We had the good fortune of connecting with Irena Tigranyan and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Irena, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Navigating the intricacies of healthcare options, particularly in the American system where it all begins with selecting health insurance, has been a challenging journey. Through our collective experiences and observations, alongside Ariel, my husband, we recognized a significant gap in the market. It became evident that existing methods were failing to effectively address the need for simplified healthcare choices. Drawing inspiration from industries renowned for their streamlined purchasing processes, such as online home buying or car shopping, we envisioned bringing similar ease to the realm of health insurance. This realization ignited the spark to start our own business, driven by the desire to tailor solutions that bridge this gap and deliver tangible value to customers.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey began in 2014 when I landed at Seattle Tacoma airport with no knowledge of English but a boundless excitement to explore what I saw as “the land of opportunity.” As an immigrant, I worked a variety of jobs, each offering unique insights into the lives of people from all walks of life. What struck me was that despite our differences, everyone shared a common desire for security, happiness, and health.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working at renowned companies such as Tesla, Alfred, Lucid Motors, and numerous tech-oriented startups. These experiences have shaped me in profound ways, equipping me with a diverse skill set and an understanding of various industries.
The path to where I am today hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced countless challenges along the way, from language barriers to navigating unfamiliar work cultures. However, each obstacle has been a valuable lesson in resilience and perseverance.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the significance of enjoying the journey itself, recognizing that the destination is never a stopping point. Through the ups and downs of my career, I’ve found fulfillment in embracing each experience, cherishing the lessons learned along the way, and relishing in the process of growth and discovery. This mindset has allowed me to appreciate every moment, whether it’s a triumph or a setback, and to remain resilient in the face of challenges.
As for our brand, I want the world to know that we are driven by a shared vision of creating innovative solutions that make a positive impact on people’s lives. I know it sounds very cliche, but that is the true feeling that every founder has when creating a product.
Our journey may have started with humble beginnings, but our relentless pursuit of excellence and passion for serving others fuels our growth and inspires our work every day.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I already have a pre-built itinerary, because I do get frequent visits from friends and family. But if my best friend were visiting Miami for a week, here’s what I’d do:
Day 1: Key Biscayne
Day 2: Wynwood and Design District
Day 3: Vizcaya, and Coconut Grove dining.
Day 4: Everglades airboat touring
Day 5: PAMM, Brickell
Day 6: Key West roadtrip
Day 7: Relaxing at a spa
SoFlo’s mix of culture, nature, and nightlife guarantees an unforgettable trip!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a heartfelt shoutout to our moms, Nara and Nivia. Their unwavering belief in us, even when our dreams seemed crazy or far-fetched, has been a constant source of inspiration. That belief has driven us to push ourselves beyond our limits and strive for excellence in everything we do. When we’re fueled by that energy, we bring it back to the team, motivating us all to reach new heights together. So, here’s to our moms, whose support has been instrumental in shaping who we are today and what we get to do.
Website: healthbird.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthbirdapp/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthbird/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Healthbirdapp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HealthBirdapp/100086978803495/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxw3Is1myN36iO2fnJWNanA
Image Credits
Irena Tigranyan & Ariel Dominguez – Co-founders HealthBird team