Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Zabala. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Elena Zabala: Empowering Dreams and Achieving Success. From Wellness to Wonderland – My Journey of Passion and Creativity
Once upon a time, in the tapestry of my life, I discovered the profound influence of my father’s words. From a young age, he nurtured within me an unshakable belief in my own potentior greatness. Education, capability, and accomplishment became the pillars of my aspirations.
Today, as I reflect upon my journey, I realize the transformative power of his guidance. Life bestowed upon me countless blessings. I found love in the embrace of my soulmate, and together, we raised two remarkable children who have now built families of their own. Alongside my personal tr embarked on a mission to touch lives beyond my immediate circle, to bring healing and serenity to those in need.
For thirty years, my heart poured into a wellness center that I established and owned. Within its nurturing embrace, I created a sanctuary of healing, where individuals sought solace and renewal. Guided by my compassion, I endeavored to make a difference in their lives, providing a refuge of hope and transformation. My wellness center became a testament to the incredible resilience and strength that lies within each person.
But my story did not end there. A new chapter beckoned, and I eagerly answered its call. It was then that I became the proud proprietor of MI CASA, a haven of elegance and charm. Within its walls, I sought to infuse every interaction with a touch of magic, enriching the lives of those who stepped through its doors. With each cup of tea, I wove connections, creating memories and fostering moments of delight.
Yet, destiny had a surprise in store for me. Two years ago, during a moment of profound prayer and reflection, a new passion emerged from the depths of my soul. The whispers of my inner voice mingled with a cascade of vivid images that danced in my mind. In that sacred space, I discovered the incredible power of storytelling. I felt an urgent need to put my prayers onto paper, to breathe life into the words and images that had become a constant presence in my thoughts.
In a leap of faith, I picked up a paintbrush, despite my self-proclaimed lack of talent. What began as a hesitant exploration transformed into a revelation. Each stroke of color on the canvas unveiled fragments of my imagination, bringing to life enchanting worlds and captivating characters. In the innocence and wonder of children’s stories, I discovered my true voice.
Day by day, my artwork blossomed, reflecting the depths of my emotions and the beauty of my dreams. Vibrant illustrations and heartwarming tales flowed from my brush, capturing the hearts of both young and old. Through each painting, I shared the gift of storytelling, a gift that had become my therapy, a medium through which I empowered others to dream and achieve.
Today, I stand as a testament to the power of belief, passion, and the pursuit of dreams. My journey from wellness to wonderland exemplifies the boundless potential that resides within every soul. Through my wellness center, tea room, and the vibrant stories I weave, I have become a catalyst for transformation, a guiding light for those who seek empowerment and fulfillment.
As I continue to empower dreams and achieve success, I am reminded that greatness knows no boundaries. It is not limited by circumstance or background but is fueled by unwavering faith and the courage to embrace one’s passions. And so, dear reader, my story continues to unfold, an ever-evolving tapestry of empowerment and creativity. Together, let us embark on a journey of possibility, where dreams become possible.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I still remember the day my family and I arrived in this new country, leaving behind everything we knew in Cuba. I was just eleven years old at the time, filled with both excitement and trepidation. It was a difficult period for me—without friends and unable to speak the language. But my parents, strong and determined, worked tirelessly to give us a simple yet healthy life. Their unwavering efforts are something I am immensely proud of.
As time went on, I began to adjust to our new surroundings. I threw myself into learning the language and embracing the culture, driven by a burning desire to belong. Slowly but surely, I found my place in this vibrant community that became my second home.
The years flew by, and I realized my true passion lay in the world of beauty. Inspired by my mother’s grace and my father’s entrepreneurial spirit, I decided to embark on a journey of my own. I opened a small beauty business right here in the heart of the community that had embraced me for thirty years. Little did I know how profound an impact it would have on my life and the lives of those around me?
My salon was not merely a place for beauty treatments. It became a haven where friendships flourished, stories were shared, and laughter reverberated in the air. My clients weren’t just customers—they were my biggest supporters, the ones who had been by my side since the beginning. We grew older together, facing life’s ups and downs with unwavering camaraderie.
I soon realized that my business was more than just a means to make a living. It was about creating a sense of belonging and community. The relationships I forged with my clients went far beyond the surface. They became an extended family, supporting me through thick and thin, just as I did for them.
Longevity in the beauty industry is no easy feat, but I discovered the secret. It’s not about seeing it as a business; it’s about perceiving it as a community. When you approach your work with a genuine desire to make friends and help others, it ceases to feel like work at all. It becomes a labor of love that withstands the test of time.
Over the years, my salon has stood as a testament to the power of friendship and the strength of community. Together, my clients and I have weathered life’s storms, rejoicing in triumphs and supporting one another through hardships. We’ve grown older, not only in appearance but in wisdom and understanding.
