Hospitality and Hustle: My American Dream | Sava Farah | TEDxUofM

TEDx Talks・2 minutes read

The narrator's challenging childhood in Albania led to a daring escape with family members, driven by a desire for a better life and access to food. Through experiences in the hospitality industry, the narrator built a successful empire based on Albanian hospitality values, hustle, and self-belief.

Insights

  • Albanian hospitality, based on "basa," focuses on respect and acceptance, contrasting with Western luxury-centric hospitality, showcasing a unique cultural approach to welcoming guests.
  • The narrator's journey from a challenging upbringing in Albania to building a successful hospitality empire underscores the transformative power of hustle, strong work ethic, and unwavering belief in oneself, highlighting the importance of determination and perseverance in achieving one's dreams.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of "basa" in Albanian hospitality?

    Basa in Albanian hospitality emphasizes respect, acceptance, and making guests feel welcome. It contrasts with Western luxury-focused hospitality, highlighting the importance of genuine connection and warmth in interactions. This cultural value shapes the way Albanians treat guests, fostering a sense of community and belonging that goes beyond material comforts.

  • How did Albanians demonstrate heroic hospitality during World War II?

    Albanians showed heroic hospitality during World War II by saving thousands of Jews, doubling the Jewish population in Albania. Despite the risks involved, Albanians opened their homes and hearts to protect those in need, embodying the values of compassion, courage, and selflessness. Their actions exemplify the profound impact of hospitality in times of adversity and the enduring legacy of kindness and solidarity.

  • What inspired the narrator to open her first eatery in Ann Arbor?

    The narrator was inspired to open her first eatery in Ann Arbor at 23 by her love for restaurants and a strong work ethic. Drawing on her experience working in the hospitality industry and her passion for creating memorable dining experiences, she embarked on this new venture with determination and vision. Her commitment to upholding Albanian hospitality values and her belief in the power of hard work propelled her to overcome challenges and build a successful business.

  • How did the narrator's experience at Ocean Breeze diner shape her hospitality style?

    Working at Ocean Breeze diner, the narrator honed her hospitality style by focusing on small acts of kindness and attention to detail. She found joy in the fast-paced environment, the sounds, and smells of the restaurant, and the opportunity to express Albanian hospitality values through her interactions with guests. This formative experience instilled in her a deep appreciation for the transformative power of genuine care and personalized service in creating memorable dining experiences.

  • What core values underpin the narrator's hospitality empire?

    The narrator's hospitality empire is built on core values of hustle and hospitality, emphasizing the importance of hard work, dedication, and genuine connection with guests. By believing in oneself and embracing the ethos of hustle, the narrator was able to overcome obstacles, adapt to changing circumstances, and expand her business successfully. The enduring principles of hospitality and perseverance have been instrumental in shaping her journey and inspiring others to pursue their dreams with passion and resilience.

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Summary

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Escape from Albania: A Journey of Hospitality

  • The narrator, at four years old, lived in a challenging environment in Albania under a communist dictatorship, leading to a daring escape attempt with 17 family members.
  • The family's escape to Montenegro was driven by a desire for a better life, particularly to ensure the children had enough food to eat.
  • Albanian hospitality, rooted in "basa," emphasizes respect, acceptance, and making guests feel welcome, contrasting with Western luxury-focused hospitality.
  • Albanians have a history of heroic hospitality, exemplified during World War II when they saved thousands of Jews, doubling the Jewish population in Albania.
  • The narrator's love for restaurants began at 13 when she started working in one, finding joy in the pace, sounds, smells, and expressing Albanian hospitality.
  • Working at Ocean Breeze diner, the narrator honed her hospitality style, creating a unique experience for guests through small acts of kindness and attention to detail.
  • At 23, the narrator opened her first eatery in Ann Arbor, relying on her signature hospitality and a strong work ethic to overcome challenges.
  • Facing closure due to a CVS Pharmacy moving in, the narrator hustled to find a new location, eventually taking over a larger restaurant across the street.
  • The success of the new restaurant led to the narrator building a hospitality empire based on core values of hustle and hospitality, emphasizing the power of believing in oneself to write their own story.
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