Mariam Gevorgyan is making her mark as an entrepreneur in the human resources industry by bridging the rich cultural heritage of Armenia (Yerevan) with the thriving business environment of Romania. With a Bachelor's in Sociology, a Master's in Sociology, and a second Master's in Law, and currently pursuing her PhD in Sociology, Mariam embarked on a transformative journey to redefine what human resources could be. In 2022, after moving to Romania, she met Steluta Elena Mihai, a human resources professional with over 13 years of experience and together, they founded Meraki HR — a company dedicated to transforming the human resources landscape by aligning companies’ objectives to people-centric value, through a ‘people first’ mentality.

Meraki HR: Where Passion Meets Innovation

Meraki HR is not just a human resources consultancy firm; it’s where business meets humanity. The name "Meraki" reflects the founders' belief in bringing soul, creativity, and genuine care into every aspect of their work. “Our mission is to redefine human resources by showing that valuing people — understanding their unique stories, needs, and aspirations — drives employee satisfaction and business success,” explains Mariam. "Motivated employees are crucial to innovation and performance, ultimately contributing to a company's bottom line. At Meraki HR, we strive to find that balance between people and performance, ensuring that our clients meet their goals while fostering a workplace where everyone thrives."

A Defining Moment: Redefining Human Resources from Within

Mariam recalls a critical moment early in her journey that reshaped her understanding of human resources. “During our first project together, Steluta showed me what being in human resources truly means," she shares. “I learned that you must first understand the real needs of your employees and be one of them; only then can you effectively advocate for their rights. It's a delicate balance — there’s a lot of work behind the scenes to align the company's goals with the well-being of its people.” This understanding became the foundation for Meraki HR's approach: empathic, compassionate, and forward thinking.

Transforming the Human Resources Landscape

Mariam and Steluta are passionate about changing the way human resources is perceived — not just as a department that enforces policies but as a vital partner in creating a healthy, productive workplace. At Meraki HR, they believe HR is about more than just processes; it’s about people. “Of course, processes and structures are essential, but we go beyond that to understand the human behind the job title and cultivate a culture that encourages creativity, collaboration, and high performance.”

A people-centric environment is a game-changer for businesses. It boosts employee satisfaction and retention, slashes turnover costs, and enhances productivity and performance. A thriving workforce is the secret flavouring for a more resilient and competitive business.

Meraki HR understands that not every company can afford a fully-fledged human resources department — and that’s where they step in. “We're not just a service provider; no matter the industry, we're a partner, collaborator, colleague, and coach for small and medium businesses, with a strong focus on entrepreneurship businesses.” Mariam explains. “We offer tailored support to ensure that even companies without extensive HR infrastructure can still foster a successful, people-focused environment, benefiting from the same expertise and care as larger organisations.”

A Vision for 2024 and Beyond

As Meraki HR continues to expand, Mariam envisions a future where the company becomes a leader in delivering innovative and inclusive HR solutions to businesses worldwide. “We aim to change how companies think about HR,” Mariam explains. “Outsourcing HR services to a partner like Meraki HR is not just a smart, effective choice; it's a strategic investment in your people at the right time and at the right cost, which ultimately translates to the company’s success. By leveraging our expertise, businesses can create efficient, productive, and supportive workplaces, just like with an internal HR department.”

Mariam acknowledges that the path is not without its challenges. "In the HR landscape, we often see ‘toxic positivity’—a surface-level optimism that overlooks underlying issues within teams,” she notes. “At Meraki HR, we bring an objective, external perspective that helps companies address these challenges openly and constructively. As an external HR partner, we foster genuine employee well-being, transparency, and a positive culture that aligns with the business’s strategic goals.”

The benefits of partnering with Meraki HR are clear for clients: Even a well-thought flexible budget allocated to human resources can prevent costly fines, ensure compliance with regulations, and clarify processes that mitigate risks. “By proactively engaging a human resources specialist,” Mariam adds, “companies can avoid disciplinary issues, reduce employee turnover, and create a more stable, focused, and legally compliant work environment.”

By partnering with Meraki HR, companies gain more than just human resources support services; they secure a dedicated partner committed to enhancing both organisational performance and employee integrity and satisfaction.

Mariam Gevorgyan, Co-Founder, Meraki HR