BOTA | World Views and Albanian Culture

intro

Emina is originally from Bosnia. Her parents moved to the USA a few years before she was born due to conflicts during the Yugoslavian war in the mid 90s. Her parents drove from Seattle, Washington to Atlanta, Georgia. She was born in '96 and grew up in the US. Her family kept many Bosnian traditions alive and Bosnian was her first language. She found a balance of expressing her Bosnian heritage and living that American lifestyle. She graduated with a degree in Marketing from Kennasaw State University. Here she took an entrepreneurship class. Where she had a build a business and pitch it to angel investors. During this project she discovered that letters and stories have such a deep importance. She noticed that she could find any sweatshirts, tees that had her hometown city on it. She started making shirts with Bosnian city coordinates. She graduated university and started her business "Balkan Bred" at the young age of 21. She has been building her brand and business since then. 2.5  years later she was able to quit her 9-5 and fully commit to her thriving online business. Not only does she sell Balkan city coordinate shirts, mugs, products with Balkan sayings, she also shares a story.She has a blog called "Meet the Diaspora" that showcases people who have accomplished so many great things who are from the Balkans. She also has a podcast and vlogs on youtube. We get into what it means to be an entrepreneur, how to build a brand, social media, marketing, and ways to be your authentic self when being a boss. Follow Emina:Instagram: @balkanbredWebsite: http://balkanbred.com/insta-links/Time Stamps: 9:00 Majoring in Marketing and Graduating from University and how she got the idea for building her business15:30 Building her online business "Balkan Bred"23:00 Online business29:00 Social media & branding38:40: Day in the life of an entrepreneur54:10: Future goalsFollow BOTA:Instagram @botapodcast#entrepreneur #balkans #bosnia #albania #culture #diaspora 

Today's episode I sit down with Arbër admin for an instagram page called "Balkanism__".He is a history major and has a passion for the Balkan region. He is originally from Kosova, living in the United Kingdom. He expresses the complexity of this region and how he wanted to show that there can be a place for people to come together respectively to learn about each other, and show the positive sides of the region, but also the real issues that sometimes arises in such a vast and complex place. He shares beautiful historical images of traditional clothing, foods, people, and also stories of people that have had traumatic experiences in war, or have been abused or experience with being a refugee or immigrant. We get into our own perceptions and experiences and how culture and society can become so complex. FOLLOW Balkanism on instagram @balkanism__LEAVE a 5-star Review on Apple Podcast BOTA instagram @botapodcast

Sania's Brow Bar opened in 2004 and took the beauty world by storm with the full, luscious, thick eyebrows. Sania is a mom of four, a wife, and an entrepreneur who  built a loyal & loving clientele & landed celebrity clients. She is humble, a hard worker, and her motto is allowing your natural beauty to shine. She is a master at her craft and now she is teaching her two daughter and niece the tricks of the trade & building a legacy. She is an inspiration, and offers so much advice and insight during this episode.  You can find her salon in Chelsea, Downtown Manhattan, NYC, and at the new location in Scarsdale New York. Connect with Sania:Instagram @saniasbrowbarWebsite: https://www.saniasbrowbar.com/I am obsessed with her eyebrow pencil! You can find it here https://www.saniasbrowbar.com/collections/allLEAVE a 5-STAR REVIEW on APPLE PODCAST Follow BOTA @botapodcast

