“We are not guaranteed another day, another smile, another dance, another tight hug, another I love you, and another goodbye. Cherish every moment and live it to the fullest.”- Armina Jusufagic
It’s so cool how a meeting over coffee can open doors into a whole new world that you could never imagine! I sat down with Armina a couple of weeks ago, connecting on some fashion things, but when the meeting was over, my mind was blown at all of the things that she has experienced in her life. I wanted to learn more! So, I did!
Where were you born and what was life like as a child?
I was born in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. My family and I fled to Germany in 1990 as refugees during the Yugoslavian civil war. My mother is Serbian, Orthodox and my father is Bosnian, Muslim. After the war was over we didn’t have a country to return to. We then became refugees again and came over to San Francisco in 1996. Once we settled into San Francisco I was able to pursue basketball. My focus and determination as an athlete took me to the collegiate and professional level. I played pro basketball in Sweden, Bosnia and Spain.
How have your life changing experiences affected how you move forward in your endeavors now?
My life experiences have taught me to not put things off until tomorrow. We are not guaranteed another day, another smile, another dance, another tight hug, another I love you, and another goodbye. Cherish every moment and live it to the fullest.
What brought you to Colorado and what are some of your goals here in our Mile High City?
I was stationed at Ft Riley, KS during my time in the US Army. I would make my way to Denver on the weekends to enjoy the music and food. I was amazed by how friendly the people in Denver are. It’s been very easy to make friends and meet some amazing humans that lead with kindness and love.
How do you express your creativity?
I express my creativity in forms that will provoke the most thought. I believe that art can reshape who we are. I believe that it can make us look internally and move us to become part of profound change. The audience and message with determine the medium.
Tell us about the events you will be doing at Tracks.
How do you spend your “free” time?
I spend my free time with friends, learning to cook new dishes, reading, playing basketball, hiking, going to shows (can’t wait for red rocks season 🥳).
How do you re-energize and get into your zone?
I feel full of energy and life first thing in the morning. I wake up excited and thankful for another day. Getting into my zone is a little harder. It’s really about eliminating distractions.
How would you describe your style?
My style is urban military with a little of Balkan twist.
3 things if stranded on a desert island?
• 1TB of music 🎵
• 1 huge speaker 🔊
• Endless supply of chocolate 🍫