Episodes

  • What It Really Takes to Be a Mom Entrepreneur in Canada | First-Generation Immigrant Mom

    What It Really Takes to Be a Mom Entrepreneur in Canada | First-Generation Immigrant Mom
    Jun 9 2026
    A first generation Canadian mom shares the real cost of entrepreneurship, caregiving, culture, and motherhood.🔴 Watch more conversations from this series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2NgyeSqfo4xD_JuBa6eafxIdM7mxKlQ3Learn more about ByBlacks Restaurant Week - https://byblacks.com-----📌 Connect with Kristina:Book a Financial Clarity Call: https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/financialbrokerSubscribe to As Told By Canadian Immigrants:https://www.youtube.com/@AsToldByCanadianImmigrants🚨 Talk to an Immigration Consultanthttps://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/consultant📩 Join our free email list to stay connected - https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/about-----📌 Connect with Nicole:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarcanerestaurantWebsite: https://www.sugarcanerestaurant.caWhat you Will Learn0:00 - Immigrant Motherhood in Canada1:07 - Building Life After Immigration3:13 - Pivoting Into Entrepreneurship4:03 - The Truth About Business Ownership5:25 - Work Ethic From Immigrant Parents6:33 - Caring for Kids and Parents - The Sandwich Generation in Canada9:03 - Creating Systems for Family Life10:39 - Rebuilding Your Village in Canada13:28 - Dementia Care in Immigrant Families15:25 - Supporting Black-Owned Restaurants17:53 - Finding Balance as a Mom19:07 - Raising Children With Culture20:46 - Mothers Creating Stability-----In this episode of Momversations, Nicole Charles shares her journey as a first-generation Canadian entrepreneur, mother, daughter, and co-owner of a family business. We talk about the reality of entrepreneurship, the pressure of being needed by everyone at once, and what it takes to keep moving forward when your family, your child, and your business all depend on you.Nicole opens up about balancing motherhood with business ownership, caring for a parent with dementia, building a company alongside her sisters, and the lessons she learned from her immigrant parents' work ethic and resilience.If you're a mom entrepreneur, business owner, caregiver, immigrant family, or someone trying to balance multiple responsibilities at once, this conversation will resonate deeply.This episode is about entrepreneurship, motherhood, caregiving, family, resilience, and building a life while carrying responsibilities from every direction.You will also hear about SugarKane Restaurant in Toronto’s Greek Town, ByBlacks Restaurant Week, the importance of visibility for Black-owned restaurants, and how Caribbean food can help pass culture, identity, and community to the next generation. Canadian Immigrant StoriesAbout:As Told By Canadian Immigrants, hosted by Kristina McPherson, shares honest conversations about building life in Canada through the lens of immigrants and newcomers. From immigration and identity to money, parenting, relationships, career growth, and starting over, we explore the real experiences shaping life beyond the move itself. Through real stories and practical discussions, we help people feel seen, informed, and less alone as they navigate life in Canada.DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as personal financial, legal, immigration, tax, insurance, or investment advice. Always speak with a licensed professional who can assess your individual situation before making decisions. This episode is not sponsored.#Momversations #MomEntrepreneur #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Motherhood #BusinessOwner #CanadianEntrepreneur #WorkingMom #WomenEntrepreneurs #CaregiverLife #ImmigrantFamilies #FirstGenerationCanadian #FamilyBusiness #WorkLifeBalance #CanadianImmigrants #workincanada #cometocanada #beforeyouarriveincanada #kristinamcpherson #astoldbycanadianimmigrants
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    25 mins
  • She Moved to 5 Countries Before Canada: Here’s How She Found Stability

