Lina's Story

In her native Venezuela, Lina had a Masters degree and had been a teacher for 20 years. But when she came to Canada with her son, Lina did not speak any English—obviously, teaching was no longer an option. As with many immigrants, Lina’s first two challenges were language and employment. Not one to idle, she enrolled in ESL classes right away and, when she had some basic English skills, she began to study to be a massage therapist. Receiving her certification, she began to work in spas and clinics.

While she enjoyed it well enough, Lina realized that she wanted something more. She wanted to go into business for herself. “I had always dreamed of starting my own business,” says Lina, “but I did not know where to begin—then I found Momentum.” A friend had recommended Momentum and soon Lina was enrolled in Momentum’s ABCs of Small Business"] program. Within four months of coming to Momentum, Lina had obtained a business license, purchased insurance for her practice, and bought equipment for her home-based massage therapy business, Healing Hands.

“Insurance, business licenses, taxes, accounting... I didn’t know anything about these things before I came to Momentum. Thanks to their ABCs of Small Business program, I learned everything I needed to know to get started.” Lina says she has never felt as independent or as financially secure. She enjoys the financial benefits especially because it means she can help her son with his education. “I am so proud of myself for having been able to achieve this,” Lina says today. “But more than that, I am grateful to Momentum. They gave me the support and direction I needed to realize my dream.”