Dream made reality for Penticton immigrant couple

Photo: Hoda Montazeri

“Community Champions” is a media campaign led by the South Okanagan-Similkameen Local Immigration Partnership and supported by SOICS & Castanet. We share stories that raise awareness about the contributions that immigrants make to the community while introducing the small businesses of new Canadians.

Hoda and Hassan moved to Penticton from Vancouver. But this is not where their journey started. Both of them were born and raised in Iran.

Since she was a child, Hoda was attracted to beautiful architectural forms and showed creativity in everything she did.

“I remember one of the most precious gifts that my mother gave me when I was a child – a sketchbook and 12 pencils," shares Hoda. Not surprisingly, interior design was a natural career choice for her.

Thanks to a masterful collaboration between their moms, Hoda and Hassan got married, and, soon after, moved to Malaysia where they took turns working and studying. Hassan became a professional in accounting, and Hoda in interior architecture.

Then came the time when they decided to move again, explore new possibilities around the world. Canada and Australia made it to the top of the list but, after months of research, they picked Canada as their new home country. The immigration process took a lot of time and effort but in the end Hoda and Hassan started their new lives in Vancouver.

“I loved Vancouver," continues Hoda.

"We’ve made a lot of great friends there, found exciting career opportunities, but I did not like the weather there and we both wanted our own home. We love our new life in Penticton. The weather is amazing and the people are very kind."

Every summer the couple visited the South Okanagan and dreamed about moving to Penticton someday. That day finally arrived.

Today, Hassan continues his successful accounting career, and Hoda is a proud owner of the Homont Design on Martin Street in Penticton. The name of the company is the combination of Hoda’s first and last names – Hoda Montazeri.

“For me, interior design is more than just arranging furniture or selecting colour palettes. It is a language through which I connect with people and understand their individual styles, preferences, and aspirations. Exceptional design is a reflection of your unique story," shares Hoda.

During their spare time, the couple enjoys their time on the beaches, playing volleyball and talking to friends.

“I am not very outdoorsy, but Hassan pushes me," adds Hoda with a chuckle.

“It is not easy to move around so much, but I have a motto that I try to follow – do whatever makes you happy."