She was born in 1989 in Cholpon-Ata, located in the Issyk-Kul region. She received her education at the S.M. Kirov school and then in 2007 enrolled in the law institute of the Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn. Today, Nursel is a successful entrepreneur working in the restaurant industry.
The Journey to America
“My trip to the USA in 2011 was driven by a dream. We often had volunteers staying with us, and I had the opportunity to observe their lives, which broadened my horizons and intensified my interest in America. My future husband left for the States earlier, and soon I decided to go to him. But it was not just a desire to follow a person; it was a wish to discover a new world, gain experience, and find my place in life,” Nursel shares.
At first, they lived in Los Angeles, and then moved to San Francisco.
San Francisco: A New Place of Residence
San Francisco and Silicon Valley are known as the center of global IT technologies, home to giants like Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Tesla, and many others. This region is full of opportunities for hardworking and ambitious people, regardless of their nationality. Many consider San Francisco a city where dreams can come true.
America offers numerous opportunities, and here comfort and safety are valued, making life more convenient. People strive for inner peace and comfort rather than ostentatious wealth.
Local Attitudes Towards Immigrants
According to Nursel, her experience interacting with Americans has been positive. “People here are friendly and always ready to help. Even if you make mistakes in the language, they try to understand and do not judge. I appreciate that people respect each other here,” she says.
Comparison with Kyrgyzstan
Comparing two cultures is difficult, as the mentality differs. In America, people are generally more self-oriented, and service workers are highly valued. Respect for people is an important part of the culture, and it is customary to leave tips even for small jobs.
First Impressions of America
When Nursel first arrived in the States, she was surprised that many cities are predominantly single-story. “We all saw Hollywood movies with skyscrapers, but in reality, there are many old buildings with low ceilings and no common lighting,” she recalls.
She was also struck by the fact that restaurants focus not on luxury but on coziness. “I was surprised to see places with simple decor that are nevertheless popular,” Nursel adds.
Achievements in America
She is proud to be one of the first Kyrgyz women to open a restaurant with national cuisine in San Francisco. Nursel currently has two establishments: one in San Francisco and another in San Carlos. “My main achievement is that my children are growing up with respect for their roots and are proud of their Kyrgyz identity,” she says.
Family Values
Nursel's parents are Koigeldiev Karybek and Junusova Janil. In their family, there are four children: two sons and two daughters, with Nursel being the second oldest. All relatives live in Cholpon-Ata, and her older sister has emigrated to the USA.
Nursel is raising three children: her eldest son is 11 years old, her daughter is 9 years old, and her youngest daughter is 3.5 years old. She independently supports the family after her divorce from her husband.
Challenges of Adaptation
Challenges began immediately after arriving in the country. Due to insufficient language knowledge, every step was difficult. “The adaptation period was not easy. I worked several jobs—cleaning in hotels, caring for the elderly, and working as a nanny. It was challenging, but it strengthened my character,” Nursel recalls.
“Being away from family and the need to combine business with the role of a single mother became a real test. But I never lost hope and understood that hard work is not a shame but my support,” she adds.
Why San Francisco
Nursel's first visit to San Francisco gave her the feeling that she had returned home. “After a long time away from my homeland, I felt inner peace. The local landscapes and nature remind me of my native Issyk-Kul,” she says.
The harmony between cultures, the balance between nature and the city, the mild climate, and proximity to Lake Tahoe make San Francisco her true home.
About Kyrgyzstan
“I always take pride in my heritage and culture, no matter where I am. I believe that Kyrgyzstan will become a strong and developing country in the future,” Nursel concludes.
The Kyrgyz Community in the USA
There are not as many Kyrgyz in San Francisco as in Chicago due to high living costs. Nevertheless, Nursel meets with her compatriots twice a year during the Nowruz holiday and other community events.
Many Kyrgyz visit her restaurant, which helps maintain connections.
Hobbies and Interests
She spends most of her time with her children. Nursel enjoys cooking, loves driving, and spending time outdoors.
Future Plans
“I strive for growth and plan not to stop at what I have achieved. Everything else is in the hands of fate,” Nursel summarizes.
