Community Spotlight: Iranian Women Bring Art, Entrepreneurship, and Connection to North Vancouver

In a city known for its multicultural vibrancy, a group of Iranian women in North Vancouver is creating space—not just for business, but for belonging. On Sunday, July 20, The Shipyards will host the fourth edition of the She Market Expo, an initiative designed to celebrate and support women artists and entrepreneurs, particularly within the Iranian community.

At the heart of this grassroots effort are women like Fereshteh Akbari, Sara, and Farah—immigrants, artists, and founders of the Da Vinci Academy, who’ve turned personal challenges into collective empowerment.

“When I came to Vancouver, I realized there was no real space for women like us—creative, entrepreneurial, and new to the country—to be seen,” said Fereshteh. “So we created one.”

The idea behind She Market Expo was born from both necessity and imagination. The organizers noticed how few opportunities existed for immigrant women to showcase their skills affordably—especially in art, where gallery fees and marketing costs can be prohibitively high.

“A painting without a viewer, a story without a reader—it’s incomplete,” said Farah, who has taught art in Vancouver for nearly two decades. “We want these women’s work to be seen, appreciated, and supported.”

This year's event features Iranian women displaying everything from visual art and handmade goods to homemade sweets and small business services. The Expo also serves as a cultural gathering: there will be music, dance, children’s activities, and food—designed to welcome families and neighbors from all backgrounds.

“We don’t just sell things,” said Sara. “We tell our stories. We build friendships. We remind each other that we’re not alone in this journey.”

Organizers are especially calling on the North Vancouver community—including both Iranian and non-Iranian residents—to attend and support the initiative. The event is free, and open to anyone curious to learn more about the creative spirit of women who are shaping new lives in Canada, often from scratch.

“Support isn’t just financial,” Fereshteh added. “It’s showing up. It’s saying: we see you.”

The She Market Expo reflects a wider shift among immigrant women in Metro Vancouver—from surviving to thriving, and from isolation to visibility. In giving voice to their efforts, the organizers hope to create a lasting impact not only for Iranian women, but for a more inclusive civic life in North Vancouver.

Journalist: Majid Mahichi

Skyrise Media Society