TAN – The Afro News

The Father's Growth of Joy & Responsibility Nikolay Yelizarov

By Ryan Andrew Mitchell The Afro News Vancouver

Nikolay Yelizarov and his wife started off with a daughter that changed their lives forever, but little did they know that a surprise was brewing years later when they had twins, one boy and one girl. Read the full story

Elsa Piassa Owner of Elsa's Piassa Haidressing Salon Vancouver BC Phot By KMG

By Ryan Andrew Mitchell The Afro News Vancouver

In 1989, Elsa Piassa moved into the City of Vancouver. Living in a new town could be intimidating, but she did not let that break her confidence. She entered the Déjà Vu International School of Cosmetology, the first of its’ kind in Vancouver. When she unpacked her bags, she was unaware of the impending love and aid that was waiting for her.

Not certain of where to start, Elsa knew that she needed a place to call home, and guidance to encourage her. She was introduced to the Cross family and they quickly became her support system. She states “I met them through a friend, when I started working here. They were the first family I met in Vancouver; Anthony, Lukas, and the Mother, Delores Cross. Being in a new city, one can feel lonely but, having a family can ease that [feeling].”

Elsa had an innate passion for her career “I had always loved to make people look beautiful. Now I can put that to work here, that is what I love about the salon.” Piassa is not only her last name, but also the name of her birth place. “There is a little town in Ethiopia called Piassa where I grew up. I wanted to name the salon after my home.”

The Mother of the family, Deloris Cross, had a salon of her own. Cross was Elsa’s mentor and gave her the stepping stones in management and hair treatment, before Elsa graduated and studied advance training in North Carolina. “She helped me a lot; in fact she is a lot like my Mom!” Mrs. Cross introduced her to the business side of hairstyling. Once Piassa knew the in and outs of owning a salon she pursued her dream. “Deloris Cross taught me how to do hair.” Elsa admits if it wasn’t for the aid of the Cross family, especially Mrs. Cross, She wouldn’t have thought about opening her own business. “I’m in my position all because of the Cross Family.” Elsa is the mother of two twin boys Nathaneil and Romel aged seven. She comments that she got double what she bargained for. “I always wanted one boy, but then God gave me two, so that is a great blessing!” She looks forward to supporting and mentoring her own children. “I wish to keep the same business, and keep working in hairstyle, but most of all; I want to raise my kids.” She did not let fear overcome her when she was opening up her shop, and she welcomes young Mothers to pursue their potentials. “If you like to do something or have a passion… go for it, I’m [the type of person] who likes to take risks. [Back then] I really didn’t know if I would make it or not, but I then I would say ‘why not? If it works out well, that is great, if not, that is OK.”

Elsa states the need for everyone, especially young women to find a support system. “It is hard trying to manage a business and being a single Mother, but I have a lot of heart because of great friends and family. That is why I made it; I have a lot of help.” She admits that Deloris is one of the biggest anchors in her life, and she states that she is grateful for the building blocks Elsa used to construct her business. “She is like my Mother back home, and I will always see her as my Mother.

CANADA’s GIFTS OF DIVERSITY Photo By KMG

By: Ryan Andrew Mitchell 

As a young university student, Grace Bonifacio knows particular women are responsible for major progress in human rights and great progress in other important sectors including family, and like many other women, she acknowledges specific figures that have touched her. Even with the recognition she has, she is concerned about the appreciation of future generations: Will society continue to appreciate the impact of female figures or take their actions for granted?

“The woman is the backbone of every family.” Wilma Bennett, a mother of two, states the reason why society needs to not only recognise the impact of famous women, but keep in mind the effort of individual woman. “It is important that women feel empowered, they are the nucleus of the family, [communities] need to make them feel aware that they important in order for them to continue with nurturing and providing for the family.”

There are obvious figures in North America that are known for empowering women of all ages and colours. Many have paved the road for women today and others have reached big roles in television and political movements. Thousands of organisations have been founded to inspire young girls to educate themselves and to pursue different careers.

Bonifacio thinks of the double standard women face on the business side “Women have to be more than just talent these days. In order to surpass the standard they have to work a bit [harder] in order to be remembered, if we don’t we will miss the standard.”

Even if it may seem impossible to forget the impact women have made on society, Bennett mentions the huge role single mothers play in society, “I greatly admire women who challenged themselves and progress with what little [support] they had.” Bonifacio agrees it is important for women to feel appreciated, since they play a critical role in humanity as Bonifacio states “It’s already implied, women are known to give life, and that’s just the start.”

Interviewees: Wilma Bennett ,Gracelle Bonifacio