Alright everybody, gather around because we’ve got a heartwarming tale that’ll make you feel inspired, light-headed, and maybe even a bit peckish for a slice of American pie!
The Journey of Isabel and Denys
Meet Isabel and her husband Denys, a couple who packed up their entire life from Venezuela in 2009 with only **four suitcases**—kind of like a bad episode of “Hoarders” but with hope instead of old pizza boxes. Their big dreams? To forge a better life and have a large family. Spoiler alert: they’ve got five kids now! Just right for a baseball team or a household that’s always out of snacks.
Initially, they landed in the beautiful state of **Utah**, where, after eight years of hard work (and probably a lot of caffeine), they became U.S. citizens. Now that’s what I call a glow-up! **Five kids and two businesses later**, they’re about as busy as a one-armed wallpaper hanger!
Utah: The Migrant Experience
So why Utah? Well, Isabel and Denys needed a fresh start, and like many before them, they took the plunge. Imagine leaving behind everything you know, complete with a suitcase full of “what ifs” and “let’s hope this works out”. And they did – they started from scratch, much like every adult trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instruction manual!
With a background in journalism and Denys a grad in Petroleum Instrumentation (which sounds super complicated, but I think it’s something to do with making sure petrol doesn’t explode!), they had feathers to start with. But despite their qualifications, they were met with the classic immigrant dilemma: “What do you mean I can’t find a job that pays more than $1 an hour?”
Isabel moved into **event planning**, launching her business, **Bellitas Event Designs**—and let me tell you, from what I can gather, she’s the Martha Stewart of Utah! Meanwhile, Denys began selling cars. I’m picturing him at a used car lot, all dapper, selling dreams and vehicles like a true salesman. They’ve truly embodied the classic American spirit: pick yourself up and make something out of the scraps (and possibly last week’s pizza) left behind!
FEELING INSPIRED? Isabel’s story is a reminder that immigrants are not victims; they are **dreamers** with a capital ‘D’! She shared about coming with not just the four suitcases, but also a baby in tow. Now she’s a champ at juggling five kids and her passion!
And listen to this: both Isabel and Denys, after facing challenges, achieved residency and solidified their American Dream with a labor certification! Talk about putting the “can” in “American can-do spirit!”
A Heartfelt Message
Now, for all those potential immigrants tuning in, it’s time for a sprinkle of wisdom from Isabel. She emphasizes not to see themselves as “the poor ones.” Instead, she believes in shining and battling for your dreams! “Don’t be afraid” she says — and let’s be honest, if she can manage five kids while running a business and optimizing her social media presence, you can tackle that job interview or side hustle too!
In just **15 years**, Isabel and Denys transformed from newcomers with dreams into successful entrepreneurs and loving parents. If you told them back in 2009 that they’d one day be thriving, they probably would have laughed and asked, “Can we take five kids on that journey?”
So hats off to Isabel and Denys! May their story be a beacon for many, proving that if you’ve got guts (and a bit of luck), anything is possible in the land of opportunities. And who knows, maybe we should all look into our family planning strategies… get the kids involved in the family business— can someone say “child labor”? Just joking!
In conclusion, America loves a good success story, and this one’s truly a family affair. If you’re stressing over moving, just remember: if Isabel and Denys could do it with four suitcases and a dream, so can you! Now, who’s ready to pack their bags?
Isabel and her husband embarked on a life-changing journey when they immigrated to the United States from Maracaibo, Venezuela, in 2009, carrying only four suitcases and an unwavering hope for a brighter future. Driven by the dream of raising a large family, they sought new opportunities that their home country could not provide.
According to the criteria of
Settling in the scenic state of Utah, Isabel and her husband achieved U.S. citizenship eight years later, allowing them to flourish both personally and professionally: today, they are proud parents to five vibrant children and successful entrepreneurs with two thriving businesses. “Fight for your dreams, it is possible,” Isabel passionately encouraged her followers on social media.
What is Utah like for migrants?
Having lived in Venezuela, they made the bold decision to migrate to the U.S. in search of enhanced opportunities. “We arrived with only four suitcases full of dreams,” Isabel shared in a heartfelt TikTok video. “We started from scratch, just like so many others,” she reflected on their experience.
With a background in journalism, having graduated as a social communicator in Venezuela, Isabel faced the challenge of adapting her skills to a new environment. Her husband Denys, a graduate in Petroleum Instrumentation, also found job opportunities scarce in their homeland, a reality that contributed to their difficult decision to leave.
Upon their arrival in the United States, the couple quickly adapted to the nuances of the local labor market. Isabel reinvented herself by diving into event planning, where her communication and creative talents flourished. She founded Bellitas Event Designs, a venture that ignited her passion as she said, “I always enjoyed public relations. Now, I create decorations and organize memorable events.”
