Having left Iran in 2004, Nahid and Saeed came to Canada by way of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and arrived in Victoria with their two sons in the summer of 2012. Nahid remembers how cold she felt that first summer in Victoria, and although she is still not used to the cooler temperatures here, the family has warmed up to the welcoming community of Victoria.
With the help of the B.C. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Nahid and Saeed were able to acquire an owner-operated franchise of The UPS Store and in a short time have not only become a neighbourhood fixture but, in true entrepreneurial fashion, have also quickly established themselves as niche service providers; Saeed regularly goes above and beyond when creating customized packaging for large or unusual packages such as oversized televisions, china, or valuable paintings—one even rumoured to be a gift for Prince Andrew! Their store is now also one of two in Victoria to transport “biological substances”, a designation Nahid pursued in response to customer needs.
Nahid and Saeed continue to adapt to their new country as they overcome language and cultural challenges. Thanks to their perseverance, they have established a strong family business (their sons help out when not in class at Camosun College). Victoria welcomes the Kholghi-Homapour family!