    She Moved to 5 Countries Before Canada: Here’s How She Found Stability
    Jun 5 2026
    How do immigrant families build stability in Canada when life keeps changing?🔴 Watch more Mom-Versations - As Told By Canadian Immigrants episodes - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2NgyeSqfo4xD_JuBa6eafxIdM7mxKlQ3=====Connect with KristinaBook a Financial Clarity Call:https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/financialbrokerConnect with Dr Suzanne Davis:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannerdavisCheck out Restaurant Week:https://byblacks.com/restaurantweekCHAPTERS0:00 - Life in Canada After Immigration1:06 - Immigrant Motherhood in Canada2:26 - Moving Countries With Children4:37 - Building Stability as Immigrants in Canada5:44 - Identity After Moving to Canada6:44 - Family Routines for Newcomers7:26 - Rebuilding Your Village in Canada8:18 - School Planning Before Moving9:00 - Preparing Children for Canada10:09 - Making Community After Immigration12:25 - Starting Over in Canada14:20 - Hardest Part of Relocating15:51 - Caregiving as an Immigrant Mom17:13 - What Home Means After Migration18:52 - Advice for Immigrant Families20:38 - Finding Your Village in Canada=====Ways to work with us:Watch more Canadian immigrant stories: ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2NgyeSqfo4wuN9oX4c_8h2UiTxU3Ztt8Partner with As Told By Canadian Immigrants: ➡︎ https://astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/contact#collab📩 Join our free email list to stay connected ➡︎ https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/about====Community FeatureSupport Black-owned restaurants during ByBlacks Restaurant Week: https://byblacks.com/restaurantweek#ImmigrantFamilies #LifeInCanada #CanadianImmigrants #MomVersationsMoving to Canada with family changes more than your address. For many immigrant families, it changes how you parent, how you build community, how your children experience home, and how you create stability when everything around you keeps changing.In this episode of Mom-Versations: As Told By Canadian Immigrants, Kristina McPherson sits down with Dr. Suzanne Davis to talk about raising children across countries, rebuilding community, staying rooted in identity, and creating family stability through change. After moving between Jamaica, Germany, New York, Canada, and South Africa, Dr. Davis shares what she has learned about motherhood, faith, routines, caregiving, diplomacy, and building a village wherever life takes you.This conversation is for aspiring immigrants researching life in Canada, newcomers already navigating settlement, immigrant mothers, first-generation Canadians, and families trying to understand what it really takes to start over. Whether you are thinking about moving to Canada, recently arrived on a study permit or work permit, working toward PR, or rebuilding your family life after immigration, this episode offers a deeper look at the emotional and practical side of building stability in Canada.Our mission here at As Told By Canadian Immigrants is to share honest conversations about immigration, identity, family, rebuilding, and what it really means to start over in Canada.Disclaimer: This content is for storytelling, education, and community conversation only. It is not legal, immigration, financial, medical, or mental health advice. Please consult the appropriate qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.#canadianimmigration #howtomovetocanada #usatocanada #jamaicatocanada #studyincanada #internationalstudent #expressentry #canadapr #canadavisa #kristinamcpherson #immigrationpathway #permanentresidency #canadiandream #movetocanada #jobsincanada #workincanada #cometocanada #beforeyouarriveincanada #Momversations #ImmigrantMoms #Motherhood #ImmigrantStory #LifeInCanada #RaisingKids #ParentingPodcast #JamaicanDiaspora #ImmigrantLife #CanadianImmigrants #MotherhoodJourney #DiasporaStories #FamilyAbroad #WomenWhoInspire #ImmigrantFamilies
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    23 mins
  • The High-Paying Canadian Jobs Immigrants Are Ignoring!

