Meet Carlos • كارلوس

Carlos Ayvazian grew up in Bourj Hammoud, carrying both Armenian and Lebanese roots. At just twelve years old, he left school to help support his family, working long days in jewelry shops before taking night shifts at cafés. Years later, that same resilience would shape everything he built. In this episode, Carlos shares his journey from child laborer to social entrepreneur, reflecting on October 17, the Beirut Port explosion, and the years of crisis that transformed his life. We talk about the year he spent farming in the Bekaa, how it led to founding Wasted Treasures, and what it's like trying to build a business while living through economic collapse and war. Most of all, we talk about hope. About choosing service over bitterness, community over isolation, and believing that lasting change comes from ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Yalla. This is a conversation about resilience, purpose, and what it means to keep choosing Lebanon, even when Lebanon keeps breaking your heart. 🇱🇧🎙️