Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Zabala.
Elena, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2024, joy and celebrations fill my life as “Jimmy and Max’s Adventures” book garners attention for its profound themes of love, compassion, problem-solving, and friendship. Sharing my journey of storytelling inspired by the innocent curiosity of her grandsons.
What started as a question about being a cat transformed into a breathtaking exploration of imagination, artistry, and love, prompted by a moment of prayer, I discovered a divine calling to capture her thoughts and vivid mental images on paper. This led her to explore painting, unveiling an innate talent that weaves images and words into enchanting stories.
I invite you to embrace these heartfelt tales, a testament to enduring love and boundless imagination, a creative journey, a divine gift, continued with promises of more enchanting children’s books. Stay tuned for stories that unravel the wonders of a child’s imagination.
2024, a new opportunity arises for a YouTube channel, focusing on my 50 new stories that involve both children and adults, using the same lasso for narrative magic.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I can’t say that it has not been smooth. I started writing for fun, mainly for my grandkids. But one thing led to another, and I let it grow organically. My real profession is cosmetology, which has also grown organically. I have been blessed with many great gifts, as all of us have.
If we pay a bit more attention to the signs of the universe and not worry about what others think, well, life will be much easier. And yes, I left Cuba when I was young, and like many of us immigrants, our parents had to start from zero. My thoughts are they did it and opened a huge door for all of us; we should take that and embrace it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a cosmetologist, I practice every aspect of the profession. My favorite is skincare, which works with the body, mind, and spirit.
Making a person smile in front of a mirror when they see their well-shaped eyebrows or radiant skin, or receiving a big hug simply because they came to see me today – these moments alone make my life worth living.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
I’d like to transport you back to a time when I was just a 6-year-old with nothing giving me more pleasure than holding a beautiful book in my hands. I vividly remember clutching a thick volume containing all the Disney stories like Cinderella, Pinocchio, and more. Those tales became a magical escape to enchanted places and dense forests.
In the innocence of childhood, I distinctly thought, “One day, I am going to write a story that will live forever in everyone’s heart.” Life unfolded, and that childhood aspiration became a distant thought. I moved to a different country, learned a new language, grew up, got married, had children, and started a business. The family became the focus of my everyday life. As my parents faced health challenges, our duties expanded, leaving little room for my childhood ambition.
Fast forward to 2020, a year that brought change for everyone worldwide. I found myself yearning for the simplicity and joy of my youth. With my children now adults and my role as a grandmother, I longed for a creative outlet. The pandemic forced the closure of my successful business, leaving me with newfound time on my hands.
Fueled by a desire to stay engaged and find happiness in small moments, I began working on various projects, including refinishing furniture. Then, one day, as I read a book to my grandsons, a simple question opened a door to the past: “If you were a cat, what would you do?” Their imaginative responses rekindled the flame of that little girl’s dream—to write a book that captures hearts. And so, “Jimmy and Max’s Adventure: Escaping the City” was born—a story that emerged from the innocence of childhood imagination and the rekindling of a dream. I am grateful to the Lord for preserving that dream in His keepsake box and choosing to re-gift it to me many years later.
This book is more than an adventure; it’s a testament to the enduring power of dreams and the unexpected turns life can take. As you turn its pages, may you find joy, inspiration, and a reminder that dreams, no matter how dormant, have the resilience to resurface and create new, beautiful chapters in our lives. Now, as I share this journey with you, I want to express my gratitude for joining me.
Before I conclude, let me introduce you to “Jimmy and Max’s Adventure: Escaping the City.” This book is not just a collection of stories; it is a journey filled with adventures, love, and companionship. Through the pages of this book and others that will follow, children will embark on a magical exploration, discovering that all creatures, no matter their size or shape, share common feelings.
In the world of “Jimmy and Max’s Adventure,” love is the prevailing force that transcends differences and unites hearts. It is a beautiful reminder for children and adults alike that love, in all its forms, has the power to make our world a better place. This book serves as a valuable tool for teaching children about empathy, compassion, and the importance of treating every living being with kindness. It’s a call to action against name-calling and targeting others based on appearances. “Jimmy and Max’s Adventure” reminds us that, as adults, we hold the responsibility of being role models.
If we desire a better world, it begins with us—our actions, our words, and our capacity to embrace love and understanding. So, let us join hands in fostering a world where differences are celebrated, where kindness reigns supreme, and where love becomes the guiding force toward a brighter future. “Jimmy and Max’s Adventure” is not just a story; it’s an invitation to create a world where compassion thrives, and love knows no bounds.
Thank you for sharing this journey with me. As you turn the pages of “Jimmy and Max’s Adventure: Escaping the City,” may you find joy, inspiration, and a reminder that dreams, no matter how dormant, have the resilience to resurface and create new, beautiful chapters in our lives.
Pricing:
- Facial $120
- Oxygen facial $130
- Micro blading eyebrows $350
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ezskincare.net and www.storiesbyelena.com
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@EZabala5612?si=Zk_s-YW8Nbq-5b2r
- Yelp: EZ SKIN CARE and Wellness Center
