“One thing is common, a mothers love is extraordinary and often times defies the fabrics of reality. All mothers have remarkable stories and on this day we are honored to share a heartfelt interview filled with harmony, love, heart break, obstacles and opportunity. Mother’s Day special: Bato Shehaj’s story. Having spent 20 years connecting millions of people around the world at the post office, Bato spread the seed of safety, connectivity and family on many levels not truly Comprehendible during these times. This may have been a challenge, but her biggest challenge of all was the fight for her child’s life, winning the battle and her journey to America.”

In this episode we will learn how Daniella found her calling through her struggles and was able to save enough money to open her first barber shop in Birmingham, MI. She continued to strive to master her craft and found support in her family along the way, especially her now husband. Together they opened a second men's salon in which they added a fun bar/cocktail area for their clients. How cool is that? She is very passionate about her clients and their needs. Despite her down-to-earth personality, Daniella is a force to be reckoned with. Listen now to her her story.

We met Cindy Marina virtually to talk about her  journey to Miss Albania 2019 and being the Top 20 Finalist at the Miss Universe pageant. We also get to learn what the future holds for this gorgeous and bright young woman. She is a student athlete and a member of the National Albanian Volleyball team. Her passions and hard work can be seen by her great success. She is an inspiration for young people all around the world and represents her countries Albania and America is such a gracious way. She is also an advocate to stop pollution in Albania and around the world, and believes we need to take steps now to reverse climate change. She is already making strides by being a part of Surfrider, GreenLine, and Pacific Whale Foundation. Her beauty, strength, spirit and positivity is wonderful to see.  

Check out cindymarina.com. Thanks for Listening! Comment + Follow + Subscribe

Traveling from Los Angeles to the Shinola Hotel in Detroit, MI for this raw conversation with friends on "Vepra Shqiptare,"  Tonin is an actor in Hollywood, California, originally from Shkodra, Albania. He has a strong family presence in Michigan, and has come to share his story of how he chose acting as we dig deep to find his happiest moment in life. A true conversation with a young man relentlessly pursing his craft for the long term with a motto of "zero regrets in life." This episode is full of wisdom and outlook for all Albanians in our community pursuing the arts. Tonin's journey to California and beyond will inspire many, not only in our Albanian community but every culture.

Daniela came from Fier, Albania to Ohio and eventually went on to travel the world - to Italy and China. She achieved recognition for her achievements (a 2019 G20 Young Global Changer to name a few) and through her work and education she became a Research Fellow at the Center for International Development's Growth Lab at Harvard University and working with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington D.C. conducting analytical work and research on labor markets, economic polarization, and structural reforms. 

Valentina is a force to be reckoned with; a boss babe with a mission. She is the sole creator, designer, entrepreneur, and founder of VAJZË a jewelry line made in Michigan and sold all around the world. Inspired by her Albanian culture and the strong women around her she set out on a journey to follow her passion for styling, and gave women something to make them feel beautiful and strong. She has such a big heart and fierce work ethic. She also makes time to give back to the young girls and women in the community.  

Website: VAJZË.com 

IG: @VAJZË 

Podcast recorded at Farmington CoWork (Downtown Farmington Michigan)  Follow, subscribe, and comment Thank you.

--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We sit down and get to learn about how this woman pursued her passion, and become an acclaimed couture evening and wedding dress designer for the stars and for the brides who envision that unique and custom look for their fairytale wedding. She made it from Albania to Italy to Michigan and New York, and now her designs are all around the world. Her current passion and talent has been making custom wedding dresses for her clients at her Fashion Store "Katerina Bocci" in Shelby Township, MI. She is the OG boss lady and we were so honored to have her share her story. We look forward to hearing more from her in future podcasts as we believe in her and continue to be inspired by her journey and success. 

This is Vepra Shqiptare - Albanian Acts

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