I often share my advice with others in the industry: Embrace your work as an opportunity to create a community. See it as a chance to make lasting friendships and extend a helping hand to others. When you approach it with love and passion, work becomes a joyous endeavor that transcends time and sustains itself.
And so, my salon continues to thrive, not solely because of the beauty services it offers but because it represents the spirit of community, love, and genuine connection. My journey as a young Cuban immigrant in a new land has evolved into the story of an entire community—a tapestry woven together with threads of friendship, resilience, and unwavering faith.
As the years pass, I take pride in knowing that my legacy lives on, inspiring others to embrace their own uniquenand build bridges of connection. In the end, it is the community we create that truly defines us and brings beauty to our lives.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Embracing My Talents: A Journey as a Cosmetologist, Aesthetician, and Children’s Book Writer.
As an individual fortunate enough to possess a multitude of talents, I have come to embrace my diverse passions and channel them into meaningful endeavors. With a background as a cosmetologist major, an aesthetician, and an artist and illustrator, I have discovered a unique gift: the ability to write children’s books that guide young minds through life’s journey with the power of storytelling.
From an early age, I was captivated by the world of beauty and creativity. The artistry of cosmetology and the transformative potential of aesthetics fascinated me, leading me to pursue formal education in these fields. As a cosmetologist major, I learned to work wonders with hair, makeup, and nails, understanding how a simple touch can boost someone’s confidence and make them feel truly beautiful. Becoming an aesthetician allowed me to explore the realm of skincare and wellness, helping individuals to discover their inner radiance and embrace self-care practices.
Alongside my journey as a cosmetologist and aesthetician, I also nurtured a love for art and storytelling. I found solace in creating illustrations and paintings that expressed my inner world and evoked emotions in others. Little did I know that these artistic endeavors would eventually converge with my passion for guiding young minds.
As I delved into the world of children’s literature, I realized the immense power of storytelling in shaping young lives. Children are naturally drawn to narratives that capture their imagination, but these stories can also be used as vehicles for teaching important life lessons. This realization ignited a spark within me, and I decided to combine my artistic abilities, writing skills, and love for children’s literature to create books that would serve as guides through life’s ups and downs.
With every stroke of the brush and every word penned, I aimed to infuse my children’s books with the wisdom, joy, and inspiration needed to navigate the world. Through relatable characters and enchanting plots, I strived to address themes like resilience, empathy, self-acceptance, and the power of dreams. Each page was carefully crafted to ignite the imagination, foster curiosity, and encourage positive values.
One of my proudest moments came when my first children’s book was published. Witnessing the impact it had on young readers was truly humbling. The feedback from parents and children alike, expressing how my stories resonated with them and provided guidance through difficult situations, filled my heart with gratitude.
I have come to realize that my diverse background as a cosmetologist, aesthetician, artist, and illustrator has uniquely equipped me to create children’s books that offer a multi-dimensional approach to storytelling. Through the integration of art, beauty, and introspection, I hope to inspire the next generation to embrace their unique talents, appreciate diversity, and navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace.
As I continue my journey as a cosmetologist, aesthetician, and children’s book writer, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities that have come my way. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have discovered these gifts within myself and to have the privilege of touching lives through my creations.
In conclusion, my path as a cosmetologist, aesthetician, and artist has converged into a beautiful synergy, allowing me to share stories that guide children through life’s journey. By harnessing the power of art, beauty, and storytelling, I hope to make a positive impact on young minds, empowering them to embrace their own uniquets and navigate the world with courage and compassion.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Before the Covid outbreak, I used to have a team of talented aestheticians and massage therapists working at my center. However, as of today, it’s just me and my clients. Many of my well-known estheticians and massage therapists decided to retire after the pandemic, leaving me to dedicate most of my time to working one-on-one with my clients.
The pandemic brought about challenging times when everything was closed, and as a result, my income was directly impacted. If I didn’t work, I wouldn’t get paid. However, during this difficult period, something truly beautiful happened. My clients, who had become more like a close-knit community, showed their unwavering support.
Knowing that I still had to cover the rent and keep the business afloat, my clients took it upon themselves to send me checks to help with the expenses. This act of kindness and generosity was truly heartwarming and played a significant role in allowing me to continue operating my business and eventually reopen it when the situation improved.
Their action of paying it forward demonstrated the strength of our bond and the genuine care they had for me and my business. It was a testament to the power of human connection and solidarity during challenging times. I will forever be grateful to my clients for their support and for making it possible for me to continue doing what I love.
Pricing:
- Facial is $120
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.ezskincare.net
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@notesfromelena6137