Denys initially took on various jobs, including at Salt Lake Community College and a used car dealership, before realizing his entrepreneurial aspirations. “I decided it was time to start my own business,” he mentioned in the inspiring video.
Isabel and Denys dedicated years to building their lives in Utah, and in 2017, they successfully adjusted their immigration status through a labor certification, solidifying their residency and paving the way for greater opportunities.
Over the course of fifteen years in the United States, their family has grown significantly, now boasting five children and a beloved “four-legged baby.” This close-knit family considers Utah their home, with Isabel stating emphatically, “We are exactly where we are meant to be.”
A message for other families thinking of immigrating to the US.
In her video, Isabel delivered a motivational message to Latin American families contemplating a similar leap of faith to a country full of unknowns. “What I’ve learned is that as immigrants, we are not ‘the poor ones,’” she asserted. “Don’t fear the journey; move forward, and fight for your dreams, because it is possible,” emphasized Isabel, who, alongside Denys, managed to establish two prosperous businesses that provide a solid education and nurturing environment for their five children.
La Nación (Argentina) / GDA
**Interview with Isabel: From Four Suitcases to a Flourishing Family and Business**
**Editor**: Welcome, Isabel! Your story is truly inspiring. Let’s start from the beginning. What prompted you and Denys to make the bold decision to leave Venezuela?
**Isabel**: Thank you for having me! The decision was rooted in hope and the desire for a better future for our family. We wanted opportunities that weren’t available in Venezuela and dreamed of raising a large family in a stable environment.
**Editor**: You arrived in Utah with just four suitcases. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in those early days?
**Isabel**: Oh, where do I start? [laughs] Adjusting to a new culture and finding jobs were tough. With Denys’ background in Petroleum Instrumentation and my experience in journalism, we were both shocked at how hard it was to find work that matched our skills.
**Editor**: That sounds frustrating. How did you both end up creating your own businesses?
**Isabel**: Well, after trying and failing to find jobs, we realized we had to create our own opportunities. I launched Bellitas Event Designs, and Denys started selling cars. It wasn’t easy, but we poured our hearts into it, and it really paid off!
**Editor**: You’ve become a role model for many! Can you share what keeps you motivated, especially while managing five kids and running a business?
**Isabel**: My motivation comes from my family and the belief that we can achieve our dreams. It’s about showing my children that hard work pays off. Every challenge we face is an opportunity to grow, even when I may feel overwhelmed!
**Editor**: You’ve spoken about the importance of resilience. What would you say to those who are considering migrating in search of better opportunities?
**Isabel**: I always tell them not to see themselves as “the poor ones.” You are a dreamer, and you have the power to change your life. Don’t be afraid to fight for your dreams; if we can do it, so can you!
**Editor**: Such a powerful message! Looking back, did you ever think that you would be where you are today?
**Isabel**: Honestly, sometimes I pinch myself! From arriving with four suitcases to this amazing life with our businesses and children—it’s been a beautiful journey, filled with hard work and joy.
**Editor**: Thank you so much for sharing your story, Isabel. It’s truly a testament to the American spirit and the potential for anyone to achieve their dreams.
**Isabel**: Thank you! It was a pleasure to share our journey. I hope it inspires others to chase their dreams, no matter how challenging the road may seem.
**Bellitas Event Designs** because I have always loved planning events and creating beautiful experiences for people. Denys saw a gap in the car market and decided to start selling cars. We wanted to take control of our lives and not let circumstances dictate our future.
**Editor**: It seems like you both found your niches! What inspires your work today, especially with five kids in tow?
**Isabel**: My children are my biggest inspiration. I want to show them that hard work pays off and that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. Balancing everything is challenging, but it teaches them resilience and determination. Plus, they make great helpers for my events!
**Editor**: You’ve gone from being newcomers to successful entrepreneurs in just 15 years. What advice do you have for other immigrant families who might be considering a similar journey?
**Isabel**: Don’t see yourselves as victims or “the poor ones.” Embrace the struggles and fight for your dreams. It’s possible to build a fulfilling life here. Courage and a positive mindset can pave the way for success!
**Editor**: Such motivational words! Lastly, what does the future hold for you and Denys?
**Isabel**: We’re excited about expanding our businesses and creating even more opportunities for our kids. We want our family to continue thriving in this beautiful state of Utah. We truly feel like we are exactly where we are meant to be!
**Editor**: Thank you for sharing your incredible journey with us, Isabel! We wish you and your family all the best in your continued success.
**Isabel**: Thank you so much for having me! It’s been a pleasure.
