Entrepreneur changes the law to help other immigrants start their own businesses in Newfoundland
Newbornlander also employs women who are just starting their lives in Canada.
Constanza Safatle Ferrari, a lawyer, moved to Newfoundland from Chile to support her husband's education. Unable to speak English or practice law, she was isolated at home with her newborn child so she decided to carve out a new life for herself.
Her legal background would ultimately prove useful in helping herself and other newcomers own their own businesses.
It started with a $360 investment and a sewing machine. Ferrari watched YouTube videos and taught herself how to make stylish and durable baby accessories. In 2017, the store Newbornlander was launched. She now boasts over $180,000 yearly in sales and employs immigrant women much like herself.
She tells her story in Episode 2 of the new season of Dragons' Den (watch now free on CBC Gem) airing on Thursdays at 8 pm (8:30 NT).
CBC: Why did you choose to become an entrepreneur in Canada?
Constanza Safatle Ferrari: I was a lawyer back home and the transfer of credentials wasn't possible. And with my status of immigration, which was an open work permit, I didn't qualify as an immigrant. You are not an immigrant in Canada until you get your permanent residence. So you don't have access to the basic services that everyone has.
I couldn't participate in the labour market. I didn't find any English classes or services that could have helped me. So I decided, okay, I need to start a business by myself, create my own space.
Did you have any previous experiences to prepare you for this journey?
Ferrari: When I was in the university, there was a program for women to teach them the basics of entrepreneurship so they could start their own businesses and survive. So this really inspired me to say, okay, today it's me. I need to reinvent myself from scratch.
I thought, what else can I do? And the idea that came up, inspired by my baby when I couldn't find any accessories. I would make a baby store and I would sew, by myself, baby accessories.
What's the most difficult thing you encountered in setting up your business?
Being an immigrant without permanent resident status.
In order to get to my permanent residence I needed to have a full-time job on the side all this time. I need to work in a full-time job in order for my employer to give me the opportunity to apply for permanent residence. So I managed the business and full-time job plus family time. That was a barrier.
Also, in order to incorporate a business, you need to have permanent residence status. So, I had to give the business to a Canadian friend in order to incorporate.
I had the opportunity to lobby with the minister and the Premier [in Newfoundland]. They removed the policy and they made an amendment to incorporation. Last year, I got control of my company again as the owner. So today, any newcomer, regardless of your status, can incorporate the business and that allows you to apply for funding and programs.
And what advice would you offer to immigrants looking to open up their own businesses?
Many times we will be facing barriers, but we need to find a way to move forward. And if your credentials are not recognized, well, maybe starting a business is a great opportunity in Canada. Especially because you come with these different backgrounds that will allow you to see the problem from other perspectives and bring other solutions.
What was the most satisfying part of being an immigrant entrepreneur?
We can create change. It doesn't matter where you come from, your skin colour, or your level of English. We can be here if we speak. I see my business grow and I see the women who work here, it's just a step in their journey to learn English, to settle, to find other women who are in the same situation. When they feel ready to start a business or move on, I mentor them or connect them with employers because I already moved here so long ago. So all that brings a lot of satisfaction.
We have a voice and we've got to speak loud and create a positive change in our country. And I think that is our role.
What are the plans for the future of your business?
My dream is to see Newbornlander in other provinces. I want to grow the model and become kind of a settlement program for immigrant women. I believe this is about equality, diversity and inclusion. It's not about money. It is about how you, as an employer, can take your mindset and what you want to do to be diverse in your job.
This is happening here and this is made by women immigrants. We want to be part of the solution. We want to collaborate with the government in its efforts to welcome immigrants.
Note: interview edited for clarity.
Watch Dragons' Den, now streaming on CBC Gem.
