Hannah KALAJIAN

Millions of Americans know Hannah Kalajian as the Armenian immigrant who brought rice pilaf to American cuisine and at the same time developed a tremendously successful company, NEAR EAST Food Products.
In this absorbing and inspiring memoir, Hannah Kalajian relates the story of her childhood in the small village of Düzce, Turkey; her flight from home in the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide; and the lonely journey that brought her, a young girl of thirteen, to New York City to face the challenges of a new life.
Her marriage to the handsome George Kalajian, a fellow Armenian immigrant, opened another chapter in Hannah Kalajian's life as she struggled to assist him in operating a small luncheonette in Worcester, Massachusetts, while at the same time raising three children.
Finally, yielding to a persistent urge within herself to take a new direction in life, Hannah Kalajian decided to package a dry mix for the Armenian pilaf that was such a favorite with the customers at the luncheonette. Discovering the right combination of ingredients, developing a packaging system, and fashioning a marketing strategy were challenges she met successfully.
Hannah's Story illustrates the remarkable resiliency of the human spirit, the stubborn courage that persists through misfortune and sorrow, and the determination that can make dreams become reality. Through it all Hannah Kalajian never loses her sense of humor, her refusal to be defeated by circumstances, and her respect for human values. This book can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.