From emigration to success/ The path of a woman who did not give up

2025-05-15 14:50:00, Sociale CNA

The door remains open to all those who wish to have their own shelter. There awaits them Bona, a woman who many years ago, together with her family, would find herself emigrating to the neighboring country of Greece, to work and build a better future.

After two years of staying, the decision was made: she would return to her hometown. With only 100 thousand new lekë, with a soul full of dreams and hands full of courage, Valbona opened a children's clothing boutique in Gjirokastra that would take the beautiful and meaningful name "Magical Crafts" . It was a simple beginning, but with a lot of love. Every garment selected, every piece arranged with care, to bring smiles to the little faces of the city.

From emigration to success/ The path of a woman who did not give up

But this business was just the first step on a much bigger path. After a few years, Valbona started a collaboration with the international network 'Century 21', entering the world of real estate, a complicated terrain, especially in Gjirokastra, where ownership issues are often confused and constructions blocked. But she was not afraid.

For four years she worked hard, learned and dedicated herself to the fullest. Until the moment came for her to stand on her own two feet, as an independent, licensed and certified professional. The “Magical Crafts” agency, now a real office in the heart of the city, bears the same name, but with an expanded mission: to help everyone find their dream home.

From emigration to success/ The path of a woman who did not give up

Dozens of certificates hang on her wall, not for decoration, but as evidence of her arduous and honest path. As she herself says:

"They are effort, they are school, they are dedication. They are a daily confrontation with reality and a nightly confrontation with the dream of being better," says Valbona.

For this hard work and her correctness, she has been certified by the Minister of Justice himself, as an official real estate broker in Albania.

From emigration to success/ The path of a woman who did not give up

But Bona is not just an agent, she is not just a mother of three wonderful daughters, nor just a wife. She is a woman who has given endlessly throughout her career. When she decided to close her clothing boutique, she did not think about selling. She donated everything, clothes and shoes worth nearly 7 million lek, to the children of the Children's Home in Saranda. Without fuss. Without cameras.

"I didn't make the donations for the television," he says, "I made them with passion."

Recently, she has taken on a new initiative that goes back to her roots: children. She has brought the “Miss Junior” competition to Gjirokastra, a beautiful activity that gives voice and light to the self-confidence of the youngest, motivates them, makes them happy, and includes them in the world of healthy values.

From emigration to success/ The path of a woman who did not give up

"It is an activity that started in 2020, but due to the pandemic it could not be realized. On June 7, the city's children will be crowned, with many gifts," said Bani.

In the end, with a smile and restrained pride, Valbona Bani leaves a message that speaks to every woman.

"Women don't need much. A warm word and a thank you are enough. Because women are a great force. When they are dedicated, when they are true, when they are themselves - they always succeed," Bani adds. /CNA