A generous customers purchase of $1,200 on the second day of business help set A. Feliché on the track to success 30 years later. Photo by Ben Hensley When Karina Khachatourian opened A.
Feliché, Inc. in 1994, she did so in the hopes of serving the local community, selling European clothing to customers from all walks of life. After 30 years in business, the mission hasn’t changed as she opens her doors not just to new customers, but old customers and friends she has made through years of selling fashionable clothing along with a positive attitude and charm.
Khachatourian came to the U.S. from Armenia in 1991.
After working as a professor of foreign language, Khachatourian, who spoke several languages prior to relocating, did not speak English, but that wouldn’t stop her from making an imprint in the community. “When I came here I just wanted to do something; I wanted to be productive,” she said. Khachatourian opened A.
Feliché, Inc. to the backing of a strong Armenian and European immigrant presence. With $40,000 in inventory from a friend in Belgium, she saw success the second day she was open.
“With God’s help,” she said, referencing the customer — who made a $1,200 purchase — and helped her process the transaction. “I asked her how to do this [process the transaction]..
.they helped me and they came back because they know I’m honest and I learn from my mistakes.” Connections like that one are what Khachatourian says keeps her coming back day a.