The story of Mikial and his future wife, Jelena, began with a chance encounter on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, inside a men’s clothing store. He was living in San Francisco at the time, while she was an architecture student, balancing work and studies in LA. Their first date in 2009 was memorable and a little out of the ordinary. Mikial was in town for just one day on business, and though she was exhausted from a long day, they decided to meet for a relaxed evening. They found themselves at a Jewish delicatessen in West Hollywood, known for its incredible wine cellar, and what was meant to be low-key turned into one of the best nights of Jelena’s life. “In those few hours, Mikial’s charm and attentiveness made me forget how tired I was and that I had a big test the next day. It was the beginning of something truly special,” says Jelena.
One memorable visit to San Francisco stands out in the love story of Mikial and Jelena. Jelena had only been to San Francisco once before, so when Mikial picked her up from the airport, she was thrilled to see him and catch up. He had a surprise planned, though he kept it a secret, simply driving as they chatted. After about 45 minutes, Jelena says she began to wonder where they were going, “I could see the San Francisco skyline in the rearview mirror, getting smaller and smaller. Half-jokingly, I asked, ‘didn’t you miss the exit or something?’ Mikial just grinned, laughing as he finally revealed the surprise:
we were headed to Napa Valley for a day of wine tasting. The unexpected adventure turned into a perfect day, adding another chapter to our growing story together.” After dating long distance for some time, the couple started their family in Los Angeles in 2010 and ultimately ended up moving to the Bay Area in 2011.
Mikail was born in the heart of San Francisco, a city he grew to love even in his earliest years. At age five, his family relocated to the Central Valley, but the memories of San Francisco stayed with him. In 2000, he was able to return to his favorite city, where the familiar sights and sounds welcomed him back home.
Jelena was born and raised in Belgrade, Serbia, a city rich with history and tradition from its days as part of the former Yugoslavia. In 2005, she made the life-changing journey to move to the United States.
Jelena was born and raised in Belgrade, Serbia, a city rich with history and tradition from its days as part of the former Yugoslavia. In 2005, she made the life-changing journey to move to the United States.
In 2021, the Nijor family made the move to Blackhawk, a decision sparked by a happy accident. “After unexpectedly discovering the neighborhood, we instantly fell in love with its charm and knew it was the perfect place to call home,” says Jelena.
Mikial spent 15 years as an equities options trader before transitioning into e-commerce, where he discovered a new passion. Today, he’s actively engaged in manufacturing, specializing in kitchen appliances and food products—a career shift he says he thoroughly enjoys. “What makes my journey unique is the progression I’ve experienced, moving from the fast-paced financial markets to the dynamic world of consumer goods and, ultimately, to hands-on product creation and sourcing in manufacturing,” says Mikial.
Architecture has always been Jelena’s passion. “I paused my career when I became a mom, but my love for building and remodeling homes has stayed with me over the years, inspiring me to think about returning to school to finish my degree. This year, I took that leap, and it feels so exciting to pursue this path. My husband and kids are thrilled to see me doing something I truly love, and I’m grateful for the chance to show them that you can chase your dreams at any stage of life.”
Three boys complete the Nijor family, 13-year-old Landon, 10-year-old Maxim, and 8-year-old Dhilan. Jelena says each boy brings their own special energy to the family, “Landon, the eldest, is in 8th grade and has a real passion for basketball, alongside his piano practice. Maxim and Dhilan both enjoy soccer and share a love for building with Legos and playing with friends. Max, in particular, has a creative side; he loves reading comics and making animated Lego videos. Dhilan is diving into guitar, exploring his musical talents just like his big brother. Together, these three make a lively and dynamic team, each pursuing their interests while sharing in the fun of family life.”
The family says they share a love for exploring new and diverse destinations, “We love immersing ourselves in different cultures. It’s important to us that our children learn about embracing different customs, languages, traditions, and foods. We want them to understand that even if we don’t always agree with every viewpoint, it’s essential to show respect, especially when we are guests in another country. Our travels have taken us across the globe, from the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, including visits to native Maori villages, to the warm shores of Fiji, and the vibrant cities of Japan. We’ve explored the natural beauty of South America, including Chile, Argentina, and the incredible wilderness of Patagonia, where witnessing the Perito Moreno Glacier remains one of our most unforgettable experiences. We’ve also visited Mexico, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Greece, Croatia, and Slovenia, each offering unique memories. In the United States, we’ve journeyed through stunning regions like Montana, Wyoming, the Caribbean, and Hawaii. These travels have taught us that despite the world’s differences, there are universal experiences and emotions that connect us all—our dreams, concerns, joys, and sorrows. We’ve come to appreciate that this world, with all its imperfections, is a beautiful place.”
No matter where their travels take them, they always find a special joy in returning home to
Blackhawk, where the sense of community and the beauty of the surroundings make it the perfect place to recharge and reflect on their adventures. “We fell in love with the safety of the neighborhood—it’s wonderful to see kids riding their bikes and walking around freely. We were also drawn to how green and peaceful it is here. We appreciate everything about Blackhawk: the cleanliness, the sense of security, and the genuine kindness of the people. The neighbors are truly the heart of Blackhawk, making it such a special place. Everyone has their own unique story, and I’m always fascinated when I meet someone new from the community. While some say it’s not diverse, I’ve found it to be quite the opposite. I’ve met people from various cultures,
religions, and backgrounds, each bringing something unique to the neighborhood. I love strolling down Blackhawk Drive with friends. When we have the time, we enjoy going on hikes together, which also gives us a chance to catch up and share stories,” says Jelena.
By Megan Scott, Resident since 2010
Images courtesy of the Nijor Family