Chile Frank-Udemgba relocated to Canada in January of 2023. She describes her relocation journey as a mild culture shock, which she overcame with the help of her community and friends. Chile had a thriving business in Nigeria, and its continued existence posed a dilemma after she decided to relocate. Would she abandon her enterprise of over 6 years, or could she replicate the same success here in Canada? Chile continued her business here and launched The Woman and Half Wellness Nexus. She tells her full story here:
My experience relocating to Canada was quite wholesome. This was due to the level of research and the community of new friends we made who were willing to help us transition seamlessly into our new environment. The support we received was integral to our settling into our new home. Career-wise, settling into a new job was challenging. This is because we had to readjust our mindsets and expectations to our new jobs and the big difference between what we were used to back home; again, there was the challenge of understanding and aligning with the culture of the workplace and the individuals, which we had to learn. At first, I felt like a fish out of water. There were moments when I doubted myself and my ability to deliver, but I adapted and adjusted well in time. In all of this, I learnt a salient lesson that white, black or brown-skinned, we are all people with same wants, needs and aspirations- and we aren’t so different after all. No one is inferior to anyone; we can only learn and improve. I also learnt that failure is impossible if you don’t give up, and as a Nigerian and a woman, I am built to keep challenging myself to be more and do more.
One of my primary concerns during my migration journey was the future of my business. I had established The Woman and Half Initiative in Nigeria as a networking and empowerment platform for women. It was a community of beautiful women who sought to leverage the power of sisterhood to thrive and flourish in every aspect of their lives. The Initiative organized annual events for women to detach from their ‘active but monotonous’, ‘busy yet boring’, and ‘lonely but not alone’ routines to spend quality time with like-minded women. These events featured motivational talks, shopping sprees, dance, and physical workout activities in a relaxed atmosphere, attracting several women from Nigeria.
Upon relocating to Canada, however, I realized there was an opportunity to continue The Woman and Half Initiative here. So, after 11 months of staying in Canada, I launched The Woman and Half Initiative Wellness Nexus, which was a huge success. We were able to attract a diverse group of women, including migrants like myself, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. This experience taught me to knock boldly on doors and gave me the confidence that I deserved a seat at the table because I sought to add value. It gave me the confidence to accept that I may not be invited to certain tables and boosted my tenacity in building my own table.
My words of encouragement to women of colour who are migrants is to hold your head up high because you matter and you are valued. The world is waiting to hear your voice and feel your impact wherever you are. In your migration journey, remember that the people you will meet in your new environment are just as human as you. If you hold something valuable for the world, then it is also valuable to them.
As Women and Half, we are resilient and strong. Challenges will come, but we don’t back down. We are built to overcome and win. Nothing can stand in the way of a woman who believes in her own potential. Hang in there; you will overcome because you are a woman and Half. Through this journey, I discovered a strength and resilience within myself that I never knew existed. I learned to value my voice and my unique perspective, and I gained the confidence to pursue my goals despite the challenges. This is the power of a woman and Half.
Chile tells her story from Nova Scotia, Canada.