    The High-Paying Canadian Jobs Immigrants Are Ignoring!
    May 29 2026

    🔴 Check your eligibility and study skilled trades programs in Canada with Passage - https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/tradesStop Guessing Which Immigration Path Is Right for You ➡︎ http://astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/courseThis video is sponsored by Passage Inc. Some links included may be affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive compensation if you choose to use them, at no additional cost to you.=Talk to a Canadian Immigration Consultant: ➡︎ https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/consultantJoin our free email list to stay connected: ➡︎ https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/about=CHAPTERS0:00 - Skilled Trades in Canada2:21 - Moving to Canada from Pakistan6:02 - Study Trades in Canada7:17 - How Newcomers Find Jobs10:01 - Why Immigrants Avoid Trades12:53 - Skilled Trades Myths16:16 - Trades Salary in Canada18:38 - PR Pathways for Trades23:29 - Jobs Beyond Construction25:18 - Career Growth in Trades32:48 - Hidden Jobs for Newcomers36:00 - Women in Skilled Trades38:05 - Immigration Pathways Explained39:49 - Is Canada Still Worth It?#SkilledTradesCanada #CanadaImmigration #NewcomersCanada #ImmigrantsInCanada #lifeincanada In this episode of As Told By Canadian Immigrants, Kristina McPherson sits down with Mustafa Ansari to talk about skilled trades in Canada, why many immigrants and newcomers overlook trades careers, and how these pathways may create real opportunities for people trying to build a stable life in Canada.Mustafa shares his own journey from Pakistan to Canada, his original dream of working in corporate Toronto, and how he eventually discovered the trades industry through marketing, workforce development, and newcomer-focused programs. The conversation explores trades salaries, common misconceptions, women in skilled trades, safety, career growth, adjacent roles, and why newcomers should think beyond traditional job titles when building a future in Canada.In this video, you’ll learn:- Why skilled trades in Canada are worth exploring- Common misconceptions immigrants have about trades jobs- How trades careers can connect to PR and long-term stability- Why trades are not only hands-on roles- How networking can open unexpected career doors- Why newcomers should stay open to opportunities they did not originally plan for=As Told By Canadian Immigrants, hosted by Kristina McPherson, shares honest conversations about building life in Canada through the lens of immigrants and newcomers. From immigration and identity to money, parenting, relationships, career growth, and starting over, we explore the real experiences shaping life beyond the move itself.Our mission is to help immigrants eliminate confusion, avoid costly mistakes, and make confident decisions about studying, working, and building a life in Canada — turning confusion into clarity, isolation into belonging, and survival into success.Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as personal financial, legal, immigration, tax, insurance, or investment advice. Always speak with a licensed professional who can assess your individual situation before making decisions. #canadianimmigration #howtomovetocanada #usatocanada #jamaicatocanada #studyincanada #internationalstudent #expressentry #canadapr #canadavisa #kristinamcpherson #immigrationpathway #permanentresidency #canadiandream #movetocanada #jobsincanada #workincanada #cometocanada #beforeyouarriveincanada
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    59 mins
  • Moving to Canada With Family: The Part No One Warns You About

    Moving to Canada With Family: The Part No One Warns You About
    May 22 2026
    Caring for aging parents while raising children can leave you overwhelmed, guilty, and stretched as an immigrant thin in the sandwich generation. CanadaBook a Financial Clarity Call ➡ https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/financialbrokerIf you’re raising children while also worrying about aging parents, family responsibilities, money, grief, and the pressure to keep everyone okay, this conversation will feel familiar. In this episode, Kristina speaks with Chantel Escoffrey of The Sandwich Years and her daughter Kay about caregiver guilt, family caregiving, rebuilding your village, and what it means to be part of the sandwich generation. Through the lens of immigration, motherhood, and life in Canada, this conversation gives language to the hidden weight so many women carry when everyone seems to need them at the same time. Living in CanadaWatch This Next: More Immigration & Motherhood Stories - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2NgyeSqfo4xD_JuBa6eafxIdM7mxKlQ3&si=ut3tqQRtS2xwGT2PConnect with Chantel:• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandwichyears• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandwichyearsConnect with Kay:• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayje22Connect with Kristina:• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoldbycanadianimmigrants/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astoldbycanadianimmigrants/• Blog: https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/blogSubscribe to As Told By Canadian Immigrants: https://www.youtube.com/@AsToldByCanadianImmigrants🚨 Talk to an Immigration Consultanthttps://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/consultant📩 Resource hub for immigrant families in Canada. Join our free email list.https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/about⏰ Chapters ⏰0:00 - The Guilt Caregivers Carry0:59 - Meet Chantel and Kay1:23 - Growing Up Immigrant5:22 - Rebuilding the Village9:21 - What Felt Normal12:26 - Naming the Sandwich Years13:11 - Sandwich Generation Explained14:58 - Financial Stability in Canada16:38 - Caring Across Borders19:03 - When Village Feels Heavy21:22 - Building Your Own Village24:29 - Grandparents and Memories26:31 - Caregiver Guilt28:14 - The Children Are Watching29:01 - Kay’s Village Experience30:32 - Seeing Mom’s Heaviness32:37 - Moms Carry Quiet Pain49:04 - Rebuilding Is Part of It50:01 - Share Your Experience51:12 - What’s Coming Next#SandwichGeneration #AgingParents #CaregiverGuilt #FamilyCaregiving #CaregiverBurnoutSupport Us -------- https://www.paypal.me/astoldbyCanadianAs Told By Canadian Immigrants, hosted by Kristina McPherson, shares honest conversations about building life in Canada through the lens of immigrants and newcomers. From immigration and identity to money, parenting, relationships, career growth, and starting over, we explore the real experiences shaping life beyond the move itself. Through real stories and practical discussions, we help people feel seen, informed, and less alone as they navigate life in Canada.DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as personal financial, legal, immigration, tax, insurance, or investment advice. Always speak with a licensed professional who can assess your individual situation before making decisions. This video is not sponsored. Some links included may be affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive compensation if you choose to use them, at no additional cost to you. All opinions and experiences shared are intended to support informed decision-making, not replace professional advice. Learn More - https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/about#disclaimer#canadianimmigration #howtomovetocanada #usatocanada #jamaicatocanada #studyincanada #internationalstudent #expressentry #canadapr #canadavisa #kristinamcpherson #immigrationpathway #permanentresidency #canadiandream #movetocanada #jobsincanada #workincanada #cometocanada #beforeyouarriveincanada
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    52 mins
  • Money for Your Child’s Education in Canada? What Immigrant Parents Should Know

