Ermira (Mia) Hamza: From Kosovo’s Countryside to Global Heights

Born and raised in a small village in Drenica, Kosovo, Mia grew up in a family of six children with humble village teacher parents. Despite economic hardship, she found inspiration in the collection of books left behind by her great-uncle, Fazli Greiçevci, a Kosovo hero. These books sparked her love for learning and fueled her belief in education and determination.

As a young girl, Mia walked miles each day to attend her town’s theater, driven by her passion for the arts and storytelling. She excelled in school, earning recognition as a top student and an award-winning reciter, but life’s unexpected turns left her as a schoolteacher and mother of two, struggling with the weight of unfulfilled dreams.

The pandemic of 2020 marked a turning point. Mia launched a social media channel with her children, inspiring families with creative ideas during lockdown. This reignited her love for storytelling, leading her to host a national TV program in Kosovo and inspire a literacy movement through her #abookaweek campaign.

In 2021, Mia and her family emigrated to the United States, starting over from scratch. She discovered balloon artistry as a creative outlet, which quickly grew into a thriving global business, Balloon Thrill!. Today, she empowers women worldwide through master classes and mentorship, helping over 100 women start their own balloon businesses.

 How did your great-uncle Fazli Greiçevci’s collection of books shape your early aspirations and love for learning?

My great-uncle Fazli had a profound impact on shaping my personality. The books he left behind, along with works by other authors, opened my mind to new and different ways of thinking. Growing up in a small village, it was hard to imagine what life was like beyond its borders, but through those books, I could explore worlds and ideas far beyond my surroundings. They taught me that I could be anything I wanted to be and that with books, anything was possible.

Through his collection and the wisdom of other writers, I also learned the importance of giving value to people and developed a deep love for our country. These books weren’t just stories—they were lessons in building a meaningful life, finding purpose, and contributing to the world around me.

What drove you to walk miles each day to participate in your town’s theatre, and how did those experiences influence your vision for the future?

I loved theatre and performing so much that I didn’t mind walking one hour each way to attend. At that time, there was no bus to take me to the city for our training practices. The hardest part was walking through the mountains, which was very dangerous for a young girl to do alone. To ensure my safety, my grandfather would accompany me every day.

This experience taught me that we can achieve anything if we set our minds to it. No matter the difficulties along the way, we can create our path. Walking those miles gave me resilience, creativity, and an understanding of the importance of showing up every day to build something extraordinary. It shaped my vision for the future, instilling a belief in the power of dedication and perseverance.

Can you share the pivotal moment during the pandemic when you decided to create social media content with your children?

When the pandemic started, I was so scared, just like everyone else, scared of the unknown, about our future and our children’s future. I felt powerless over my life. But then I watched a movie that gave me a new perspective on the situation. I realized that I could turn this difficult experience into something positive for myself and my children—and why not help other parents as well?

Before the pandemic, our lives were so hectic, but the isolation suddenly seemed like an opportunity to slow down, spend meaningful time with my family, and do something I had always wanted to do. That’s how the idea for the Erida & Blini me Mamin channel was born. It was a way for us to spend quality time together and to inspire other families to do the same, even in the midst of uncertainty.

How did hosting a national TV program in Kosovo reignite your passion for storytelling and inspire children to embrace learning?

Starting the Erida & Blini Me Mamin channel had a profound impact on my mindset—it was truly a turning point in my life. For more than 10 years, due to life’s challenges, I had lost that shine and belief that anything is possible. But this channel gave me a renewed vision for my life and reminded me of the value I can bring to others.

Being part of the TV program allowed me to help more kids and parents than I ever imagined. One of the most meaningful initiatives we started was the #abookaweek challenge on social media. This campaign encouraged kids who loved to read to join the challenge and share their journey. It grew beyond my expectations—not only did children participate, but schools across the country got involved as well. Hundreds of kids read a book a week and sent videos sharing what they had learned.

This experience reignited my passion for storytelling, creativity, and inspiring children to embrace learning. It wasn’t just about the books or the videos—it was about creating a movement that brought families and communities together to celebrate knowledge and growth.

