Costa Rican barber came to Canada with a backpack, work permit and no family: ‘I never think about going back home'
Yahoo News Canada presents 'My Canada," a series spotlighting Canadians —born-and-raised to brand new — sharing their views on the Canadian dream, national identity, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with life inside and outside these borders.
Mauricio Montoya arrived in Canada with a work permit, his barber tools and a backpack full of dreams. Less than a year after immigrating from Costa Rica, the 26-year-old has established a name for himself at Empire Fadez, a popular barber shop in Newmarket, Ont. Montoya, who is admired for his contagious positivity and sharp haircuts, serves as proof that success does not always come easy—but it does come to those who are willing to work hard.
Montoya's love for cutting hair began long before he stepped foot into a hair salon professionally.
Advertisement
'First, I've always liked it,' he says, reflecting on his childhood fascination with barbers at work. 'One Christmas [my mom] asked me what I wanted and I said 'Oh Mom, please give me machines to start cutting hair.' I started to do it and loved it after.'
That moment sparked a passion that would carry him through the challenges of immigrating, language barriers, and the emotional cost of leaving home.
Language issues and a little luck
Mauricio Montoya, 26, works on a client at Empire Fades, a barber shop in Newmarket, Ont. Montoya came to Canada on a work permit from Costa Rica, and hopes to become a citizen.
In May 2024, Montoya arrived in Canada determined to make the most of what he described as a single opportunity. 'When I came here in May, [I] always [had] in my mind 'I have one opportunity' so I have to enjoy it,' he says. 'I never think about going back home, I never think about coming to Canada to waste my time… now this is my home.'
He credits a loyal client back in Costa Rica for encouraging him to make the move Canada. 'One day he told me, 'Why don't you try in Canada?...If it's bad, come to me and I'll give you work in construction.' So I came, tried, and it worked.'
Advertisement
The biggest challenge he faced? Language.
'When I come and I don't speak...English… It's very hard for people to understand. But everyday I try to be better and learn,' Montoya says.
Cultural differences also came as a shock. 'Canada is multicultural, and I come from a country that is one culture… but it's nice because you learn about different cultures and I always love learning.'
Despite the difficulties, Montoya found an unexpected lifeline in the Newmarket barbershop community. An Instagram message he received by chance led him to Empire Fadez—though the connection might have been fate.
Advertisement
'I was in the back of the bus and saw a guy behind in a car… he looked like a barber,' Montoya remembers. 'Later the same guy messaged me on Instagram and said 'I like how you cut hair. If you want, come to Newmarket Empire Fadez and try it out.' Turns out he owned Empire Fadez. Shows you everything happens for a reason.'
RELATED: Canadians share their perspectives, challenges and pride in Yahoo News' My Canada series
For Montoya, Empire Fadez is more than a workplace. 'I love it. The first time I came here everyone hugged me. It's like a family here.' he says.
Regardless of the language barriers, Montoya connects with clients using heart and intuition. 'I try to connect with everyone, first with my personality… Sometimes it's hard depending on the person… some have closed personalities but I still try to understand the haircut and ask for specifics.' His approach to barbering is remarkably humble and growth-minded.
For a barber, Canada offers the best cut
While Canada has become home, Montoya still acknowledges his Costa Rican roots daily. 'I've learned values back home in my country and they stay with me for life… In Costa Rica, we value happiness, heart, mind, and family,' he says.
Advertisement
Additionally, Montoya has grown to appreciate the structure and promise of Canadian life. 'Canada is a very good place for growth… If you work hard here, it's more accessible to get where you want.'
The contrast between the two countries is something he reflects on often—not just in culture, but in career opportunities. 'Back in my country, you have a lot of opportunities too, but for my work you can grow bigger here… You go further being a barber in Canada than Costa Rica.'
He notes that pricing plays a role too. In Canada, haircuts are generally more expensive, which allows barbers to invest in themselves and their tools—something that was more difficult back in Costa Rica. But for Montoya, it's not just about the money. 'The connections you make with clients in Canada help a lot,' he explains.
Dreams of a shop of his own, Canadian citizenship
Montoya has no intentions to slow down. His plans for the future are as grounded as they are ambitious. 'My goals are to have my own shop one day, and to teach other people how to cut hair.'
Advertisement
Working his way to a Canadian citizenship, he hopes to establish a strong foundation in Canada to support his loved ones back in Costa Rica: 'I want to be good here, so I can be good back home too.'
He's aware of the obstacles that remain ahead, including those who don't always have good intentions. 'Some people just want to take advantage of you, especially when you have talent… but in life there are bad people. If you keep pushing, you will find good people.'
For anyone on a similar path, Montoya has a simple message: 'Never ever give up. Everything in this life has solutions… Just believe and grow… love yourself first and after others will come show you love.'