Klodjana was born in a small city of Kuçovë, Albania. When she was 12 years old her parents moved to Canada. From there they ended up moving to different cities in a short span of time, only staying in the city for a few  years at a time. This was a difficult time as she was in a stage of life where she was figuring things out as a teenager. Since she was the eldest of three, her parents looked to her for help with translating and she had many responsibilities. She feels this made her grow quicker and every time she would get to know a group of friends she had to move again. Klodjana and her family now live in Toronto, Canada. She has a big family there, but was never really around a huge Albanian community since living in Canada until recently. Even so, she struggled and missed being back home many times. During her teenage years she was overcome by pressures from society and culture, and comments about how she looked. Which led to an eating disorder. When 2020 COVID hit, she realized she really needed to make a change in her life, and began healing. At the young age of 22, she took a leap to start her own business during the pandemic of 2020. She set out to built a business with her business partner Caroll. They both had a passion to promote positive body image, and make women feel beautiful in their own skin. This was the start of NKD SWIM! They developed the designs themselves, and made a pledge to source their product ethically. Their swimsuits are made in Brazil by an all women team who are paid fair wages, and the material is made on non-toxic sustainable material. She models many of the swimwear, and her swimsuits are seen on so many beautiful women, all unique in their own way. It is so refreshing to see such a brand that is both body positive and ethical. She is such a sweetheart, and has so much more in the works, and I cannot wait to see where life takes this strong, beautiful, and inspiration woman. The NKD SWIM NEW Collection is dropping May 19th, 2021. You can shop their original and new collection here: https://www.nkdswim.ca/FOLLOW: @nkdswimcoRemember to Subscribe to the podcast, leave 5 stars on Apple itunes Podcast, and a review to get us on the top charts.FOLLOW on Instagram @botapodast and @botanetwork 

Ledi Vokshi's family is originally from Kosova. Her family moved to Albania and her parents where born in Durres, Albania, where she was also born. She came to New York as a young kid with her family. She became a trained opera singer and that was her passion. One day she got an opportunity to sing on a track of a famous Albanian hip hop artist. She took the chance and sang on this track. A year later, to her surprise visiting Albania she heard her song on  the radio and it was a huge hit. She left her opera career and began singing in Albanian and creating music in Albanian. She went on to performing and singing for Albanians in so many places around the world, all the way to Australia. Performing, creating music and music videos. But the traveling back and forth was becoming more difficult, and she would take breaks from performing. She loved this passion but felt it was time to focus on being in New York. She went back to school for marketing and business, and built a business with her husband called Voltekit. She loves building business, working, creating, learning, finding solutions, and sharing her knowledge so others can learn and build.She has two handsome boys, and being a mom is so important to her. But she also loves to work. So she found a way to have her career and still have time to see her kids grow. She found a way to balance mom life and work life, by working from home. Her balance skills are pretty impressive.She became known as a momtrepreneur! Now she has made it her job to help other moms build their businesses. She launched her Business Coaching Program and is ready to help moms find solutions, and build their dream careers, "without missing playtime".She also founded an organization called Big Open Hearts. A non-profit to help sexually abused children in Albania find healing, to help them get our their situations, to find solace, and build their lives again. Donate or connect with this organization to help! https://bigopenhearts.org/Connect with Ledi Vokshi:Instagram @ledivokshiWebsite: https://ledivokshi.com/Big Open Hearts: https://bigopenhearts.org/ instagram @bigopenhearts_Connect with BOTA@botapodcastTime Stamps:Intro: Get to know Ledi6:00 minute: music career19:00: Different work ethics25:00: Mom life30:00: Routines 36:00: Launching her Business Coach Program40:00: What to expect in Coaching Program46:48: Tips for organization for home life and work life 51.41: Big Open Hearts Organization1:04:08: What is a super mommaFollow us on instagramLeave a 5 star rating on Apple PodcastSubscribe to the Podcast Channels 

Armando moved from Albania to Italy with his family as three year old. He grew up there and speaks fluent Italian, and learned to love many different languages. A passion for languages. He speaks Italian, French, Albanian, and English. His other passion is Martial Arts. So instead of pursuing soccer like all the other kids in Italy, he practiced jujitsu in his early teens. After taking a break and coming back to it after 16, he realized he wanted to learn about all kinds of fighting techniques.He went to learn various martial arts and became an amateur MMA fighter. He knew that he could not get far with this in Italy and decided to take the chance and moved to New York, USA. He lives in the Bronx, NY and trains at areantrainingcenterny. We talk about his life in Italy, his nutrition and training regimen, his disciple, family and culture, and shows us the true strength it takes to be a fighter. He steps out for the first time as a PRO Fighter with his fight on Saturday March 27th 2021 in Tampa Florida. He and 3 other Albanian fighters will be represented that day and it is very special. The fight will be available on PPV https://shoptritonfights.com/products/triton-fights-18-ppv?variant=33485468041302Follow Armando @_armandogjetja_Time Stamps:Intro and living in Italy14:50: Getting into Martial Arts18:41: All about discipline19:30: Training and a day in the life of a MMA fighter30:00: Injuries & Recovery33.50: Building a strong mindset42:22: Priorities in career and life44:25: Personal story and understanding the process46:29: Training Academy/Coaches/Mentors51:16: Upcoming Fight53:40: Advice60:00: Family and pursuing your dreams

