Today we’d like to introduce you to Jolanta Domagala.
Hi Jolanta, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I have come to NYC in 2007. It was supposed to be my great vacation, and after that time go back to Poland. My plan was to visit New York and if possible another place. And it happened but after one month of being in NYC, I met my future husband. So we spent together next months and before my return to Poland, he proposed to me. I say yes but with many doubts…
I was 43, I have a good job, and stability, and I wasn’t sure a move to the US is good for me. But I know even a big love never survives a too long time of the break. But if you do not try you will never know what could happen in your life, or regret later. And my husband promised me when he takes his retirement we will go back to Poland.
So here I am. Time passed quickly and 10 years knock on our doors….. with Covid 19. After that experience, we diametrically changed our plans. And of course, I didn’t want to leave what I build for so many years. After many concerns and choices, we pick Las Vegas up as a good place for my husband for the retirement, and for me to continue opportunities in tourism.
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?
Today I am very happy but the beginnings were very difficult. Firstly, I did not speak English, and it was the main obstacle to finding a job. Every phone call or stranger speaking to me I was frozen. I want with my husband everywhere because I need a translation.
I was so dependent, especially since I was always very independent. And secondarily, I did not have my friends or my lovely job. I did not know what to do, I only thought to go back to Poland, and how to survive 10 years somewhere where you don’t like to be.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My whole life in Poland I have been a teacher. After 22 years of working with people, I could not do anything without a team. A very easy way to learn a new skill, and practice the English language was to work in retail. I started at TJMAXX company but I felt I need something more and I found myself in fashion at Tommy Hilfiger. That carrier gave me and still gives me a lot of satisfaction.
I can work in a team, and every day I meet people from the whole world (everyone wants a Tommy), and I have been much time awarded and promoted. And Living in NYC I decided to get to know New York City as I would be born here and made an NYC sightseeing guide license. I create my own walking tours and provide social media about NYC, and now I think about the same in Las Vegas.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
First, I need to know better this area. It is still new for me. I have to research how many tourists looking for a guide, and what they expect. Maybe I will find a niche, that let me offer something different than other existing tourist agency. Honestly, I don’t know yet. But I continue my carrier at the Tommy Hilfiger store, and after 3 months I have been promoted so I think maybe in this area my future will change faster.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/polka_kowbojka?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poznajusa?mibextid=ZbWKwL