    Money for Your Child’s Education in Canada? What Immigrant Parents Should Know
    May 15 2026

    Take Control of Your Financial Future in Canada: Book a Financial Clarity Call with Kristina or Adrian - https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/financialbroker

    What should immigrant parents in Canada know about planning for their children’s future?

    In this episode of Mom-Versations - As Told By Canadian Immigrants, Kristina sits down with licensed financial professional Adrian Morrison for a practical conversation about financial planning for immigrant families in Canada. They discuss what many newcomer and immigrant parents may not know about education savings, government support, protection planning, life insurance, critical illness coverage, and planning ahead for children’s futures.

    From RESPs and RDSPs to the importance of protecting your income as a parent, this conversation breaks down important financial topics in simple language for families who are building a life in Canada.

    This episode is especially for immigrant moms, dads, caregivers, and newcomer families who want to make informed decisions but may not know where to start.

    Take Control of Your Financial Future in Canada.
    Book a complimentary Financial Clarity Call with Kristina or Adrian:
    https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/financialbroker


    In this episode, we talk about:

    • Financial planning for immigrant parents in Canada
    • What families should know about RESPs
    • Government support for children’s education
    • RDSPs and disability-related financial planning
    • Why protection matters before investing
    • Life insurance for parents and families
    • Critical illness protection
    • Starting small with financial planning
    • Questions immigrant families should ask sooner rather than later

    ⏰ Timecodes ⏰
    0:00 - Survival to Stability1:31 - Immigrant Parent Money Questions2:18 - Important Financial Disclaimer3:13 - RESP Explained Simply4:52 - Government Education Grants6:40 - Why Start Early8:11 - What If They Don’t Go11:27 - Family RESP Strategy13:20 - Savings vs Investing15:42 - Start With $2518:43 - RDSP Basics Explained21:28 - $90K Disability Support23:19 - Product vs Plan24:40 - Protecting Your Future26:15 - Offense and Defense30:43 - Critical Illness Protection32:32 - Child Critical Illness Story35:22 - Insuring Your Child39:12 - Financial Information Gap41:20 - Book Your Clarity Call45:30 - The Risk of Waiting47:06 - Final Money Talk Recap


    This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as personal financial, legal, tax, insurance, or investment advice. Please speak with a licensed financial professional before making financial decisions.

    Watch more Immigration & Motherhood stories:
    https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/mom

    Subscribe on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@AsToldByCanadianImmigrants/featured

    Follow the Riot Radio Media Hub:
    https://www.instagram.com/dcsamediahub/


    #ImmigrantParentsCanada #FinancialPlanningCanada #CanadianImmigrants #RESPCanada #NewcomerFamilies #canadianimmigrantstories
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    50 mins
  • Immigration DID NOT end when I became a Canadian Citizen

    Immigration DID NOT end when I became a Canadian Citizen
    May 8 2026

    Moving to Canada - Canadian Immigration doesn’t end when you become a Canadian citizen — it only changes.Every episode uncovers the side of immigration nobody talks about. Follow the series here ➡ https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/mom