Alma has learned that through her life she dealt with trauma and found a way to heal, and to help others heal became a passion her her. She displays poise and insight on her life and how people and events (such as communism) effected the ones around her. Not only her own family but so many people and families all over Albania. We discuss mindfulness, awareness, minimalism, struggles Albanians face with mental health, the progression of self, finding confidence, and ways to find healing. Follow Alma @notethenow and https://www.instagram.com/montesorrineshtepi/

Todays episode I sit down with the co-founder of Balkan Bites, Ariana Malushi. She was born in the US and her dad is from Kosovo and her mom from Croatia. She always had a love for balkan food, and enjoyed traveling. On one of her ventures she discovered that she wanted to learn how to cook some traditional family foods. She would meet with her grandma and Aunt Alida and talk about food, cook with them, and started writing down recipes. After her grandma passed, she spent even more time with her aunt Alida. One day making burek they had the idea to make burek for others. They started cooking out of their home kitchen for family and friends, and received such positive feedback. They took the plunge and created BalkanBites, homemade burek.With the expertise of Alida, a trained pastry chef, they created a wholesome, homemade burek with great fillings for wholesale. The pandemic halted them for a while but they were innovative and decided they would sell their product freshly frozen to people all over the county. Now you can get your very own taste of the Balkans anytime. Order online to get yours today! Listen to their full story and be inspired.You can buy their burek online at https://balkanbites.co/ and visit their instagram page @balkanbitesnycFollow BOTA:@botapodcast

Comedian Leonarda Jonie, also known by her instagram handle, @leonardaisfunny, or even better as the hilarious and totally familiar "Albanian Mom" is our leading act on our newest episode on Bota Podcast.She's way more than what is portrayed on her social media and comedy shows. Through learning about her up-bringing, struggles with being raised with two cultures, and triumphs of overcoming childhood traumas, we realize she is just like us. We get in depth with Leonarda to learn what drives her, how she gathers material, how she got popular and how she landed a live TV interview on @Topchannel Albania.Tune in and listen. This episode will be great for the whole family to hear and reflect on.

DJ Jack, also known as Gjoka Nikac, was born and grew up in Queens, New York. His parents are Albanian and moved to Montenegro and then to New York at a young age. He loves the Albanian culture and family is very important to him. He is married with 2 kids, and has a passion for music. He loved listening to old school Albanian music that his parents would play, but felt the beats could be updated and would make remixes of Albanian songs in a fresh upbeat way. He got his first gig as a DJ when he was 15, and has been pursuing music since. He has made some amazing remixes like the Latina Cifteli remix with jurgen.pecnikaj, and has produced so many others. As well as producing original music with the "Red and Black Cypher" . He wants to keep making original beats and has some productions coming soon. He has a comedic side too, and is making us laugh with his tik tok and reel clips on being Albanian. He goes into being in music industry, social media, and the support we need from each other for the Albanian community to make it to the top. Take a listen and get motivated with lots of insight and great advice. Check out DJ Jack:Instagram @https://www.instagram.com/djjack__/Follow BOTA:https://www.instagram.com/botapodcast/

A dream of becoming a doctor and standing up against violence. This is a journey of strength and inner beauty. Florinda is gorgeous, a true beauty, but with an even more beautiful heart. She was crowned Miss New York USA 2019 and could see many wonderful opportunities open up. She describes herself as always being a tomboy and not wearing much makeup or wearing heels. She also had stage fright, so getting up on stage in heels and a bikini was way out of her comfort zone, but knew that if could do that, she can do anything. She describes the experience of running for Miss New York and how her mom was her biggest fan and supporter. She recalls how it was growing up Albanian American and sometimes feeling like an outsider with both cultures. She said that the Miss New York and the Miss USA competitions allowed her to grow and learn, and meet so many amazing women. To also understand what she wants in life and how she can give back, and help others, especially her own family.She speaks on her passion to be an emergency care doctor or a physicians assistant to help those dealing with trauma in different ways. She opens up about her life, her goals, her dreams, and so much more. She gives raw insight on the world around her and how she strives to be her authentic self. Not listening to the negativity and being able to be proud of her accomplishments and following her dreams. Take a listen to this amazing story.Connect with Florinda:Instagram @florindakajtaziConnect with BOTAInstagram @botapodcast

