Check Out Merita Jaha’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Merita Jaha.

Hi Merita, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello, it is such a pleasure to join you and thank you so much for having me. I have a Master’s Degree in art and am an award-winning international artist and art teacher from Kosovo living in Phoenix, AZ. A piece of my artwork hangs in the Art Museum of Cosenza, Italy. My career includes decorations of civic honors for raising awareness for children in need, seven personal exhibitions and forty group exhibitions around Europe. I am proud to say, that I have recently been featured in TEDx with the speech “How to boost happiness through Art” and was chosen to paint one of the HeArts of the city of Goodyear. It was a great honor to hear the Mayor of Goodyear and the board recognize my work.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have experienced the highest and the lowest points of life. Some of the significant challenges for me have included surviving wars, domestic violence, and close to stage three cancer. Building a successful career in a patriarchal society where being a female artist is almost mission impossible. Surrounded by men of all ages and status’s that would not hesitate to sexually harass you. This forced me to create an almost automated survival mechanism where I would pretend that I didn’t hear them or laugh like they were telling jokes. Otherwise, if confronted my career would have been destroyed. It was very challenging to keep the balance of keeping my dignity while still fighting for my dream career. In a country where women’s voices are not heard, where women are less than men, I was able to become one of the most well-known successful artists in the country and region. I opened the first successful private art school, represented my country many times around Europe, and won many awards. (Bronze Medal in Belgium 2005, Golden Medal in Belgium 2006, first place in Italy 2011. Founder of the one-of-a-kind Auction “Children for Children” in Kosovo and Albania, raising awareness for children in need.)

Being strong-willed and determined to make positive changes, no matter how small, for generations to come. The success I have had is all thanks to my beloved family. I am so grateful for their love, support and generosity. Life circumstances brought me to a situation where I had to leave my home and apply for asylum here in Phoenix. This was an extremely challenging season of life for me. Leaving my family, my career, my business, and my friends to come to a place where I knew no one, was almost unbearable. It is really hard to start from scratch and leave a famous career behind.

I must say that after five years here, I finally feel that I am at home. I have met incredible people and friends, and have an extraordinary partner beside me. He is also a wonderful father to my daughter, she just loves him so much. One of my pragmatic theories of life is: We can go beyond any obstacles in life with determination and the support of our loved ones.

Any big plans?
I am currently planning my second annual Birthday Charity Bash, held each year on or around my birthday 5/19. Showcasing one or more pieces of unique art to be raffled off to benefit local charities. 100% of the proceeds go to local charities that support women and children who are survivors of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is an important topic that does not receive the attention or support it needs. The night is about invitees giving and helping in a very real way while dancing, laughing, and having fun. Whether you are present or not everyone is welcome to enter the raffle to win original artwork.

I would also like to expand and share the magic that art brings and am working towards opening an art exhibition!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.meritajahafineart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meritajahafineart/
• Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/M.Atelier09/
• TEDx: https://youtu.be/Ijc_VSlvxU4