Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristina Popovic.
Hi Cristina, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My American Dream
My name is Cristina Popovic, and I am originally from the Republic of Moldova, a small country located between Romania and Ukraine. Growing up, I never imagined that one day I would build a life, raise a family, and create several businesses in the United States.
Before moving to America, I spent two summers in South Dakota, and during that time I completely fell in love with the country. I loved the culture, the kindness of the people, and the warmth and happiness I experienced. After finishing school in Romania, I decided to follow my dream and come to the United States to pursue higher education. I attended Park University in Parkville, Missouri, where I earned my Master’s degree in Leadership, Communication, and Arts.
I am incredibly grateful to my dad for convincing my mom to let me come to America to study. Leaving home was not easy. I still remember crying all day before I left because I knew I would be far away from my family and everything that was familiar to me. Looking back, it was one of the biggest sacrifices I have ever made, but it turned out to be one of the greatest blessings of my life.
I am also deeply grateful to my parents for the financial support they provided throughout my education. We paid for everything out of pocket, without loans, and their sacrifices made it possible for me to pursue my dreams. Their belief in me, their encouragement, and their willingness to invest in my future gave me opportunities that changed the course of my life. I know how much hard work and sacrifice went into providing that support, and I will always be thankful for everything they did for me.
Like many immigrants, my journey was not always easy. Finding an internship was difficult, so I worked different jobs while trying to discover what truly made me happy. Eventually, I realized that photography was my passion, and I made the decision to leave everything else behind and focus on building my own business.
I have now lived in Kansas City for 15 years, and I have been a professional photographer for more than 10 years through Cristina Popovic Photography. During that time, I have photographed more than 150 weddings and countless family sessions, senior portraits, and special moments. Today, I focus mainly on family photography and seniors, helping people preserve memories they will treasure for years to come.
About five years ago, I began another chapter of my journey. I became a Reiki Master and gradually became more involved in mediumship and intuitive work. I have always felt called to help people find peace, joy, and healing. Whether through photography or energy work, my greatest passion is helping people reconnect with themselves and bring more happiness into their lives. Even through a camera lens, I love seeing someone’s confidence grow and their mood completely change during a photo session.
People can also connect with me through my Facebook page, Reiki with Cristina, where I share educational content about Reiki, spirituality, healing, personal growth, and simple ways to bring more peace, balance, and joy into everyday life. I love helping others, and it is incredibly rewarding to see people rediscover hope, happiness, and a deeper connection with themselves.
My entrepreneurial spirit also led me into the world of crystals and gemstones. I founded KC Fashion Quartz, my gemstone and crystal business. Over the years, I expanded to five shops inside Painted Tree Boutiques. Unfortunately, in April, the company declared bankruptcy, and vendors were given only ten days’ notice to move out. It was a difficult season, but I have learned that challenges often lead to new opportunities and new beginnings.
Today, KC Fashion Quartz has a shop inside Merchant Square Antique Mall in Independence, Missouri, and I also participate in festivals and events throughout the Kansas City area. I specialize in natural gemstone jewelry, beaded bracelets, necklaces, dream catchers, and animal carvings. One of my favorite parts of the business is meeting people and helping them choose something that truly speaks to them.
Photography remains an important part of my life, especially during the fall when nature provides the most beautiful colors. Spring, summer, and fall are usually filled with festivals, events, and photo sessions. Winter is my season of rest and preparation. It is when I create inventory, organize my businesses, and dream about future opportunities. I joke that I hibernate for a month, but before long, I am ready to create and build again because I truly enjoy being active and pursuing new ideas.
One of the greatest blessings that came from my journey to America is my family. I have an amazing husband and two wonderful daughters who bring so much joy and meaning to my life. Being their mom is one of my greatest accomplishments, and I am very grateful for the flexibility that owning my own businesses gives me. It allows me to spend quality time with my children and be present for the moments that matter most.
Over the years, I have learned that balance is the key to a happy life. You can work too much and miss out on your family, or you can give up your dreams and eventually become unhappy because you never pursued what was in your heart. I truly believe women do not have to choose between being a devoted mother and following their dreams. We can do both.
For me, happiness comes from having both. I love being a mother, and I also love creating, building businesses, helping people, and pursuing the passions God placed in my heart. Maybe I have not figured everything out, because life is always teaching us something new, but I do think I have discovered an important secret: success means very little if you do not have people to share it with, and dreams become even more beautiful when they are balanced with love, family, and meaningful moments.
Looking back, I realize that all the tears, sacrifices, risks, and hard work were worth it. Coming to America gave me opportunities I could only dream about as a little girl from the Republic of Moldova. It became the place where I grew into the person I was meant to be, where I found love, built a family, and turned many of my dreams into reality.
I am deeply grateful to my parents for believing in me and sacrificing so much to give me opportunities they never had. I am grateful to America for welcoming me and giving me the chance to build a beautiful life. I am grateful for my husband, my daughters, my businesses, my clients, and all the wonderful people I have met along the way.
And in many ways, I think I figured life out: work hard, follow your dreams, help others, love your family deeply, and never forget to enjoy the journey. Because success means very little if you are too busy to enjoy the people and moments that matter most. ❤️
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was being far away from my family back home and missing many special moments with them over the years. Another difficult season came when I had to unexpectedly leave the five Painted Tree stores that I had poured so much love, creativity, and hard work into building.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a photographer, medium, energy worker, and crystal shop owner passionate about helping people find beauty, healing, and joy.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Carolyn Ullrich, Angela Holmes
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552293988570 https://www.facebook.com/Cristinapopovicphotography https://www.facebook.com/reikiwithcristina