On this episode I sit with the co-founders of Grupi Krenaria, Melisa and Kristian. They tell me all about how they got started on making this group get together. They both share a passion for dance and seeing Albanian dance at their local church, St. Pauls Albanian Catholic Church in Rochester. Where they do much of their dance practice. Kristian is born in USA, and his parents are originally from Mal i zi (Montenegro) and at 19 years old he is taking classes at community college. He wants to take school easy this past year till things get more back to normal. Melisa is 22 years old and from Albania. She goes to Oakland University and is enjoying dancing and being around friends. She hopes to pass down what she has learned and created with Grupi Krenaria to others one day in the future. They talk about their favorite traditional clothing, some favorite memories, and how they as a group is what make Grupi Krenaria so special. Take a listen to their inspirations, and goals for the future.Follow them @grupi_krenaria on instagram and tiktokFollow BOTA @botapodcastLeave a 5 star review on Apple PodcastSubscribe on all podcast platforms.

@Healthillie is a holistic health coach from New York, who started off wanting to get abs, and super fit and was living that hard core fitness life. Supplements, bulking and cutting to gain muscle. However she found that even though she looked fit on the outside she was feeling crappy on the inside. She went to may doctors trying to figure out why she felt crummy and had terrible gut issues, migraines, and acne. Not one doctor could pinpoint what it was. So one day she took it in her own hands to do the research and figure out what she can do to feel better. She started working with a naturopathic health coach named Lindita. She began her journey to holistic health and has been gaining momentum on her instagram page even more.She gets some backlash from fitness influencers and even doctors when she calls them out for promoting supplements full with sugars and chemicals, and promoting junk foods. She helps her followers by giving them the knowledge to take back control and discover that the toxins in food is the lead cause of problems in our health. Since she got into the holistic way of eating and being mindful of what helps her body feel better vs not, she healed her gut issues and more. She found balance with eating for health, not for a 6-pack, and is thriving on living a strong and healthful life. As well as helping others gain that knowledge though her stories, and posts. She has a class coming up soon where she will help others gain more knowledge on holistic nutrition and what is in the foods we eat. Make sure to check out her instagram to learn more!Connect with Healthillie on instagram @healthillieShare, Subscribe and Like Follow BOTA @botapodcast#healthillie

Kristina found a way to heal by tuning into her breathe, listening to inspirational and motivations speakers, and working with healers to help guide her on her path. She realized that her calling is to help her family and to help others. She shares insight on how she came to this realization, how she found breathwork to be a huge impact to her mindfulness and life. She is so down to earth, and receptive, and has a way of making you feel calm and to look deep within your past and life to make positive changes and live with a growth mindset. After our conversation I began to heed her advice and feel this big impact in my own life. By opening up and allowing yourself to feel, grow, and heal, the possibilities are endless.Connect with Kristina:Instagram @holistikrisWebsite: https://www.kristinanikolaj.com/She offers free 1:1 coach consult call - sign up here at 1:1 call with KristinaConnect with BOTAInstagram @botapodcast

Ina has been a Registered Yoga Instructor and working at her craft for the past 7 years. She came to USA from Albania when she was 7 years old and found a passion for yoga when a friend begged her to join her for a class. That moment she got on the mat she knew this was for her and she went on to get her training in New York and became a registered yoga instructor.  She discusses how she got into yoga, the way benefits of yoga, how to get into practicing, and the classes she teaches. She is available for sessions via zoom and works at a studio in Michigan. She started her own yoga practice Bloom Yoga in 2020 during the pandemic and her biggest motivation for what she does is helping people. Get Connected with Ina:Website: BloomYogaInstagram @bloomyoga2Follow BOTA:Instagram @botapodcastThanks for listening!SubscribeLeave a 5 star reviewCommentLikeShare

