In this exclusive interview with Shohreh Elkaei, a talented hair stylist who has successfully transitioned from Iran to Canada, we explore her journey, the challenges she faced, and her passion for hairstyling. Growing up in the vibrant city of Chalus, Iran, Shohreh’s unique background and personal experiences have significantly influenced her career. Join us as we uncover the inspiring story of Shohreh and the dedication behind her thriving home business in Burnaby.
Welcome, Shohreh! We’re thrilled to have you share your story with us. To begin, could you tell us a little about your background and where you grew up in Iran?
I was raised up in Chalous, which is a beautiful city located in the North of Iran. I developed a knack for hair artistry at an early age and subsequently pursued it as my career. In Chalous, I established my own hair salon where I managed to build a large number of repeat customers within 31 years. My salon was popular around there; hence, I had wide range of experience in various types of hair and beauty services.
That sounds like an incredible journey! What sparked your interest in becoming a hair artist?
As a child, I loved creating beautiful hairstyles that made people feel confident about themselves and happy with their looks. Hairdressing fascinated me because of its artistic side;
thus, this became an outlet for my creativity. Furthermore, witnessing how pleased and contented my clients were after service was highly gratifying both emotionally and financially.
It’s wonderful to hear how your passion for hairstyling developed. When did you decide to move to Canada, and what motivated that decision?
Six years ago, I took the decision to relocate to Canada. Many factors motivated me to do so. My desire for new landmarks is why as well as acquiring more techniques while ensuring that my children have brighter futures than their previous ones. The notion of residing in Canada- a nation that embraces diversity ad welcomes newcomers- also seemed appealing to me.
It sounds like a major decision to relocate. How long did it take from deciding to immigrate to actually settling in Canada?
It took many months for the entire procedure to be completed. This included deciding on it, processing the necessary paperwork and planning to relocate. We had to ensure everything was in place for a smooth transition.
We all know that this process is quite intensive. What were some of the biggest obstacles you faced during your move to Canada?
One of the most difficult things was adapting to a new culture and environment. Learning Canadian hairdressing styles and standards were another challenge. Also, starting my client base from scratch in another country was a challenge though it helped me grow personally too..
Those sound like significant hurdles. Reflecting on those challenges, can you describe your first impressions of Canada when you arrived?
When I first arrived at Canada, I really liked it. It seemed like a country that is open to diversity with people coming from all over. This clean well organized place where people are polite and friendly made me feel comfortable.
It’s great to hear you felt welcomed. How did you adjust to the cultural differences between Iran and Canada?
To adapt to cultural differences, I kept an open mind and showed a willingness to learn.
I welcomed the diversity around me and tried to grasp and honor different customs and traditions. I also kept my Iranian heritage alive by taking part in traditional festivals and keeping up my cultural practices at home.
Given your experiences adjusting to new cultural norms and starting a new life, what were some of the most surprising things you encountered in your new life in Canada?
The multicultural setting surprised me the most. I met clients with hair types and textures I hadn’t seen much in Iran. The way Canada embraced and respected different cultures was also new and uplifting to me.
And how have your experiences as an immigrant influenced your work and approach to your hair salon business?
Being an immigrant has made me more understanding and compassionate towards my clients. I’ve learned to value diversity and bring in different techniques and styles into my work. These experiences have boosted my professional skills and allowed me to connect with a wider range of clients.
The multicultural environment must have been quite eye-opening. Considering your new experiences and the diverse clientele, what inspired you to start your own hair salon business at home?
I chose to launch my own home-based business to give personalized and top-notch services in a cozy and known setting. This setup let me pay more attention to my clients and form stronger bonds with them. It also gave me the chance to balance my work and life better.
Starting a home-based business must have its unique set of challenges. What difficulties did you encounter while setting up your salon in Burnaby?
Starting a business from home came with its own challenges. I needed to make sure I followed all the health and safety rules for running a home-based business. Also, promoting my services and growing a new client base in a new city took a lot of hard work and determination.
Considering the challenges you’ve faced overall, have you encountered any discrimination or prejudice since moving to Canada? If so, how did you handle it?
