn’t want to sell — I wanted to serve. I wanted to create something that could touch women’s hearts, guide them in dark times, and remind them of their own strength.”
In a culture that is both rich in tradition and complex in expectations, Marina’s path hasn’t always been easy. But she sees entrepreneurship as a form of leadership rooted in compassion. “The Armenian woman is powerful — full of wisdom, grace, and faith. I wanted NISSI to represent that spirit. I wanted every woman to feel that she is not alone, that her inner world matters, and that she can rise, no matter what she’s going through.”
What drives and inspires you the most in life and work?
Marina explains that her foundation, like Armenia’s ancient churches, rests on four pillars. “The New Testament has four Gospels. Armenian churches stand on four columns. I, too, have four pillars in my life: my faith, my parents, my husband, and my children. Everything I am and everything I do is supported by these forces.”
Family, for Marina, is not just a source of love — it’s a source of energy, resilience, and inspiration. She believes that behind every strong creation is a strong circle. “Without my family’s support and God’s guidance, NISSI would not exist.”
What would you like to change or bring to the jewelry industry?
“My mission is to bring depth back into jewelry,” Marina says firmly. “I want each piece to tell a story — not of status, but of spirit. I want to promote values, not just luxury. And I want to share Armenia’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage with the world.”
Through NISSI, Marina is striving to raise awareness of Christian values, Armenian identity, and the timeless power of faith. Her vision is clear: “Jewelry should be more than just gold and stones — it should be a reflection of the soul.”
As Marina continues to grow her brand, she remains deeply rooted in her purpose: to illuminate a path for others through her art. NISSI is more than jewelry. It’s a quiet revolution — one that reminds women of their divine strength, beauty, and worth.
Disclaimer: The views and experiences expressed by individuals in this article are based on personal opinions and experiences. Results may vary for different individuals. NISSI jewelry is designed as an artistic expression of faith, and any spiritual or emotional benefits mentioned are subjective. The company does not guarantee specific results or outcomes from wearing its products.
