Zb.Doros grew up in Poland and currently lives in San Francisco where he devotes himself to the art of making mandalas.

“When we are younger, we are idealistic and want to change the world. Now I just work hard, that’s it.”

How did you end up in the USA?

Times were tough in Poland for intellectual dissidents. I came to this country to get political asylum. My family had to stay behind in Poland, and I migrated with my friends.

Were you in danger in Poland?

Yes. But, we are in danger here– we are in danger everywhere! If you say things they don’t like, they will make you disappear. Yes, even here! Look around you, that’s why the streets are so quiet. People are afraid to protest.

But, I’m not active with politics any more, I have had enough of that. Now, I’m only active with my art. I left Poland to find democracy, and then find out– even here, there is no democracy; there is no democracy in politics. When we are younger, we are idealistic and want to change the world. Now I just work hard, that’s it.

“There are no challenges in the business. The biggest challenge is me. Sometimes, in the afternoon, I just want to go out and play tennis! But you have to push yourself.”

Finding a new sense of ‘home’…

At first I lived in the East Coast before moving to San Francisco. In the East Coast, they only want your money. They will say: “Show me your bank account before I say I love you”! But San Francisco is the most beautiful city in the USA. The weather is perfect: not too hot, not too cold.

Business Strategies

There are no challenges in the business. The biggest challenge is me. Sometimes, in the afternoon, I just want to go out and play tennis! But you have to push yourself.

Curious about the Toy Mandala?

Explore it further @ www.wiretoy1.com

Shopkeeper Stories is a photographic documentary of small business owners with their trades around the world, sharing their views on business and life. You can catch all the posts on Facebook and Instagram @ShopkeeperStories. Enjoy!