From Armenia to Amsterdam: How Arabo Found a Creative Home with Delitelabs
- delitelabs
- Sep 10
- 3 min read
When Arabo Sargsyan describes himself, the words “artistic” and “introverted” come first. Born and raised in Armenia, Arabo originally studied psychology but found his true calling in design. From book covers to oracle cards, his work blends storytelling with artistry. He also has a background in activism designing posters and t-shirts for environmental and animal rights. “Art was always my way of expressing ideas that mattered,” he reflects.
Five years ago, Arabo relocated to the Netherlands, not by plan but by necessity. Safety concerns made him leave Armenia, and he has since been working to build a new life in Europe. “It was unexpected, but sometimes life decides for you,” he says. Now, while job hunting and sending out countless CVs, Arabo is also pursuing opportunities to expand his creative path.
Discovering Delitelabs
A friend first shared a job fair link that led Arabo to Delitelabs. What he thought might be a small opportunity turned into a transformational program. “I didn’t expect much,” he admits. “But I found myself connecting with directors of museums such as the famous (Believe it or Not) museum. That was surprising.”
The program offered more than just contacts. Through workshops and mentorship, Arabo gained practical knowledge about business management and market strategies. “I never saw myself as a businessman,” he laughs, “but I learned how to think about my audience, my products, and how to test ideas.”
Designing for others, growing himself
One of Arabo’s biggest contributions at Delitelabs was designing pitch presentations for nearly all the other participants. He emphasized visuals over text-heavy slides, showing how strong design could elevate any idea. “I wanted their ideas to shine,” he explains. In the process, he discovered new sides of his own creativity, exploring industries far beyond his own niche.
“The interesting part was realizing how universal art is,” he reflects. “Even if my product is very specific, I learned how to make it connect with people who had never heard of such things.”
A Mentor, a guide, a friend
The mentor relationship was another highlight for Arabo. His mentor not only supported his business ideas but also extended the connection beyond formal meetings. “It wasn’t just professional, it became a real friendship,” he shares. This support reinforced his belief that pursuing unconventional ideas is worthwhile.
“Arabo joined the program with strong motivation and a clear vision for how to leverage his skills and talents in the Netherlands. He dedicated significant time between sessions to refine his project and consistently brought high energy and motivation to our meetings. Beyond the mentorship, I also truly enjoyed joining community events with him, such as Nacht van de Vluchteling,” shared Louise Barre, Brand Manager at Unilever and Arabo’s mentor.
His advice to future participants? “Don’t be afraid if your idea feels strange. There will always be someone interested. And with the right presentation, you can reach anyone.”
Arabo and his mentor Louise Barre at the graduation event.
Transformation and next steps
Through Delitelabs, Arabo has built confidence and clarity about his direction. He now sees himself not as a “businessman” but as a creator with the tools to bring his ideas into the world. Currently, he is continuing his job search while also developing his creative projects.
Why Arabo’s story matters
Arabo’s journey shows that creativity and resilience can turn unexpected detours into new beginnings. His story is a reminder that programs like Delitelabs don’t just teach business, they create spaces where unconventional thinkers can find community, confidence, and a path forward.
For anyone considering the program, Arabo’s advice stands clear: “Your ideas matter even the unusual ones. With the right support, you’ll find your audience.”