From babysitting in Manhattan to businesses in Michigan, the Albanian singer tells her difficult journey, full of courage, sacrifice and success in the land of opportunity.
The famous singer Gerona Hyska has recently shared an inspiring story about her life and career in the United States of America. Invited to the show “Live From Tirana” with Ronaldo Sharka, the artist told her journey from Tirana to New York, the difficulties she has faced and how she has become the owner of two successful businesses in Michigan today.
“I worked as a babysitter, I was paid 20 dollars an hour”
Gerona confessed that everything started suddenly, without any major plans. After studying at the Faculty of Economics in Tirana and a specialization in France for Diagnostics of Operational Management of Businesses, she decided to visit relatives in the USA — a trip that would change her life forever.
“When I first went to New York, I only took a small suitcase with clothes for a week. After a few days, I started to get bored and didn’t know what to do. A friend offered me a job working at a few weddings, and then a friend found me a job as a babysitter. I was paid $20 an hour, taking care of a Brazilian model’s daughter in Manhattan.”
She recalls with a smile that, despite not having any economic needs, she did it to challenge herself and to understand the real life in America.
“I didn’t tell anyone that I was working. One day she discovered my Instagram and was speechless. She asked me why I hadn’t told her who I was. I explained that I come from a family that taught me to respect any job. No job is shameful.”
From babysitter to entrepreneur
After a few years in the US, Gerona began to build her new roots. With hard work, dedication, and inspiration from her compatriots who had started from scratch, she opened a coffee shop and a fast food restaurant with gyros in Michigan, where she currently lives.
“I have seen many Albanians who are now millionaires who once washed dishes. These people have inspired me. They have taught me that hard work and perseverance always pay off. Today I have two businesses of my own, and I feel lucky.”
Gerona adds that so many Albanians live in Michigan that she often feels like she is still in her homeland.
“Live music is the sex of the soul”
In addition to entrepreneurship, Gerona has not strayed from music – her first passion. She continues to perform live at events and weddings, emphasizing that live music is irreplaceable.
“Live music is the sex of the soul. There is no more beautiful feeling than singing for people in the real moment. Playback can be perfect, but there is no soul. I want to be real, without filters.”
She admits that the music market has become more difficult, especially for women, who are often judged more on their looks than their talent.
New plans: modern, but with an Albanian soul
At the end of the interview, Gerona revealed that she is working on new musical projects that combine modern sounds with Albanian sensibilities.
“I like to sing modern, but I always inject that folk spirit. Even when I make my urban music, I want the audience to feel the Albanian blood flowing in my veins.”
An inspiring story for every young Albanian
Gerona’s story is a success story that proves that with hard work, humility and passion, dreams can come true — even in a big country like America. From babysitter in Manhattan to business owner in Michigan, she remains an example of an Albanian woman who never gives up.
