When reflecting on the immigrant experience, Ray Gorjian conjures up an image of a tree, uprooted from its native environment and replanted in foreign soil.
While it may take some getting used to, as well as face challenges as it endeavours to adapt, with time, perseverance and nurturing, the tree will indeed flourish, eventually reaching its full potential.
Ray, 34, and his wife Aida Ziari, 32, left Tehran, Iran in 2003 with their sights set on a new life in Canada, drawn to its peaceful reputation and strong multicultural fabric.
Pleased with their decision, they've made a home for themselves and their six-year-old daughter, Viona, here, immersing themselves in their new culture, while simultaneously finding a means of maintaining ties to their home country.
"It was something that I always wanted to do...." says Aida, on their decision to immigrate. "I think Iran is a beautiful country, but unfortunately because of the politics, the situation, the economy, everything, it's not going to let everybody grow as much as they want; and, there is no freedom."
The couple, married for 13 years, initially settled in Toronto, Ont., though the cold climate proved too much and they answered the call of the West Coast, settling in North Vancouver two years ago.
Coming from good families, in Iran they were fortunate to have both a strong support network and financial security. When they came to Canada, they started from scratch, finding themselves all alone and initially living in a basement suite. However, no strangers to hard work, they slowly rebuilt their lives.
Trained as industrial engineers, the couple has recently found a new calling. Last year, they opened Benjamin Moore: The Paint Depot and Decorating Centre at Park & Tilford. The business, which is celebrating its one-year anniversary this weekend with a variety of special promotions, is continuing to grow. New members of the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, Ray and Aida hope to one day open a second location.
"We moved here for a better life, and now we are really happy. I think Canada is one of the best countries in the world," says Ray.
Viona, who attends the French International School of Vancouver, is also thriving. Her parents are pleased to report she's passionate about her education and speaks three languages - English, French and Persian.
"She's very happy here," says Ray. When asked what message they'd like to pass on to fellow newcomers to the North Shore, Ray and Aida, who officially became Canadian citizens in 2010, are confident that they too will have a positive experience.
Those who are willing to work hard and respect the rule of law will likewise experience success.
"I think Canada is a really good place for new immigrants," says Ray, and his and Aida's personal journey is testament to that. "I think that still there are more and more doors that will be opened for us to be more successful," he says.
"Where there's a will, there's a way," Aida adds.
