Costa Rican barber came to Canada with a backpack, work permit and no family: ‘I never think about going back home'
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.
'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.
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.'
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.
'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.'
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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.
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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.
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.
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.'
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.
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