Kerolin came to Canada from Albania when she was 7 years old with her family. When she was a teen she began lifting weight and become obsessed in not so healthy way. She then got married and now has 2 kids. She decided she would get back into fitness, which she did really enjoy, but do it for the right reasons. To be strong physically and mentally. She began sharing her progress and last May 2020 she began her tiktok journey. There she gained over 55k followers by showcasing her authenticity and realness when it came to fitness. She makes fun videos and tips and ways to implement healthy habits. She found some backlash from people but she would rise to the top and not allow those negative people to bring her down. We talk about misconceptions around fitness, what motivates her, how she reaches her fitness and life goals, mom life and being a mom is much more than being "just a mom", she gives advice and tips on fitness and importance of mental health. She is so sweet and bright and I learned so much from her and am motivated to reach my health goals.Connect with Kerolin:Find her on TikTok at Kerolin.bInstagram @kerolinTVYoutube @KerolinTVFollow BOTA:Instagram: @botapodcastShare + Like this episodeFollow me on instagram and on any podcast channel you follow. Leave a review on Apple Podcast - give this podcast 5 stars Thank you for listening.

Merita Dovolani comes from a big Albanian family - the youngest of 7 children - from the Dibër part of Albanian and married into another big family - her husband is from Dibër, Macedonia. She was born in Italy and came to the United States when she was 7 with her family. Keeping traditions alive became very important to her and her family. She raised 4 children and enjoyed cooking and making traditional foods for her children, and learned many recipes from her mom, and mother in law. She always appreciated cooking and learning from them. She wanted to make something to give back to her kids (as they were all older and leading their own lives). What started as putting together recipes for her children to have, became something bigger than she had ever imagined. In about 5 years she was able to convert various traditional recipes she has come to know and also recipes friends/family around her shared and put together this cookbook 'Sofra Shqiptare'. She self published the book and had it printed in Albania. One of the first owners of the book was Aurela Gace. She wanted to make the Albanian Table Cookbook in English so that those who left their homeland can have these traditional recipes and keep those traditional foods alive wherever they are in the world. We talk about her journey, her family, her process of making this cookbook, her inspirations, traveling to Albania, the people who have helped her along the way, and she expresses her appreciation to those who have supported her and showing gratitude. She also gives some insight on the recipes, and tips on cooking, and how to use this cookbook to it potential. She advocates to make these dishes your own. She understands that there are different tastes and seasoning based on locations, and hopes this is the foundation for future Albanian cookbooks and would love to expand with more and more recipes in the future. She gives a great amount of gratitude to moms out there, and is so impressed by the community of Albanian women out there, and wants to give back and support them in any way she can as well.Get Connected with Merita:Instagram @AlbaniantableBuy the book today: https://thealbaniantable.com/products/the-albanian-table-cookbookConnect with BOTA:@botapodcastTime Stamps: 3:40 - process of putting the cookbook together13:57 - social media support and gratitude20:35 - future plans and opportunities22:13 - going over how she makes turshi recipe28:00 - talking about a book signing event @Le Chic Couture29:00 - connecting and collaborating with others30:00 - memories with her family32:00 - importance of making this book in English34:43 - memories of learning from her mother in law and about the ingredients36:54 - visiting back home and Albania40:37 - making traditional foods healthier, and incorporating various ingredients45:04 - tips for how to incorporate recipes and make the most of this book46:25 - showing appreciation and gratitude 48:28 - a touching story about a woman who got the book and her feelings about itFollow on instagram, subscribe to the podcast, like and share.

Krenare is someone who is always striving and doing the things she enjoys. She has a graduate degree in higher education and works in University recruitment, but has a passion for her artistic side. She believes you can have a side hustles and enjoy your passions in any way that will leave you inspired and happy. She started photography in 2014, and was blogging for a time, but found there was something missing. She wanted something that had more of an impact. So she begin her podcast Hustle+Heart about all things trending for beauty, wellness, mindset, and all things business. Her parents moved from Macedonia to Toronto, Canada where she was raised. Her parents felt it was important they stay close to their roots and always encouraged her to be apart of Albanian culture, such as partaking in Albanian dance classes and more. She feels that Albanians outside of Albania seem to hold on to their traditions longer and more fiercely because of the history of always having to preserve their language or religion or culture from countries who tried to take those things away from them. We talk about her podcast, some memorable interviews she had with the founder of the clothing brand Cukletta and the writer Magi Camaj. She never intended her podcast to feature Albanians, but she saw so much inspiration from our community and wanted to share that with her listeners. Get Connected:Check our her instagram page @krenarealiListen to her podcast Hustle+Heart on AppleHer Website: https://www.krenareali.com/Thanks for listening.Subscribe and Follow on Instagram @botapodcast

