Irene Popa never dreamed she would end up in Nashville, Tennessee. Born to a poor family in Bucharest, Romania, she learned to be a survivor at a young age. Her family was so destitute, they had to send her away to “weekly care” during the work week, bringing her home only on the weekends. Recently, Popa, a local Nashville aesthetician, came to the Nashville StoryBooth to share her story with her “soul sister,” Julianna Ericson. She told Ericson that she finally found a home with her grandmother, an herbalist, who served as her village’s healer and midwife. Popa’s grandmother, she recalled, taught her how to make herbal remedies and body care products, many of which she uses today at her face and body studio. She also imparted her wisdom, which guides Popa even today.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Is it possible that Irene is from Bucharest, Romania? Budapest is the capital of Hungary and I don’t believe that their is a Budapest, Romania, there is however, a Bucharest, Romania. Inspiring story nevertheless!
March 12th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Thank you, Shelly! Between deciphering handwriting and my obviously poor knowledge of geography, Bucharest became Budapest. I’ve made the correction!