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Tears rolled down her cheeks as she glanced back at the place she called home. Somehow she knew this was the end and that she would not return. As she crept through the darkness towards the river, whispers echoed in the distance. Straining to see who was boarding the boat, she witnessed teenage girls with bandages wrapped around the stumps that were once their legs. Jana was barefoot, but at least she had feet. "Why do we have war? she asked to no one in particular. Grabbing the plastic bag that contained all the personal belongings she could take with her, she escaped war torn Yugoslavia,

Jana Dzojic was the second child and first daughter of seven children born to a Catholic family in a Communist country. When she was very young, her father left the household to find work in Germany, only returning sporadically throughout her youth. Money was scarce because Catholics weren�t given the favor of work. God does not exist in Communism. The necessities of life, food and clothing, were a challenge to obtain.. Life was difficult, yet they survived. As each child graduated high school, he knew he must leave Bosnia. .Jana, who had been a seamstress for her family, was recruited by the civil police, taught to shoot a gun, and fought to endure the adversity. As the tensions of war threatened, people disappeared, never to be seen again. Soon it was brother against brother. Blood colored the landscape. Tragedy was ubiquitous. With her family safely ensconced in Germany, Jana knew that if she didn�t cross the Sava River tonight, she may not live to see tomorrow.

She arrived in Germany with two skills-sewing and shooting. Although she soon fell in love with this new country, she could not find work with her refugee status. Every few weeks she had to stand in long lines that could take two days to navigate attempting to keep her visa. Never giving up hope, she studied to be a beauty consultant. It wasn�t long before she realized that making others feel beautiful on both the inside and outside was her calling. Her spirits soared as she offered luxurious facials, manicures, and other treatments. For awhile she was very happy.

However, no country wants refugees forever. Germany mandated that all single people were to be extradited to their homeland. The war was raging and she would face certain death if she returned.. She couldn�t go back. What was she to do?

Jana had heard of a Catholic charitable organization in Oakland, California that would purchase an airline ticket to America for refugees. She applied and was accepted with the caveat that the ticket was a loan and would be considered her first line of credit. With only the equivalent of $41 in her pocket, Jana arrived in America with no family, no contacts, and no English. The first year was difficult-constantly moving from place to place, attempting to find work, a room, and food. Despite the desperation, Jana moved forward each day with faith until she was hired for minimum wage by a large grocery chain as a bag girl.   Immediately she started paying back her loan to Catholic Charities.    Saving every penny and paying her bills, she built her credit. Yet she longed to get back into the beauty business that was her heart. With a scholarship she enrolled in cosmetology school, diligently attended classes, and graduated with a grand celebration. Living in small rented rooms while working at the grocery store, she continued to take additional courses in the art of massage, facials, and other body treatments. Her stellar credentials and gift of touch, landed her additional jobs at various salons. Exhausted yet determined, she worked seven days a week.

Fast forward five years! Jana has achieved her dream. Not only has she learned to speak English, she purchased a home of her own, and with the assistance of a generous landlord, she has opened an opulent and luxurious European Day Spa where clients are pampered in an elegant environment designed and crafted by her own hands. Her years of determination, suffering, and struggle have created a retreat for others from the chaos of life.

Jana blesses America. She is overjoyed to call the United States her home and looks forward to citizenship. . Despite the long hours and hard work, she is grateful for the opportunities that were available to her. Although she mourns the absence of her natal relatives, her clients and friends have become her American family. Everyday she beautifies the world a bit more with her special touch, with her caring personality, and with her hopeful attitude. Every client is spoiled with the richest creams and most delicate products. She proudly serves fresh fruit, wine, tea, or other refreshments in beautiful crystal and china vessels. European Touch Day Spa is a place a weary soul comes to indulge the senses, relax, rejuvenate, and revive the spirit. Thank goodness Jana never gave up.

Tears roll down her cheeks as she glances back at her shop. "My shop she sighs, my home.   Somehow she knows, this is just the beginning.

Cynthia Brian interviewed Jana to write "her-story". Treat yourself to a supreme day of beauty, relaxation, and pure pampering at the hands of a soulful professional.

About the Author
Cynthia Brian, NY Times best selling co-author of Chicken Soup for the Gardener�s Soul , author of Be the Star You Are!®, 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference , The Business of Show Business, and Miracle Moments®. is an internationally acclaimed key note speaker, personal growth consultant, radio and TV personality, and acting coach Cynthia is dedicated to helping others achieve their dreams by implementing their 925-377-STAR (7827) www.star-style.com