Chinwendu Azike migrated to Canada six years ago and has astutely imbibed the art of DIY as a lifestyle. Coming from Nigeria, where she had family and associates to help her navigate the complexities of work and home life, Canada was a learning curve for her as she adopted a do-it-yourself approach to practically everything. Chinwendu tells her full story here:
Our journey to Canada was a test of resilience. We had to balance settling in as a family, helping our children adapt to the new environment, understanding the culture, and finding jobs that allowed us to be there for our children. Despite the initial challenges, we have adapted well and built a network and community, which has made us feel more at home.
While in Nigeria, I was a career person and didn’t give much thought to starting and owning a business, but the Canadian business landscape is rife with opportunities to build a thriving and viable business. This made me rethink my stance and decide to start a business. The process of starting a business in Canada was quite straightforward. I began by researching the market and identifying a niche, then I registered my business and obtained the necessary licenses and permits. It was a learning experience, but one that I’m grateful for.
Starting from my business registration, every phase was a welcomed and pleasant surprise. It was a far departure from the bureaucracy and red tape procedures that are the norm in my home country regarding entrepreneurship. Here, I registered my immigration consultancy from the comfort of my home and familiarized myself with the rules of how to run a business. Looking back, I would have started this consultancy business earlier and dedicated more time to building a broader clientele base. I would also have networked more to grow my social and professional network.
My business started by giving free advice to friends and acquaintances about migrating. Then, I met someone who casually told me I could get certified and earn from providing such consulting advice. Based on this, I went back to school, graduated and took the license examination, which I passed in 2021.
Initially, getting paid was a problem. I had clients who would promise to pay at the end of the process, and then mid-way, they would either back out or just stop responding to requests before the end of the process. This led to my current strategy of part upfront payment. Most of my clients are price-sensitive and fail to acknowledge that migration is a capital-intensive venture. As a result, I always advise them to count the cost before taking the first step.
To women of colour who are migrants in the diaspora, my advice is to be strong and mentally resilient. It is overwhelming to pack up your life and move to a country where you might not have any family or friends. Just be focused and consistent, take one step at a time towards your goals, and eventually, when you look back, it will be worth it.
Chinwendu tells her story from Ontario, Canada.