What were the biggest challenges and lessons learned from starting over in the United States after building a life and career in Kosovo?

After years of building my career in my country, starting over was incredibly difficult. Moving to a new country with a different language and culture was overwhelming. It felt like I had lost everything I worked for and everyone I loved. But the most powerful and painful feeling was that it felt like a betrayal to leave my country behind. It took me a long time to forgive myself and move forward.

I didn’t know what to do or where to start. Everything felt different to me—the language, the systems, even my path. It felt like I was starting from zero, and for a long time, I struggled to find a sense of purpose. When I started my balloon journey, it was just something to pass the time and distract myself. But very quickly, I fell in love with it. I realized that through balloons and beautiful decorations, I could still give value to people’s lives.

This new path taught me that even when one chapter ends, there’s always an opportunity to write a new one. Through my work, I could make an unforgettable day for people, creating memories that they would always cherish. I found joy in bringing smiles and happiness to others, and that gave me a renewed sense of purpose.

This journey also taught me resilience and the importance of adaptability. Starting over was not easy, but it helped me discover a new way to contribute, connect, and rebuild my identity in a completely different environment. It showed me that no matter how unfamiliar or challenging the circumstances, we can always find ways to create something meaningful.

How did balloon artistry emerge as your new creative path, and what inspired you to turn it into a thriving global business?

Balloon artistry started as a small idea fueled by my love for creativity and connection. Seeing the joy my creations brought to others inspired me to scale it into a global business. I wanted to create something that not only celebrated moments but built a community of entrepreneurs.

What strategies did you use to overcome depression and transform your mindset during your journey of self-discovery?

One of the most impactful strategies I used was turning to books. I discovered books that provided answers to many of the questions I was struggling with. These books helped me find a new way of thinking and gave me the tools to see challenges from a different perspective.

Through reading, I learned the importance of mindset, gratitude, and taking small steps every day to improve myself and my situation. My balloon business also became a creative outlet where I could channel my energy and build something meaningful. It gave me a sense of purpose and allowed me to inspire others to find their path, showing that even in tough times, transformation is possible.

What has been the most fulfilling part of helping over 100 women start their balloon businesses?

The most fulfilling part has been seeing these women discover their potential and transform their lives. Many of them started their businesses with little confidence, not knowing where to begin. But through guidance, support, and sharing my journey, I was able to inspire them to take that first step.

Watching them grow—both personally and professionally—has been incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about teaching them how to create balloon art or run a business; it’s about empowering them to believe in themselves. When I see them building successful businesses, providing for their families, and inspiring others in their communities, it reinforces the power of what we do.

These women have shown me that when given the right tools and encouragement, anyone can create something extraordinary. Being part of their journey and seeing their smiles and excitement as they achieve their goals has been one of the greatest joys of my life. It reminds me why I started and fuels my passion to continue inspiring and empowering others.

With a background in education and leadership, how do you integrate these skills into your entrepreneurial journey?

My seven years of teaching in Kosovo taught me how to communicate, inspire others, and adapt to different needs. In the classroom, I learned patience, the importance of building trust, and how to create an environment where people feel confident to grow.

These skills have been so useful in my entrepreneurial journey. Whether I’m mentoring balloon artists or working with my team, I use my teaching experience to connect with people and guide them step by step toward their goals.

Teaching gave me the ability to recognize potential in others and help them unlock it and now I do the same in my business—whether it’s helping clients create unforgettable events or inspiring others to start their businesses.

Reflecting on your remarkable transformation, what message would you share with others about turning adversity into opportunity?

Adversity is a part of life, but everything starts with us—our beliefs, our mindset, and how we choose to respond. I’ve learned that the power to change lies within us. It begins with believing in ourselves and knowing that we have the strength to overcome challenges, no matter how big they seem.

When I faced difficult times, I realized that I needed to shift my focus inward and tap into the power I already had. This mindset allowed me to see obstacles as opportunities and to take small steps toward my goals every day.

My journey taught me that we can shape our lives and turn even the toughest situations into something meaningful. When we believe in ourselves and take action, we can transform adversity into growth, success, and a new sense of purpose.