Born in Armenia and raised in Queens, New York, Shahen Guiragossian’s life has been defined by hard work, family, and an unwavering determination to move forward through both triumph and adversity.
The son of Armenian immigrants whose family history was forever impacted by the Armenian genocide, he grew up with a deep appreciation for perseverance, sacrifice, and the importance of honoring those who came before him.
Over the years, Shahen built a successful career as a mechanic, business owner, and property owner while raising five children and creating a life rooted in family and community. Alongside those accomplishments came profound personal loss, including the death of his youngest child—an experience that forever changed the course of his life and left a lasting mark on the man he would become.
Today, Shahen lives in Florida, where he remains devoted to his family, his faith, and the memories that continue to shape his life. Through sharing his experiences, he hopes to preserve the stories, lessons, and people that have mattered most throughout his journey.
The Man Behind the Memoirs.
A life is rarely defined by a single moment. More often, it is shaped by thousands of ordinary days, difficult decisions, unexpected turns, and the people we meet along the way.
The photographs capture only a handful of moments from Shahen’s journey. Together, they reflect the evolution of a young immigrant boy into a businessman, father, and storyteller whose experiences continue to shape the person he is today.
While the years have brought both joy and heartbreak, they have also provided a lifetime of memories, relationships, and experiences that continue to inform how Shahen views the world and his place within it.
The Road That Led Here.
Giving Back.
Throughout his life, Shahen has believed in the importance of supporting the communities and causes that have left a lasting impact on him.
A portion of proceeds from his books is donated to the Armenian Relief Society and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum—organizations that reflect his commitment to remembrance, resilience, and honoring the stories that connect generations.
For Shahen, preserving the past is not simply about looking back. It is about ensuring that the lessons, sacrifices, and experiences of those who came before us continue to be remembered.
Guiding Belief
“Every day, every hour, every minute, every second, another goal, another idea, another reason to keep going.”
— Shahen Guiragossian
Explore His Work
