Y
COVER STORY
ULIYA
MARIANI
LIFE CHANGING REALTOR
By Kathryn McHenry
BUILDING ROOTS IN THE USSR
Every entrepreneur has a story, a path
traveled overcoming hurdles and struggles
by building resilience, strength and
endurance. Raised in Ukraine, Yuliya looks
back at fondness towards her early child-
hood. In spite of a strict environment
and disciplined practice, sports built
determination, self-motivation and drive—a
springboard in teaching necessary life skills.
On the other hand, Yuliya also remembers
a different side of her childhood—where she
was taught to mask her Jewish upbringing.
Through it all, her family’s entrepreneurial
background afforded a lifestyle where they
never lacked comforts of home—dressy
attire, ample provisions and a roof over
their heads. Somewhere along the way, life
changed as she knew it. Yuliya’s family made
the difficult decision to leave the USSR and
immigrate as Jewish refugees to the United
States.
20
IBA Success Magazine
n
VOL 4, Issue 3
LIVING IN SEARCH
OF THE AMERICAN DREAM
During this transition, the real struggle
began for Yuliya in trying to survive without
knowledge of the English language. The
land of the brave was indeed a culture
shock for Yuliya. Her nice dresses, sandals,
high heels and make-up were replaced by
shirts, sneakers and jeans. Nonetheless, her
family laid the foundation to start a new life
through their entrepreneurial roots.
After school, Yuliya worked long hours at
her parents’ New York deli and running
their family household. Little did she know
at the time what an important impact this
time would make—picking up the pieces
and requiring Yuliya to quickly acquire the
necessary skills in adapting to change.
THE SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS
After moving to Cape Coral, Florida her
family purchased a franchise—forcing Yuliya
T
he foundation of the United States builds upon a quest for the American dream—a
place where immigrants sought a vision of freedom by starting over after
unexpected perils due to changing political, religious and war-torn environments.
This journey for Yuliya Mariani has shaped her life as a wife, mother and long-
standing entrepreneur—accurately coined as Life Changing Realtor.