For now, he continues to advance his skillset, by developing his brand and making sure every client leaves with a satisfied experience.
In Montoya's chair, you're not just getting a haircut—you're getting a piece of his story and the resilience of a Costa Rican heart beating strong in a Canadian home.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Focus Graphite Provides Update on Patent Application for Advanced Anode Materials Containing Silicon
Novelty and inventiveness confirmed as Focus Graphite moves closer to securing patent for next-generation lithium-ion battery anode materials Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 20, 2025) - Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS) (OTCQB: FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0) ("Focus" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the status of its patent application entitled "Advanced Anode Materials Comprising Spheroidal Additive-Enhanced Graphite Particles and Process for Making Same" (Canadian patent application No. 3,209,696). The Company reports that no further prior art has been cited in the examination process. The remaining requests for clarification from the examiner are minor in nature, primarily relating to formality issues in the description and figures. Focus is pleased with this outcome and has retained MBM Intellectual Property Law ("MBM") of Ottawa, ON, to prepare and submit claim amendments and expects a positive resolution. In support of its application, Focus has also received the International Preliminary Report on Patentability ("IPRP") issued during the Patent Cooperation Treaty ("PCT"). The IPRP confirmed that the Company's amended claims are both novel and inventive, strengthening the intellectual property protection around Focus' proprietary anode material technology. Additionally, the Company submitted amended claims under the Patent Prosecution Highway ("PPH") for the Canadian case. These amendments, which reduced the number of claims to avoid excess fees, form the basis for the Company's ongoing patent strategy. Dean Hanisch, Chief Executive Officer of Focus Graphite, commented, "This positive progress in our patent application process represents another important milestone in advancing Focus Graphite's downstream strategy. The recognition that our claims are both novel and inventive underscore the uniqueness of our technology and its potential to contribute meaningfully to next-generation lithium-ion battery anode materials." The Company will provide further updates as the application advances. About MBM Intellectual Property Law MBM is an independent, Canadian-owned boutique law firm dedicated exclusively to intellectual property law headquartered in Ottawa. For over 30 years, MBM has provided strategic IP advice and protection for clients ranging from start-ups and universities to multinational corporations. With a diverse team of patent and trademark agents, lawyers, and scientists, MBM manages global patent, trademark, and design portfolios and is recognized for delivering practical, cost-effective solutions. Proudly independent, MBM focuses on building long-term client relationships and maximizing the value of innovation. About Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc. Focus Graphite Advanced Materials is redefining the future of critical minerals with two 100% owned world-class graphite projects and cutting-edge battery technology. Our flagship Lac Knife project stands as one of the most advanced high-purity graphite deposits in North America, with a fully completed feasibility study. Lac Knife is set to become a key supplier for the battery, defense, and advanced materials industries. Our Lac Tetepisca project further strengthens our portfolio, with the potential to be one of the largest and highest-purity and grade graphite deposits in North America. At Focus, we go beyond mining - we are pioneering environmentally sustainable processing solutions and innovative battery technologies, including our patent-pending silicon-enhanced spheroidized graphite, designed to enhance battery performance and efficiency. Our commitment to innovation ensures a chemical-free, eco-friendly supply chain from mine to market. Collaboration is at the core of our vision. We actively partner with industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation graphite materials. As a North American company, we are dedicated to securing a resilient, locally sourced supply of critical minerals - reducing dependence on foreign-controlled markets and driving the transition to a sustainable future. For more information on Focus Graphite Inc. please visit Investors Contact: Dean HanischCEO, Focus Graphite (613) 612-6060 Jason LatkowcerVP Corporate Developmentjlatkowcer@ Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could," "intend," "expect," "believe," "will," "projected," "estimated," and similar expressions, as well as statements relating to matters that are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information regarding, among other things, the anticipated outcome of Focus Graphite's patent application process; the Company's ability to address and resolve the examiner's remaining objections; the expectation of securing patent protection for spheroidal additive-enhanced graphite materials; the potential strategic, commercial, and technological benefits of securing such intellectual property; and the advancement of the Company's downstream strategy to supply advanced graphite materials for lithium-ion batteries in North America and globally. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to market conditions, regulatory approvals, changes in economic conditions, the ability to raise sufficient funds on acceptable terms or at all, operational risks associated with mineral exploration and development, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's public disclosure documents available under its profile on SEDAR+. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
New York Times
35 minutes ago
- New York Times
Facing Trump's Threats, Mexico and Canada Draw Closer. Will It Last?
