We have what you’ve been looking for...
At first glance, MERNEM might look like just another clothing brand—another drop in a sea of streetwear labels fighting for attention. But spend a moment with our story, run your hands across the fabric of our tees, take in the depth of the designs—and you’ll understand we’re built on something deeper. Something real. Something ancestral.
MERNEM isn’t just a brand. It’s a movement. A message. A memory woven into every stitch. It's for those who never forgot where they came from, and for those looking to reconnect with their roots. It's for the loud ones, the proud ones, and even the quiet ones who still carry their heritage in their hearts.
The Seed That Sparked the Flame
The idea for MERNEM was born not in a boardroom or a brainstorming session—but in the heart of a young American-Armenian boy named Sevag Markarian. Growing up in the diverse suburbs of Southern California, Sevag would often sketch designs, play with cultural motifs, and imagine a world where Armenian culture wasn’t just something honored on holidays—but something lived in daily.
As an American-Armenian kid, he saw how easily cultural identity could fade. He wanted to preserve and elevate it in a way that spoke to modern generations—fusing history with streetwear, nostalgia with bold aesthetics. He dreamed of something stylish, meaningful, and wearable—something his friends could wear at a concert, a night out, or a family gathering—and still feel like they were repping Ararat, Ani, and their ancestors.
Years later, that childhood dream evolved into MERNEM.
A Brother’s Bond, A Family’s Mission
Fast forward to adulthood. Sevag shared his lifelong vision with his older brother, Antranik Markarian—a driven entrepreneur, marketer, and family man with a sharp business mind. Born and raised in America but deeply connected to their Armenian roots, both brothers understood the importance of creating something that could honor their heritage while embracing their present.
The name “MERNEM,” a common Armenian expression loosely translated as “To Die For,” immediately hit home. It wasn’t just a name—it was a vibe. A feeling. A phrase packed with soul, love, and deep emotion. Something you say when you adore someone or something so much, it’s simply... to die for.
That phrase became their north star.
Together, Sevag and Antranik launched MERNEM INC., pouring passion, identity, and purpose into every thread. With Sevag spearheading design and creative, and Antranik steering the brand and operations, they set out to build more than a business—they set out to build a cultural movement.
Why We Exist
MERNEM exists to celebrate American-Armenian identity in a way that resonates with today’s generation.
We’re not here to sell shirts. We’re here to tell stories—of survival, of resilience, of joy and heritage. Stories that are stitched into our DNA, passed down in kitchens and backyards, through music, food, and language.
Our graphic tees are not just about style—they're about meaning. Whether it’s a bold rendering of Mesrop Mashtots’ alphabet, a design inspired by the skyline of Yerevan, or a humorous nod to a saying only your Medz Mama would understand, each piece is intentional.
We blend ancient Armenian iconography with modern design, creating pieces that feel just as natural in downtown LA as they do on the streets of Yerevan. This isn’t costume—this is everyday culture.
Crafted With Purpose
Quality matters to us. Our tees are soft, breathable, durable—and made to be your go-to. We use premium materials that look great, feel even better, and are built to last. But what sets us apart isn’t just craftsmanship—it’s soul.
In a world full of fast fashion, MERNEM brings meaning back into the clothes we wear. Every tee has a story. Every design has a reason. And every customer becomes part of something bigger than a brand—they become part of a living legacy.
More Than Just Merch – A Movement
MERNEM is more than fabric and ink. It’s for the American-Armenians who speak a mix of English and Armenian at the dinner table. It’s for the ones who dance to Armenian dhol one night and blast hip-hop the next. It’s for those who remember the Genocide— as history and as family trauma.
We’re proud of who we are. We’re proud of our ancestors. And we’re proud to wear it.
Our brand is a way to say: I belong. I remember. I represent.
From Boston to Beirut, from LA to Lebanon, from Gyumri to Glendale—MERNEM is for all of us.
Designs With Depth
Our collections are crafted with care, each one grounded in storytelling, culture, and connection. We pull inspiration from:
The Armenian alphabet – a beautiful, ancient script created by Mesrop Mashtots that represents not just language, but legacy.
Cultural sayings – like “Mernem Kez,” a beloved expression of affection that translates to “To Die For.”
Historical references – from the highlands of Artsakh to the monasteries of Sevan.
Modern life – because being American-Armenian isn’t just about the past. It’s also about the now.
We make shirts that speak to your soul. Sometimes serious. Sometimes funny. Always authentic.
Challenges We Face, and the Fire That Fuels Us
Like any growing brand, we’ve faced our share of hurdles—especially as a small family-run business. High production costs. Limited access to affordable, local print-on-demand vendors. Shipping issues. Margin constraints.
We’ve explored new manufacturers. We’ve dealt with delays, mistakes, and the learning curve that comes with every entrepreneurial journey.
But we keep going—because this means something.
Every shirt we ship isn’t just a product. It’s a message. A flag. A hug from the past and a high-five to the future.
A Personal Mission
For Antranik and Sevag, this isn’t just about business. It’s about legacy.
It’s about honoring the stories of their grandparents who rebuilt their lives from scratch after surviving unimaginable hardship. It’s about giving their kids something to be proud of—something they can carry with them into the future.
MERNEM is for the people who cry when they hear the duduk, who hold their families close, who light candles for their ancestors and celebrate life with loud music and louder love.
MERNEM is for all of us who carry our culture in our hearts—and now, on our sleeves.
What’s Next
We’re just getting started.
We dream of taking MERNEM worldwide—not just as a clothing company, but as a cultural force. We’re working on:
Growing our product line (hoodies, hats, kidswear, accessories, and more)
Collaborating with creators, artists, and athletes who love our culture as much as we do
Hosting pop-ups, cultural events, and brand experiences
Giving back to the Armenian community through charitable partnerships and youth programs
This brand is about more than profit. It’s about pride.
Join the Movement
If you’ve ever longed to feel connected...If you’ve ever wanted to show the world who you are...If you’ve ever searched for something that feels both modern and meaningful...
You’ve found it.
We welcome you into the MERNEM family with open arms and open hearts. Wear our tees with pride. Tell your story. Pass on the legacy.
Wherever you go—from the streets of LA to the villages of Armenia—know this:
MERNEM. To Die For.
