‘More opportunities’: beauty master moved from Kazakhstan to New York and opened a successful business

The stories of moving to the USA are always very captivating. Each person is special, and his story is unique. Beauty master Tahmina Shah shared her story of moving, her experience of living in the USA, as well as some proven life hacks and tips on how to get a job in a new place with Esquire. Just a year ago, she moved from Almaty (Kazakhtan) to New York.

Tahmina made a bold decision to leave her homeland and start a new life in the United States. Moving to another country was not only driven by the desire to leave their home country, but also by the desire to experience the new opportunities that America has to offer.

“We wanted to change the picture as a whole. The country was chosen based on the popularity of requests from those who also decided to change their location of residence. The most desirable and leading in the ranking then and now is America. And Kazakhstan has been and will remain dear and beloved.”

A high standard of living and more opportunities for children to become more successful – this is what became an additional motivation for the Tahmina family to choose the United States. Their hopes were not deceived, and within a year of their stay in America they felt positive changes in their lives.

New York became the No. 1 choice for Tahmina and her family. This city attracted them with a huge Russian-speaking community, loyalty to newcomers, as well as provided opportunities for immigrants.

“A transit point for all immigrants, a huge Russian-speaking community, Russian shops and services, loyalty to newcomers, the opportunity to receive free education, services for children, free medical insurance, the stunning scale of the city, leisure is always busy and always something new. You can list for a long time. Truly, New York is the capital of the world,” she listed the benefits.

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Despite their courage and determination, the Tahmina family had to face some difficulties. One of the most difficult tasks was the search for rental housing. The temporary nuances associated with the war in Ukraine and the post-COVID period complicated the process of renting housing for newcomers. However, they managed everything.

“Our path was objectively easy. Legal immigration and fast receipt of documents. I easily found a business premises. In general, there is a very simple scheme for opening a company. Taxes are handled by an accountant, whom she also easily found. The information is accessible and simple. Russian-speakers “surrounded”, the work went very quickly. A week and a half later, I had a full schedule for a month in advance,” Takhmina recalls. – The children easily decided on the place of study, and it began in the first month of our arrival. The husband, having a medical education, upgraded his diploma and continued his studies as an anesthesiologist.”

But there were also “buts”: “Finding rented housing in connection with the nuances of the war in Ukraine and the post-COVID period is not so easy. It is reluctantly handed over to newcomers. The fact is that the state of New York focuses on the protection of residents, especially with children. If a family stops paying rent, it is almost impossible to evict them for several years. But even here we found a way out and simply paid for the apartment for 13 months in advance.

The Tahmina family received saturation and satisfaction in America. They enjoy the beauty and diversity of this country each time rejoicing in new adventures. America turned out to be a place where you can find everything your heart desires – from oceans to mountains, from modern cities to places where the Amish live. Tahmina and her family never cease to marvel at the scale and beauty of their new home.

“New York is so diverse, it sated us to the fullest. Well, if we miss our homeland, then since we are legal in the country, we can buy tickets and fly to visit at any time, which makes it morally easier to part with Kazakhstan,” she noted.

The hardest thing was getting used to linking everything to a credit history and not owning a home.

“In order to get a mortgage, you need to build a credit history, and this will take several years with active tax payments. And the study of the language in our view is necessary. There were some difficulties with this item. But everything is surmountable, the brain gets used to working if you train it, ”Takhmina emphasized.

“America satisfies all needs, and tourism especially. It has everything on its territory. My family experiences saturation and complete satisfaction in this. Change of picture at least every weekend: ocean, mountains, plains, canyons… From palm trees to snow-covered firs. Modern cities and places where the Amish live. Gorgeous roads and accessibility for tourists of everything handy, ”admitted the immigrant.

Having opened her business in the beauty industry, she faced interesting differences between this segment in the US and her home country.

“Demand is the same everywhere. But the pay for skill is different. And, in my opinion, it is inappropriate to compare here. In the end, in Kazakhstan and here it is tritely different population density. Not to mention other factors. As for me, I’m busier in New York. And there is not much competition. Plus, locals love craftsmen from post-Soviet countries,” Takhmina explained.

She drew attention to the difference in attitude to appearance between Western women and women from the post-Soviet space. stereotypes about what western women spend much less time on self-care and do not attach as much importance to it can be called true and not quite.

“I work in Brooklyn. This is a Russian-speaking area of ​​​​New York and mostly women here are ours, from the post-Soviet space. They are all well-groomed. Cosmetology is one of the most profitable areas of business here. If you move away from New York, then indeed, women there are less confused on appearance. I think, just like women in our villages, there are other interests. And the services are really expensive. Therefore, in large cities, the demand for them, which is logical, is higher,” she commented.

Takhmina notices the difference between American and Kazakh clients.

“Americans part with money more easily and do not wait until the maximum possible time has passed before something is corrected. They come faster. Kazakh women are more frugal,” the businesswoman specified. She advises new immigrants to go through all official procedures for legal relocation and to familiarize themselves with local information in advance.

Having opened her office in the USA, the master faced some difficulties in comparison with Kazakhstan.

“It was more difficult for me to open my office in America. But this is largely due to ignorance and high requirements for doing business and paying taxes. It is impossible to get around the laws, no one gives or takes bribes, and the punishment for this is more serious than in Kazakhstan. But, if you do, then within a month you can settle all issues with the opening of any business in the field of beauty or other services, ”the beauty master assured.

From her own experience, Tahmina gives advice to those who are just planning to move to the United States: “Resolve all issues with documents in advance, find out information about the area, go to study if necessary, and do not be afraid to work and communicate with others.”

She emphasizes that an honest and responsible approach to business is the key to success in the new land: “No document fraud. And don’t be afraid of anything. Sociability will open many doors, and the desire to work will lead to a stable life very quickly.”

A family move to a new country, especially in a bustling and expensive city like New York, requires good planning and financial preparation. Tahmina shares her experience and recommends counting on certain expenses when planning a move for a family of 4.

Approximate monthly expenses might look like this:

• housing rental: $2,500;
• utilities and cell phone: $350;
• clubs and sports activities for children: $850;
• car loan and insurance: $950;
• general leisure and travel: $2,000;
• toll roads and bridges: $150;
• meals: $1,500;
• contingencies: $1,000;
• studio rental for work: $1,200.

These figures are approximate and may vary depending on where you live and the individual needs of the family. However, such a calculation will help to orientate and allow the family to prepare for the initial financial difficulties.

Tahmina is sure that her decision to move to America was the right one and her dream came true. She and her family experience the satisfaction and joy of a new life in this diverse country. Overcoming difficulties and adapting to new conditions made them stronger and more confident in the future.