Vilma is a millennial having been immersed into the new age of technology and finding a way to give her real estate work a modern touch and always recognizing a traditional approach. Vilma was figuring out what she wanted to do in her career life, when one day she got a slight nudge from her dad, a seasoned realtor himself, and decided to give real estate a shot. She soon discovered she truly enjoyed helping others find a home, and became a Realtor about 2 years ago. She is passionate about this career path and she says you only get better by putting in the work, and being out in the field. That the effort you put in everyday is what makes you successful. She says she is not afraid to ask for advice and is always learning from her mentors and peers. She makes buying a house fun and interactive. She has an instagram page @sellingfairfieldcountyct where she shares tips and insight for clients. Her straight forward and chill attitude is refreshing to see. Her main purpose is to do whatever she can to help her clients find their dream home. If you live in Connecticut check her out on her instagram page, and if you are pursuing this career path then listen to her insight and thoughts. It was such a fun time talking with Vilma! Get Connected:Find her on instagram @sellingfairfieldcountyct Contact BOTA Podcast:Like + Follow + Share @botapodcastSubscribe anywhere you listen to podcasts#realestateagent #realtorsofinstagram #podcastepisode #albanianpodcast

Elona Lopari came to the US from Tirana Albania when she was 15. After graduating college with a Business, Management and Finance degree she began working at a Drug and Beauty Retail Company named Walgreens Boots Alliance and then promoted to human resource roles, and eventually in leadership roles within the company. She worked in the corporate world for over 13 years. She was no longer feeling fulfilled in this career and started on a long journey of personal development. To finding a path that would fulfill her and help her use her professional experiences and passion for coaching. She started her own business of personal and professional coaching - The Elona Lopari Coaching Life School. She is a certified life coach who helps women professionals and executives find fulfilling work, grow as leaders and build the business that they love while pursuing their passions and lifestyles. She currently has been focusing on Albanian Women and has a Facebook group geared to Albanian women in the US. She is also host of "Women in a Leaders Mindset" Podcast. She believes in a growth mindset and helps women find balance in their career and life. We talk about her journey, how she became a life coach and why. She offers insight and advice on how to incorporate a mindset that allows for growth and personal development. She explains what it means to find that balance and that taking time for yourself and setting out goals can help you achieve so much. That we are only bound by our own limitations. Check out her programs and contact info below. Coaching Life School WebsiteElona Lopari Instagram Women in a Leaders Mindset PodcastFacebook Group for Albanian WomenSubscribe + Follow + Like + CommentThank you for listening.

Sam is first generation Albanian American who has represented young women in our community in such a positive way. More than just a beauty queen, she is an inspiration, advocate, and role model for so many young women. She persevered and won Miss Connecticut Teen USA when she was 18 years old, and went on to represent her state in the Miss Teen USA competition a few weeks ago where she was in the top 16 finalists. She is also going to college majoring in political science in hopes to become a lawyer and fight for human rights. She has been an advocate for the voiceless and fighting against human trafficking, and also spreading kindness. She speaks to students on preventing bullying and ways to combat it. She is a true beauty, with such a beautiful heart. Check out her instagram pages here. Get Connected with Sam:Check out Sam on instagram @samsarelliCheck out her page on fighting against human trafficking @https://www.instagram.com/victimswithoutvoices/Help Sam spread kindness @https://www.instagram.com/spreadkindnesswithsam/Check her out on Miss CT Teen USA @https://www.instagram.com/missctteenusa/Contact BOTA Podcast:@botapodcastFollow + Like + Share + Subscribe#missteenusa #missconnecticutteenusa #pageantqueens #teenpageant #beautypageant #fightagainsthumantrafficking #albanianstories

