Zaida’s Life Journey, Giving Back to Locals

Can you tell us a bit about your early life and journey to Mexico?

I’ve had a lot of opportunities in my life and I want to give back to the community. I was born in South Africa, but my family moved to Canada in the sixties due to the apartheid. My mother is colored and my father was white, which allowed us to immigrate. We settled in Winnipeg, Canada, where I developed a love for fashion and hairdressing. My mother was a seamstress, which influenced my interest in fashion. I moved to Toronto at the age of 14 to pursue my career as a hairstylist and eventually worked in Dublin, Ireland, where I opened Ireland’s first hairdressing school.

What brought you to La Paz, Mexico?

In 2017, I retired and went to the Philippines to do some service work. When COVID-19 hit, I returned to Canada, but the cold weather pushed me to look for a warmer place. That’s how I ended up in La Paz, Mexico. I initially thought I’d be in San Jose del Cabo, but ended up here. One of my first priorities was finding a community, and I found a wonderful bilingual church led by Pastor Jamie, which played a significant role in my integration here.

Pastor Jamie Leads Bilingual Church in Mexico

Pastor Jamie, can you tell us about your church and its role in the community?

Hi, I’m Jamie, the pastor of a bilingual, non-denominational church here in La Paz, Mexico. My husband and I moved here about ten years ago with the vision of starting a church and helping the community. We believe that the church is part of the community, so we focus not only on spiritual growth but also on improving people’s lives. We help them make more money and have a better quality of life. Our church services are conducted in both Spanish and English, which helps people learn the language and assimilate into the culture.

Woman Starts School with Encouragement from Friend

Zaida, how did you start the hairdressing school?

After finding my community in the church, Pastor Jamie and I shared our life stories. She told me about her late husband, who was also a hairstylist and had a vision of establishing a beauty salon here. This conversation planted the seed for starting the school. I studied Spanish to better communicate and gathered equipment with the help of friends. Today, we have a group of dedicated students who are passionate about hairdressing and eager to change their lives.

Who are your students and what are their aspirations?

My students are primarily young women from the church, many of whom have children and challenging life circumstances. For instance, one of my students works nights cleaning at a grocery store and comes directly to school afterward. Another student dreams of opening her own salon one day. The course is intensive, running five days a week, and focuses on both technical skills and personal development.

In Mexico, Minimum Wage is $15/day

What are the economic challenges faced by locals in La Paz?

In Mexico, the minimum wage is around $15 a day, which makes it difficult for people to support their families. Many single parents live with their extended families to make ends meet. Typical jobs, such as cleaning in a grocery store, pay less than $100 a week. This economic reality limits opportunities for advancement and keeps many trapped in low-paying jobs.

How does the hairdressing school help improve their economic situation?

The hairdressing profession offers significant financial benefits compared to the minimum wage jobs. Graduates can earn around 1500 pesos a day by working in salons, from home, or by providing mobile services. This can drastically improve their quality of life and provide better opportunities for their families.

Impact of Expats on Local Communities, Call for Contribution

What impact do expats have on local communities?

Expats can have a significant impact on local communities, both positive and negative. For instance, the influx of foreigners can drive up prices and create a divide between the haves and have-nots. However, expats can also contribute positively by sharing their skills and resources. I encourage everyone to find ways to give back to the community, whether through volunteering, donating, or teaching.

How can people contribute to the hairdressing school?

There are several ways to contribute. Donations of equipment like scissors, combs, and capes are always welcome. Financial contributions can help us purchase better chairs and other essential items. Additionally, if you’re in La Paz, you can get a haircut from our students, which helps them practice and gain confidence. You can also refer potential students who could benefit from this opportunity.

Utilizing Donations to Create Makeshift Hair Salon

What resources have you used to set up the school?

Initially, we used folding chairs and makeshift setups. Friends from Canada and local donors provided essential tools and equipment. We are planning to apply for a grant from Club Cruceros to purchase a high-quality chair, which would significantly improve our working conditions and the learning experience for the students.

What are your future plans for the school?

We aim to expand the school and make it accessible to more people in the community. We want to offer more comprehensive training and additional courses. Our goal is to empower as many individuals as possible, giving them the skills and confidence to improve their lives and the lives of their families.

For more information or to support our cause, visit Destino Cristiano | A Bilingual, Nondenominational Christian Church in La Paz, Mexico. If you’re inspired by our story and want to support us further, you can also buy us a margarita at Buymeacoffee. Additionally, if you’re considering relocating to Mexico, check out the Mexico Relocation Guide for comprehensive resources on moving to Mexico the right way.

Thank you for reading and supporting our mission to make a positive impact in La Paz, Mexico!

 

author avatar
Brighton
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
And get notified everytime we publish a new blog post.