I haven’t faced much discrimination. I dealt with any small cases of bias and always aiming to provide top-notch service. I think that by doing great work, I can shift people’s views and earn their respect.
That’s a positive approach. How has your community in Burnaby supported you in your journey and business endeavors?
The people in Burnaby have been so supportive. My customers have told their friends and family about me, which has helped my business grow through recommendations. Also local shops and groups have been friendly and helpful making it easier for me to fit in and do well here.
It’s clear the community has played a big part in your success. How has your family supported you both in adapting to life in Canada and managing your business?
My family has played a key role in supporting me on this journey. They’ve helped me adapt to my new surroundings, lent a hand with the business, and given me emotional backing.
Their support and faith in what I can do have been crucial to overcome hurdles and find success.
With all the support and hard work you’ve put into your business, is there a particular moment or achievement that makes you especially proud?
I felt proud when a customer followed me to a new salon because they liked my work so much. This proved how good I am at my job and how much I care about it. It showed the strong bonds I build with my customers and how much they trust me.
Given that, can you share a story of a memorable client or experience in your home salon?
I remember a bride who came to me for her wedding day make up. She was very tense though after doing her hair and makeup, she was extremely beautiful and thus was confident. She was very grateful and the happiness seen in her eyes were priceless that made that shot memorable.
Iran has a rich and vibrant cultural heritage. How do you manage to balance preserving your Iranian cultural identity while integrating into Canadian society?
I strike a balance by honoring Iranian customs and holidays at home while taking part in Canadian cultural events. This approach lets me stay true to my roots and embrace the new culture at the same time. I feel it’s vital to pass down my heritage to my kids while also making sure they feel at home in Canada.
It’s inspiring how you manage to honor both cultures. Can you share some specific traditions or customs from Iran that you continue to practice here in Canada?
I still mark major Iranian festivals like Nowruz (Persian New Year) and Yalda Night. We also keep up traditional Iranian customs and cooking practices at home. These traditions help us keep our cultural heritage alive and allow us to share it with friends and neighbors here in Canada.
To wrap up our discussion about your connection to Iran, how do you stay connected with your roots and family back there?
I am with my family and friends in Iran through daily phone calls, video and Facetime and other social networks. We speak regarding updates, occasions including we celebrate, and stand for each other even with the space separating us. They are crucial to me to keep my roots and connected to my family as much as possible.
Reflecting on your experiences, what are some common misconceptions about immigrants that you’ve encountered, and how have you worked to challenge these views?
One of the prevailing stereotypes is that immigrants have no professional abilities or work backgrounds whatsoever. Another such concept is a lack of desire to adopt the new culture of the surrounding environment. Indeed, greater numbers of immigrants contribute positive skills, knowledge, and work ethic to the United States. They will be ready to prop up new societies and add value to the culture.
That’s a valuable perspective. How do you feel about the success you’ve achieved with your home-based business?
It is such a great honor and I am absolutely contented with the achievements of my home-based business venture. Indeed, it has been a tough interval, yet compensating the clients’ improved satisfaction and their product loyalty are worth all the efforts. All this is attributed to strong determination and commitment and the support of the community.
What have been the happiest moments in your business journey so far?
The highlight of the year has been observing my clients walk out of the class with smiles on their faces while knowing that I have transformed their lives. Getting to meet with them especially during functions such as weddings or any event in which the client is granting me the authority of determining his or her looks is fulfilling. Pleasure has also been derived from the creation of long-term relationship with most my clients.
Finally, is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I want to express my gratitude to those who have supported me and encourage readers not to give up on their dreams despite facing failures. Thank you!
To book an appointment or learn more about Shohreh’s services, you can visit her Instagram pages. For hairstyling, check out @beautyshohre, and for her tattoo work, follow @sherry_phi_amena. Shohreh is currently located at 4388 Buchanan Street in Burnaby Heights. You can also reach her by phone at 778-513-9006. Don’t hesitate to get in touch and experience the vibrant creativity she brings to each session!