Monika Koleci is the author of the book "Shame Among the Shameless" a heart-wrenching story of a family from Fishtë, Lezhë, Albania, who were harshly persecuted for resisting the country’s communist regime that came into power during the end of World War II. She discusses why she wrote this book and how she wanted to preserve and share the story of her ancestors so that others may better understand the struggles faced during those times, as well as the strength of those who stood up for righteousness in a time of turmoil. She strives to find hope and positivity in all aspects of her life. From figuring out what it takes to write a book, to finding an editor to match her vision, and an artist to create her book cover that would depict this story in an authentic way. Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify and everywhere you listen to podcasts.Get the Book Today:You can get her book on Amazon Artist of book cover @valbonaartTime Stamps:9:55: What the book Shame Among the Shameless is about16:08: What sparked her inspiration to write this book and when she told her dad18:20: Determining if the book was historical fiction or creative non-ficiton20:48: Her motivations21:10: How she decided on the title22:45: Details behind her favorite chapter24:16: Monika reads an excerpt from the book Contact BOTA:@botapodcastFollow + Like + Share + Subscribe#albanianauthor #albanianwriter #albanianpodcast

I sit and chat with Marina Ivezaj about her inspiration and process to publishing her first children's book "Imagine Colors with Megi". A school project she worked on with her son reignited a passion in writing and illustrating her own storybook. She recalls memories of drawing and painting as a kid, and how when she grew up she suppressed that artistic side and was unsure if she had what it took to create something of this nature. After only taking one night to write the full story, the process of drafting and creating the artwork was a whole new endeavor. Through practicing her painting with watercolors, researching, and working tirelessly day and night she accomplished her goal. This book is a breathe of fresh air. It is easy to read, very COLORFUL, full of magic, insights confidence, and gratitude for young readers. My daughter enjoyed reading it, especially being able to color and create her own artwork in the book. Get this book today:Imagine Colors with Megi online at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Imagine-Colors-Megi-Marina-Ivezaj/dp/1735424005 , Barnes&Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/imagine-colors-with-megi-marina-ivezaj/1137695768 . Get Connected with Author: @megiandmaxContact BOTA: @botapodcastFollow + Like + Share + Subscribe and Write a Review

This past weekend I attended a virtual event hosted by "Albanian Professional Women Organization" - get insight on how it went and my thoughts. Check out the instagram https://www.instagram.com/albanian_professional_women/ and website at https://www.albanianprofessionalwomen.org/. Emily in Paris! Have you seen it yes or no? I give my views and inspiration on the fashion and more. Update on building a school in Albania. Continue to follow https://www.instagram.com/bebemalotaj/ for more info and other charities. Halloween is next week! Where has the time gone. Insight on the next feature episode. Check out the instagram page @botapodcast https://www.instagram.com/botapodcast/Follow + Like + Share + SubscribeThank you for listening.

Edon Molla just dropped his newest Album "For Merita" and it is amazing. He has a true talent. He sang, wrote, played the instruments, and engineered the entire album. Born in Kosova, he moved to New York with with family. He started playing basketball up into college, and found a passion in music. He made his first Album "Alone" in 2019, and continues to showcase his talent ever since. He shares his inspirations, and meaning behind "For Merita" and you get a glimpse into the meaning of his songs "6am" and "Dancing with a devil". Listen to "For Merita" on all streaming platforms and his youtube channel . Check out Edon on instagram @edonmWatch his music video on YouTube @thisisedonDownload the Album "For Merita" on all streaming platformsSubscribe + Follow + SharePhoto: @smetanin_photo#newyorkmusician #risingstar #risingalbanianstar #albanianartists #albaniansongwriter

Hello! Welcome, so great to have your here! Get to know more about what to expect in the upcoming episodes. I will discuss Albanian culture, news and events happening and more. BOTA is the world. This is our world, and our culture. Follow + Share + Subscribe.Follow me on Instagram @botapodcastEvents/Topics October 2020:Breast Cancer Awareness Month - check out this link to get more information https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/early-detection-of-breast-cancer/GoFundMeAccount to help build a school for children in Albania: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-a-school-in-kete-burrel-albania?utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_allMusic: Amelia by Amine Maxwell https://soundcloud.com/aminemaxwell. Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0. Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/amine-maxwell-amelia. Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/wqNpI4vNuyk