Style, Soul, and Staying Power: Meline Gasparyan on Building Her Fashion Empire From the Ground Up
- Staff Writer
- Aug 26
- 3 min read
Los Angeles is a city where fashion dreams often begin and for Meline Gasparyan, they became a full-blown reality. A self-made designer, stylist, and entrepreneur, Meline’s journey from sewing Barbie dresses as a child to launching her own brand and boutique in one of LA’s most iconic shopping destinations is a story rooted in grit, vision, and pure passion for the art of style.
“I’ve loved fashion for as long as I can remember,” Meline tells LA Living. “As a little girl, I’d make clothes for my dolls, daydreaming about the brand I’d one day build.” That dream would eventually become JHENYA, a fashion-forward label named after her beloved grandmother and launched inside the Westfield Topanga Mall in 2016.
The FIDM graduate wasted no time after earning her fashion design degree in 2009, diving into the industry and building experience with established designers, styling editorial shoots, and personal clients. But it was the launch of JHENYA that truly put her on the map. “Being inside Westfield Topanga Mall was a dream I never thought would be possible. I worked seven days a week, often more than 77 hours it was my everything,” she recalls.
From celebrities shopping her boutique to stylists pulling her pieces for major TV shows and influencers sharing JHENYA on social media, Meline quickly became a quiet powerhouse in the LA fashion scene. But like many small business owners, her momentum hit a wall in 2020 when the pandemic shuttered malls and retail spaces. With her lease up and uncertainty looming, she made the smart albeit bittersweet decision to shift her entire operation online.
Rather than view the pandemic as a setback, Meline saw an opportunity to evolve. With time and creativity on her side, she leaned into what clients had always come to her for: expert styling. The result? A fresh new platform, Get Styled With Mel, where she now offers one-on-one styling services and a unique approach to Color Analysis, helping men and women alike discover their most flattering hues.
“I work with everyone from moms to entrepreneurs who are just looking to feel good in what they wear,” she says. “When you look good, you feel good. Everyone deserves that kind of confidence.”
Her Color Analysis service has become a standout. “Seeing my clients’ faces light up when they find their power colors is truly magical. It’s transformative not just for their wardrobe, but their mindset too,” she adds.
Having worked with TV personalities, influencers, and celebrities, Meline maintains a grounded approach: “I’m grateful for every opportunity, and I always lead with authenticity. That’s why I think the relationships I’ve built in this industry have lasted. I’m not in it for anything but to help people feel their best.”
It’s that sincerity and hustle that recently landed her a new milestone, appearing on FOX 13 News in Seattle to talk about her styling and color analysis work. “That moment was epic for me,” she says with a smile. “To go from dressing people for TV to being on TV myself, it was a full circle.”
Through the highs and lows, what grounds Meline most is gratitude. “I stay humble no matter what. Whether it’s a big moment or a tough day, I remember that it can all be taken away. That makes me appreciate every single step of the journey.”
For her, the true reward is witnessing her clients’ transformations. “Helping people find their confidence it never gets old. Watching someone light up because they finally feel seen in their style? That’s everything.”
Meline shows no signs of slowing down. With a growing digital presence on Instagram and TikTok (@getstyledwithmel), her styling calendar is booked with clients across the country seeking her expert eye and intuitive fashion sense.
“I’ve always worn a lot of hats from designer to buyer to social media manager but it’s all part of the dream. And I’m still dreaming big.”
Instagram & TikTok: @getstyledwithmel
