Today we’d like to introduce you to Romik Hacobian
Hi Romik, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My family’s journey to the United States began when I was just three years old. We fled the turmoil and chaos of the Iran-Iraq war, seeking safety and a better life. Our escape took us to India, where we were sponsored by a generous Indian family who welcomed refugees into their home. These early experiences profoundly shaped who I am today and continue to influence my work. As a proud Burbank resident, I channel my deep-seated passion for design into each creation, using my work as a means of self-expression. Every design embodies a unique facet of my character, reflecting my pride in Burbank.
I began my business journey as a volunteer for the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, offering freelance graphic design services while donating my time to rebrand the Chamber during a challenging period. As my work gained positive recognition within the community, it was Jamie Keyser Thomas, the CEO of the Burbank Chamber, who encouraged me to start my own business. The Chamber became my first client, and three years later, I now serve over 50 clients in the local community, including many struggling non-profits navigating the current economic landscape.
Through the Chamber, I launched the Burbank Young Professionals (BYP) program, which brings together young business leaders to connect, inspire, and grow in their careers. The success of BYP opened up further opportunities for me, leading to my service on the board of directors for several organizations. Additionally, I was appointed as a Police Commissioner for the City of Burbank and founded a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Burbank Armenian Association, aimed at bridging connections within a community that has been relatively inactive in Burbank.
My company, Media City Design, has received several honors, including the Burbank Chamber Small Emerging Business of the Year Award in 2023, the United Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award in 2024, and the myBurbank Website Designer of the Year in 2022. I was also honored with the Community Service Award by the Kiwanis Club in 2022.
In addition to Media City Design, I started another venture called Burbank Merch, where I continue to express my passion for design.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting my own business was a big gamble. Before taking that leap, I was a Senior Business Consultant at TPX, one of the leading IT firms, earning a comfortable six-figure income. However, the pandemic hit, and the company began mass layoffs. That uncertainty pushed me to fully commit to starting my own business. The fear of venturing into the unknown, especially when the entire world was struggling, was both terrifying and exciting.
There were moments when I wanted to give up because my business wasn’t gaining traction. To overcome this, I began offering free design services to businesses, focusing on building my portfolio. Despite the challenges, I found that through adversity, progress was happening—even if it didn’t seem like it at the time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work in the Burbank community is known for supporting local businesses and non-profits through design and marketing services. I’ve had the opportunity to rebrand the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, launch the Burbank Young Professionals program, and contribute to various community initiatives and organizations. My efforts have been recognized with several awards, reflecting my commitment to community service, leadership, and fostering growth within Burbank. I’m proud to be a part of this community and to make a positive difference through my work.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, I see my industry becoming increasingly driven by technology and innovation. With advancements in AI, automation, and data analytics, the way we approach design and marketing will evolve significantly. Personalization and immersive experiences, such as augmented reality and virtual reality, will play a larger role in how brands connect with their audiences. Sustainability and social responsibility will also become more critical, as consumers continue to prioritize companies that align with their values.
For my business, I plan to stay ahead by continuously adopting new tools and techniques, while maintaining a strong focus on creativity and human-centered design. The demand for more meaningful, authentic, and engaging content will only grow, and I aim to be at the forefront of delivering that for my clients.
Pricing:
- Pricing Varies from Client to Client
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mediacitydesign.com, www.burbankmerch.com
- Instagram: mediacity design, burbankmerch
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mediacitydesign,
