How MY Aunty Left Emirates, Beat COVID Visa Delays & Moved to America (With a Child)

Buy the book here: https://amzn.to/466zX2sIn this powerful interview, my Auntie Shinaka shares her incredible story of leaving a career she loved with Emirates Airlines, navigating seven years of a long-distance marriage, overcoming visa struggles during COVID, and finally reuniting with her husband in the United States.She opens up about raising her daughter Ella while living continents apart, the sacrifices she made to prioritize family, and the resilience it took to push through denied visas, embassy visits, and immigration delays. Beyond her personal journey, she reveals how she invested in real estate early, transitioned into Airbnb, and later built a thriving event planning business in the U.S.This episode is about courage, family, faith, and building a legacy that lasts. If you’re interested in immigration stories, entrepreneurship, or balancing career and family, you’ll take away real inspiration from Auntie Shinaka’s journey.YouTube Chapters (Timestamps)00:00 – Why I left Emirates: choosing family over staff travel01:12 – Seven years of long-distance marriage (Dubai ↔ USA)04:05 – The struggle of raising Ella apart from her father06:14 – Applying for the green card from Dubai08:10 – COVID delays: “We’re not issuing visas”09:02 – How I used my daughter Ella to get a visa approved11:15 – Decision to leave Emirates and move to America13:22 – Adjusting to a new life in the U.S.15:00 – Reunited at last: the joy of living together again17:26 – Avoiding the “airline depression” mindset19:08 – Buying my first apartment while still flying21:10 – Renting before Airbnb and saving toward more properties23:44 – Reinvestment vs. showing off: the real boss-lady move26:15 – Starting an events business in America29:40 – Challenges of scaling: trucks, coordinators, costs32:22 – Working with my husband to keep business in the family34:36 – Advice: investing wisely and choosing your environment36:10 – Legacy, content, and inspiring the next generation37:00 – Closing thoughts & gratitude🔗 Watch Our Previous Episodes:Missed our previous episodes? Catch up now on YouTube and immerse yourself in a world of inspiration and empowerment.🔗 Connect with us:Instagram: / rubashafamilypodcast Website: https://rubashamedia.com/Sponsors: (Ads)Oz Durags - https://ozdurag.com.au/SUGIRAhttps://katchuapparel.com/SUGIRARUBASHAGET Your WIGS LADIES!! https://www.instagram.com/queens_luxe_hair/T Around Decors:https://www.instagram.com/t.arounddecors/Follow me on TiktoksugirarubashaFollow me on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/thechosenone_sugira/🙌 Join the Conversation:Your thoughts and experiences matter! Engage with us in the comments and share your insights on social media, branding, and entrepreneurship.