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In business, much is made of the “perfect time” to launch a venture. For Elen Gasparyan, that time was when most would assume she should pause her career: nine months pregnant. By founding Davel Creative Agency, she challenged stereotypes, demonstrating how women can turn pivotal life moments—like motherhood—into opportunities for success.
Before launching Davel, Elen gained extensive experience at HSBC Bank in Armenia, where she held roles across sales and marketing from 2012 to 2016. This diverse background equipped her with the skills to navigate both the financial and creative aspects of running an agency. Now an Executive Creative Director with a global footprint, she exemplifies how resilience can drive meaningful change, even in competitive industries.
Defying Stereotypes from Day One
In 2017, Elen co-founded Davel at a time when many believed she’d be stepping away from ambition—just weeks before giving birth to her first child. “Women are often underestimated when they’re pregnant or become new mothers,” Elen shares. “But it’s actually one of our strongest moments because we learn to balance more than we ever thought possible.”
Launching a creative agency in Armenia—a small, post-Soviet country with just three million people—with no outside funding posed additional challenges. Yet, Elen leveraged the business skills she developed in high-level roles at HSBC, where she gained expertise in client relationships and strategic financial thinking.
This foundation was built on a bachelor’s in management from the Armenian State University of Economics and later a professional diploma in digital marketing from the Digital Marketing Institute in Dublin. This unique skill set sets Davel apart, establishing it as a competitive agency in a crowded market.
From Local Breakthroughs to International Acclaim
Davel’s early success led to broader opportunities and collaborations with major companies spanning telecom, banking, airlines, and globally recognized cosmetic brands. Committed to further growth, Elen expanded the agency to California, leveraging the United States’ vast market and diverse opportunities. Expanding into the U.S. presented new challenges, but Davel soon gained clients among major businesses seeking innovative branding and marketing strategies.
Karate, Discipline, and Drive
A key influence on Elen’s leadership style is her dedication to karate, a discipline she practices consistently. “Karate isn’t just physical training—it’s mental preparation for every hurdle,” she explains. “It taught me perseverance, clear-minded focus, and the mindset that I can push through challenges.” Balancing karate sessions with leading a team and raising a family might seem daunting, but for Elen, it’s part of the formula that keeps her at the top of her game.
Leading the Conversation in Creativity
Elen’s client work and results have earned her multiple Golden MUSE Awards and a seat as a judge on platforms like The Drum (UK), Digiday, and the Webby Awards, where she has evaluated campaigns for giants like Coca-Cola, Mercedes-Benz, Doritos, etc. She is also an Associate Member of The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences in New York, solidifying her role as an influential professional in the creative industry. Standing alongside creative directors from Hulu, Spotify, and Ogilvy, she brings a perspective deeply informed by her dual experiences in relationship management and the creative realm.
Lessons for Aspiring Female Leaders
- Turn “Weakness” into Fuel: Elen built her company at a time when society often labels women “weak.” She used that perception as motivation to excel.
- Take Calculated Risks: Moving Davel to the U.S. was a bold move, but it catapulted the agency onto a global stage.
- Practice Discipline: Whether karate or any other pursuit, sustained discipline fosters resilience and clarity.
- Embrace Mentorship: Elen credits her mother with showing her the power of strong female role models, and she now pays it forward by mentoring others.
An Ongoing Mission
With a reputation that has led to industry accolades, invitations to serve as a judge on global creative platforms, and a growing international clientele, Elen continues to break barriers. Her next goal is to keep expanding Davel in the U.S. and beyond while using her influence to show that women don’t need permission – or perfect timing – to chase big dreams.
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