    📌Links for You!• Take Control of Your Financial Future in Canada. Book a Financial Clarity Call with Kristinahttps://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/financialbroker• Momtrepreneur University™https://www.skool.com/momtrepreneuruniversity/about?ref=a78b08e05bbc4b089aed5630022172ff• Join one of Canada’s highest high-interest savings account platforms with no monthly fees, cashback rewards - Neo Financial • Watch This Next: More Immigration & Motherhood Stories - https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/mom• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AsToldByCanadianImmigrants/featured• Follow the Riot Radio Media Hub: https://www.instagram.com/dcsamediahub/⏰ Timecodes ⏰0:00 - Border Crisis While Pregnant1:19 - Immigration Never Really Ends2:19 - Why I Needed My Village3:27 - My Mom Was Denied Entry4:42 - Fighting Canada’s Decision5:48 - Why I Left Canada7:21 - Canadian Citizenship Didn’t Bring Stability8:34 - What Immigration Felt Like For My Mom14:21 - Pandemic Border Chaos Explained19:18 - Motherhood + Immigration Collide24:20 - The Hidden Cost Of Immigration26:02 - Status Does NOT Equal Stability27:49 - Your Village Doesn’t Transfer29:38 - Parenthood Changes Everything32:14 - You Have To Rebuild Community35:38 - Children Experience Immigration - My Daughter’s PerspectiveDISCLAIMER: This content is based on personal experiences and conversations and should not be considered legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies and procedures may change over time. Always consult official government resources or a licensed immigration professional regarding your specific situation. This episode is not sponsored. Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.📌 Topics Covered:living in canada, canada immigration, immigrant mother experience, moving to canada reality, canada pr journey, life after immigration, immigrant women in canada, canada life challenges, canadian immigration stories, our immigration stories, as told by canadian immigrants#canadianimmigration #howtomovetocanada #usatocanada #jamaicatocanada #studyincanada #internationalstudent #expressentry #canadapr #canadavisa #kristinamcpherson #immigrationpathway #permanentresidency #canadiandream #movetocanada #jobsincanada #workincanada #cometocanada #beforeyouarriveincanada #CanadianImmigration #ImmigrantStories #ImmigrantMothers #LifeInCanada #CanadianCitizenship
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    46 mins
  • Canada’s Immigration Reset: Only 16% Will Stay

    Canada’s Immigration Reset: Only 16% Will Stay
    Mar 24 2026

    Canada immigration is tightening — here’s how to stay competitive and secure PR before seats run out.
    Find PR-friendly jobs here ➡ https://prjobs.ca/


    Canada immigration is tightening, and many temporary residents may not get PR. In this episode, we break down how to stay competitive, find PR-friendly jobs, extend your work permit, and align with Canada’s immigration priorities. If you're an international student, PGWP holder, or planning TR to PR, this conversation explains what to do now.

    📌 Links You Need after this Video:

    • Find PR-friendly jobs aligned with immigration priorities: https://prjobs.ca/


    • Check your student visa risk before applying — https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/studentvisaapplication


    • TR to PR 2026: Only 33,000 spots — join waitlist


    • Should you keep fighting for Canada PR or leave strategically? This honest checklist helps you decide -- https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/checklist


    Disclaimer: This video is sponsored by ImmigrateAI Global Inc. Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.canadian immigrantsrural canada stories
    immigration experiences canada
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    49 mins
  • Should You Leave Canada If You Can’t Get PR? (Brutally Honest Checklist)

    Should You Leave Canada If You Can’t Get PR? (Brutally Honest Checklist)
    Mar 12 2026

    Should you keep fighting for Canada PR or leave strategically? This honest checklist helps you decide. Download the FREE Immigration Decision Checklist - https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/checklist


    On As Told By Canadian Immigrants, we talk honestly about the real situations immigrants face. In this video, we go through a brutally honest checklist to help you think about your Canada PR chances, immigration strategy, and whether staying in Canada is still the right move for you.This video isn't meant to scare anyone. It's meant to help you ask a real question:Are you fighting strategically… or emotionally?Did you Answer "no", "I don't know" or "maybe" to any of the questions? Yes? Then you need clarity.


    Get clarity on your Canadian immigration strategy ➡ https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/course



    ----#canadianimmigration #howtomovetocanada #usatocanada #jamaicatocanada #studyincanada #internationalstudent #expressentry #canadapr #canadavisa #kristinamcpherson #immigrationpathway #permanentresidency #canadiandream #movetocanada #jobsincanada #workincanada #cometocanada #beforeyouarriveincanada

    immigration experiences canadaimmigrant stories canadaCanadian migration stories
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    29 mins