Celebrate Asian-Canadian businesses from across the country
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May is Asian Heritage Month and to celebrate, we've profiled Asian-Canadian businesses from across the country that are at the hearts of their communities.
House of Eights Dance Studio, Halifax.
Abady Alzahrani is an artist, entrepreneur, dance educator and the owner of House of Eights Dance Studio in Halifax.
"I actually grew up in between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines. My mom is Filipino and my dad is from Saudi Arabia. So I've always been in a very mixed background and mixed spaces my whole life, and never quite fit in no matter where.... I feel like having a space do well that was started by somebody you don't conventionally see [is important] — like, you don't usually see someone in my background over here dancing, let alone kind of being a leader in the community and opening a studio.... I'd like to think I've allowed other people to feel comfortable coming to the space and dancing. Especially boys that want to dance.…" - Abady Alzahrani
More about House of Eights Dance Studio »
Jackpine Paddle, Yellowknife
Dan Wong is the owner of Jackpine Paddle in Yellowknife.
"When I started, I just started out. I never thought it would be like a full-time job. I didn't have any big grand plan. I just — I love paddling. And I kind of discovered paddling later in my life, like when I came back from university. And I grew up here my whole life, but you really have to know how to paddle to access these rivers safely. " - Dan Wong
Dragon Flowers, Montreal
Tamey Lau is the owner of Dragon Flowers in Montreal.
"In this kind of business, all your flowers are like your children. If you don't put in the love and energy, they won't be beautiful. In this kind of job, you can send people good energy. To sell flowers, you need to love the flowers and the flowers will look more beautiful and shiny. If you don't put in the love or energy, it will be different."
Tam Custom Tailor, Winnipeg
Tam Nguyen is the owner of Tam Custom Tailor in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
"Coming to Canada as a refugee made me realize what an amazing country we live in. We are so lucky to have a diverse community with so many opportunities for individuals with various skill sets. If you have a skill, then there will be a place for you in the community. I am proud to share knowledge about my Vietnamese heritage with anyone who wants to know more." - Tam Nguyen
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Country Corner Donuts, Regina
Vuong Pham is the owner of Country Corner Donuts in Regina, Saskatchewan.
"I run this business with all my heart. The customers are like friends and we have a beautiful relationship with our customers. They come day, they come night, they come every week. And we make friends with them. " - Vuong Pham
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Sonu Saree Palace, Toronto
Inder and Bhupinder Jandoo are the owners of Sonu Saree Palace in Toronto, Ontario.
"[I have so many] proud moments, there's not only one, there's quite a few … when people are satisfied, and when they go back after buying and they come back again, that gives you a sort of satisfaction that you served them right. Right now we are serving the third and fourth generation of people who bought from us in the early times, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren are coming to the stores. I've seen those children growing up from ages 0-20, that is a good feeling." - Inder Jandoo