Mexico and Canada, pushed into a three-nation trade deal by their powerful neighbor in between, have for decades viewed each other with a mix of disinterest and distrust. Now, their leaders, driven by President Trump's extensive new tariffs and threats to their countries' sovereignty, are talking about ways to team up. 'It's very much an all-hands-on-deck approach to ensure that we are kick-starting' the relationship, Canada's foreign affairs minister, Anita Anand, told reporters this month, alongside Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne. 'It sends a very strong signal when you have the foreign minister of a country and the finance minister come,' Mr. Champagne added. 'I think that message is understood loud and clear in Mexico City.' This month, the two Canadian officials led a delegation there to meet with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico and prepare for a fall visit by Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada. The encounter was largely seen as a chance to reset the relationship and compare notes for dealing with an increasingly aggressive Trump administration. 'What we have in common right now is a nefarious neighbor,' said Arturo Santa-Cruz, an expert on North American relations at the University of Guadalajara. 'It makes a lot of sense that we collaborate.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
In the news today: Air Canada flying again; Canada Post, workers pick up negotiations
Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed... Air Canada's North American routes ramp up today Air Canada flights within North America are expected to ramp up this morning as the airline continues its operational restart following a three-day flight attendants' strike. The company resumed flights Tuesday afternoon after a complete halt to Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge routes that began early Saturday morning. It said it was focusing on outbound international flights to start. The airline has cautioned that a return to full, regular service would take seven to 10 days as aircraft and crew are out of position, and that some flights will continue to be cancelled until the schedule is stabilized. It is offering customers with cancelled flights a full refund or credit for future travel if they cannot be rebooked on a competitor's flight. Section 107 of labour code is 'dead': union leader A rare show of defiance by Air Canada flight attendants in the face of a back-to-work order from the government has proven the ineffectiveness of the section of Canada's labour code that allows a minister to order the end to a strike or lockout, the president of the Canadian Labour Congress said. On Aug. 16, just hours after flight attendants hit the picket line after failing to reach a new contract deal with the airline, Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu invoked section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to order binding arbitration and get the flight attendants back on the job. The section grants the minister the power to act to "maintain or secure industrial peace." Flight attendants ignored the order and remained on strike until a deal was finally reached early Tuesday, a move Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske lauded as effective. "It sets a precedent (that) you can defy, and you will find a solution at the bargaining table," Bruske said Tuesday in an interview with The Canadian Press. "It sets a precedent for the reality that (section) 107 is no longer effective, it is effectively dead." Canada Post, union head back to bargaining table Canada Post and the union representing postal workers are set to return to the bargaining table today. Plans to rekindle talks late last week were delayed due to a lack of federal government mediators. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers claimed labour unrest at Air Canada was pulling attention from the postal service's dispute, which has stretched on for more than a year and a half. A few weeks ago, unionized postal workers rejected the Crown corporation's latest offer that would have included wage hikes of around 13 per cent over four years and added part-timers to the workforce. Enbridge, Cenovus target of greenwashing complaint A shareholder advocacy group has filed a greenwashing complaint with Alberta's securities watchdog alleging Cenovus Inc., one of Canada's biggest oilsands producers, and Enbridge Inc., the country's biggest crude pipeline operator, have misled investors in their environmental disclosures. Investors for Paris Compliance, which seeks to hold publicly traded companies accountable for their climate commitments, argues the companies have breached the Alberta Securities Act "with long-standing and widespread inaccurate and incomplete disclosure" related to net-zero commitments. "By extensively using net-zero terminology in their communications, Cenovus and Enbridge have led reasonable investors and the public to believe that their business models are aligned with the net-zero energy transition, which in fact threatens both their existing business and fossil fuel expansion plans," the group said in its submissions to the Alberta Securities Commission. Quebec promises changes to forestry bill The Quebec government is renewing its promise to modify a forestry bill that has provoked blockades and growing tension in the province. Indigenous Affairs Minister Ian Lafrenière said Tuesday evening that the forestry reform bill must be amended to take into account the rights of First Nations. His social media statement came after a six-hour meeting with First Nations leaders and representatives of the forest industry. He and Natural Resources Minister Maïté Blanchette Vézina are expected to meet today with the Assembly of First Nations Quebec–Labrador and the office of Premier François Legault. Alberta flips on controversial disclosure policy Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's government is again shifting its expense disclosure policy after critics from across the political spectrum accused her of dodging responsibility. In early August, the province quietly published new rules axing a requirement for Smith, her ministers, senior staff and deputy ministers to publicly post receipts for expenses over $100. Marisa Breeze, press secretary to Finance Minister Nate Horner, said in a Tuesday email that cabinet has directed Horner to see that the previous expense posting policy is reinstated -- but with a tweak. "Cabinet recognized the importance of an expense posting policy that achieves both security and transparency," she said. --- This report by The Canadian Press was first published AUg. 20, 2025 The Canadian Press
