Real-life stories

1. What brought you here to the US?

In 1986, the Los Angeles Hyatt offered me a working visa. I had to leave my sons with my family and leave the Philippines within 30 days of the Hyatt’s offer. I only had a suitcase, $50 in my pocket, and a dream. I was able to bring my two young sons in 1989 when I obtained a visa for them.

2. What do you like about the US?

The US is truly the land of the free and the land of opportunity. The country where you can have and enjoy the American Dream.

3. If you can give some advice to immigrants who just came recently to the US, what would it be?

Have a goal, a plan, and a purpose in life. Most of us who had nothing from where we came from, I hope people would be able to relate to my story. In the US we were given a new canvas where you can create your new beginning, a new chapter, and new hope for a better life. Stay focused on that goal. A person who is hard working with great courage and determination, responsible, persistent, and self-motivated will be successful in this country. There’s no excuse!

Russia

1. What brought you here to the US?

I came to the US to provide a life full of opportunities and freedoms for my children. I wished for them to have dreams and be able to fulfill them with endless possibilities.

2. What are the challenges you faced or currently facing with setting up your businesses? Were you hesitant at first?

I was definitely hesitant at first because I had an accomplished life in my home country. I was respected, well-known as a professional, and economically stable. However, upon arrival, I realized I had to reestablish myself to be recognized and accepted as a professional. I had to go back to grad school and get a US degree although I had advanced degrees, training in Great Britain, and 18 years of teaching experience. So, I went back to school, received a master’s degree in TESL from BYU, then completed my doctorate in educational leadership, curriculum and instruction from the University of Phoenix, AZ. When I first arrived, I also had to learn to drive and do jobs I never thought I would ever do- for example, giving piano lessons, taking care of the elderly, and even cleaning houses to help my children with school. Those were stressful times but I had the vision and the strength to go though those challenges. I never gave up.

3. What motivated you to pursue this route?

Watching my children enjoy their life, advancing in their education and goals, having ambitions to study and grow, and becoming successful are what motivated me and helped me through difficult times. Starting a business in the US was a big risk reserved for those who are not afraid of change and have the strength and patience to make it happen. After all, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." With my extensive experience, I had to start all over again and do it on my own. I strongly felt that even if I failed, I could make a difference in many young immigrants’ lives by helping them with the language and understanding the culture. As 45 years went by, I have heard more and more of my students’ life-changing stories. My students remain my lifelong friends and their success is part of my success!

4. What is your advice for immigrants who want to start their own businesses?

Don’t be afraid to try! If you feel you have the potential to make a change, go for it! Don't be afraid of failure because it is part of success! This country was built by immigrants who are still an essential part of the economy and growth since they run millions of businesses. All you need is a vision, the ability to work hard, and the love and passion for what you do!

1. What brought you here to the US?

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I was engaged to marry my former husband who was from the United States after meeting in my homeland, Mongolia. When I got to the States, we decided to settle down in Idaho where he had a family.

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2. What do you like about the US?

I love the diversity, multiculturalism and fair chances America offers for everyone who work hard to create a better life. Regardless of our nationality and English proficiency, America offers free equity education for all Immigrant children. Other countries don’t offer or allow girls to get any formal education. I also love the declaration of human rights and how it helps and create a safe community and a place to live regardless of our gender, religion and place of origin.

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3. What are the challenges you face during your stay in the US?

The most challenging thing I face in US is feeling alone, lonely, and missing my family and loved ones back home. All my siblings and my mother still live in Mongolia. It’s specially very challenging for me during holidays. Even though modern technology allows me to communicate and connect with my family, there is nothing like a mom’s hug, laughing with my sisters and playing with my nieces and nephews. Therefore, I think it’s important to make friends and be included in a community by serving, volunteering, and making time for others and for ourselves.

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4. If you can give some advice to immigrants who just came recently to the US, what would it be?

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Anything is possible if you work hard in this country. Don’t ever compare yourself with others! Work hard towards your dreams and goals, step by step. Find necessary resources and people who can help you, guide you and inspire you! And most importantly believe in yourself and your potential. Share your light, example, happiness, culture, and tradition with others around you.

1.    What brought you here to the US? 

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I initially came here as an exchange student at the age of 14 under a student visa program. Later, I was able to stay here permanently gaining my residency status. 

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2.    What are the challenges you faced or currently facing with setting up your business? Were you hesitant at first? 

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The biggest challenge at first was overcoming the fear of doing something completely new and out of my comfort zone. Taking that leap of faith and going through those trials and failures allowed me to personally grow and face the challenges that were part of business ownership and responsibilities. But the rewards and blessings I’ve received so far at this point completely outweigh the tough things I needed to overcome. 

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3.    What motivated you to pursue this route? 

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The absolute opportunity and blessings of being able to be in business for yourself were way better than the options that a third-world country has to offer. I pursued makeup artistry purely because I love the joy of being a part of making someone feel beautiful, externally as well as internally. 

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4.    What is your advice for immigrants who wanted to start their own businesses? 

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Follow your dreams and don’t let fear or anybody’s opinions stop you from pursuing your goals. 

1. What brought you here to the US?

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My fiancé, (now my husband), and I wanted to get married in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temple in Laie, Hawaii while continuing his studies at BYU-H as a Mathematics major. I have just graduated with a degree of BS in Nursing from the University of the Philippines, so I thought it was a good time for us to start a new chapter in our lives.

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2. What do you like about the US?

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I love and am very grateful for what the United States offers to its citizens, immigrants, and people from all over the world such as freedom, opportunities, and resources. I like how this great nation fosters innovation, free enterprise, and a mindset of growth to everyone. I appreciate its history, and sincerely respect the US Constitution and its values of industry, tenacity, courage, and honor. America is so generous to people across the world. Despite its flaws, I truly believe that it is the greatest nation because of its generosity and core values.

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3. What are the challenges you face during your stay in the US?

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I was subjected to a deportation hearing when my two children were young, and my husband was attending BYU. This was due to immigration law, and I had to wait in the Philippines for my immigrant petition from the Hawaii hospital that sponsored me. I was mandated to leave my two US-born young children while my husband was on a student visa.

However, it was also via immigration law that I was able to gain my US citizenship. The ‘Red Sea’ truly parted for us through God’s grace. The blessing of my US citizenship trickled to both sides of my family and optimized our capacities to help the poor and the needy in the Philippines. This became possible through our non-profit public foundation, which was formed with dear friends.

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4. If you can give some advice to immigrants who just came recently to the US, what would it be?

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I would counsel them to nurture love for America among their children and loved ones, and to learn as much as they can about this country- its language, school, opportunities for growth, and payback by helping other immigrant families and communities.