– Anna, tell us, please, your story in America. Where did you live and work before Texas? Was Austin your choice, or was it a coincidence, and what do you like about it the most?
My family and I are from Novosibirsk. We won the green card and moved to Austin in 2015. I learned on various forums for a long time and compared states and cities. But Austin won in every way. The main priority was that Austin has everything necessary for families with children. The best schools, universities, after-school activities, parks, swimming pools, etc. But the main thing is the people. I always feel here that the best of the best have gathered in Austin.
– Please tell us about your profession. Was it difficult to start a business in America? What difficulties did you have to face?
Because of my specialty – I am a hairdresser – I know many people. They are my dear clients and almost all my close friends. These people are sympathetic, kind, generous, and always ready to help and support both way in word and deed.
I am a believer. And for almost seven years now, I thank God every day for every person I met here for choosing Austin. I fell in love with this city from the first days, and my love for it grows daily. I have lived in Novosibirsk all my conscious life and received several educations (the first is a seamstress: I worked in a factory, in an atelier, in a bridal salon; the second is an economist, accountant, and audit without work experience because it was the 90s and I could not find a job, and the third is a hairdresser with 19 years of experience to date).
But my dream has always been and remains a business. After the birth of my twin daughters, I decided to open a hairdressing salon, which still operates in Novosibirsk. Having moved to America, I dreamed of starting a new life, a new business. I have been looking for new opportunities for a long time. And last year, I found something that I like and that inspires me a lot.
I completed a cooking course on marshmallows and marshmallow flowers and received a certificate. Now I am in the process of creating a new business. Now I am learning many new things, including how to build a business. And again, the people who surround me support and inspire me.
– Please tell us about your family and what you do outside work. What are your interests and hobbies?
I have three wonderful, smart, and beautiful children: twin girls and a son currently studying at UT Dallas. I also want to talk about education here. Many say that it is weak. However, I am convinced that there is a different system here, a different approach. The kids love learning here. Here are excellent teachers who do not discourage the desire to learn but rather stimulate it. The girls studied at Magnet Middle School and have now entered LASA High School. Every summer, they can’t wait for the new school year. Here they have great opportunities to choose and study what they are interested in.
Another dream came true for me here. I love tennis very much. And finally, this year, I allowed myself to take up this wonderful sport. I have a wonderful partner, Vazira. The main thing in any business is stability. Vazira is the most stable person and partner I know.
– What would you like to wish the Russian-speaking residents of Austin and Texas?
In general, what can I say to Russian-speaking Austinians? First, I think we are all fortunate with the choice. Second, Austin is the best city to live, and I would like to do and create something to make it even better.
Contact information:
Anna Istomina
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/100009182843951