Cultivating Success: Zohreh Nazem’s Journey with Parnia Saffron 

The Challenges and Triumphs of Bringing Iranian Saffron to Canadian Soil 

Zohreh Nazem’s journey from Iran to Canada is a tale of ambition, resilience, and a love for saffron. It began with an interest in the Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, which promised a new life and new opportunities in the vast prairies of Alberta. Working closely with Empowered Startups, she crafted a comprehensive business plan for her proposed venture, Parnia Saffron, and applied to the program. Her application was quickly approved as was her work permit, which was issued in just 23 days, setting the stage for a fresh chapter in her life. 

In a move filled with both excitement and trepidation, Zohreh and her family arrived in Lethbridge, Alberta in March of 2023. The province offered several advantages for starting an agricultural business. The lower rental rates for land, the absence of sales tax when purchasing equipment, its lower income taxes, and the affordable transportation costs for delivering products to nearby cities all played significant roles in her decision to settle in Lethbridge. These factors provided a conducive environment for her to start and grow her business. 

“For someone considering moving to Alberta to start an agricultural business, the abundance of low-cost water, several food processing plants, and agricultural markets make it a good place to start,” Zohreh shared. She added, “When I ask other Iranian emigrants in different Canadian provinces, such as BC or Ontario, about the cost of living and running a business, I realize how suitable Alberta is. The probability of success and survival of a new business here is higher because of the lower cost of living and business expenses.” 

Initially, settling in Lethbridge presented some challenges. Finding a suitable place to live and a location for her greenhouse was not easy. However, with persistence and support from the local community, Zohreh and her family eventually found a comfortable apartment. She also secured a temporary but adequate location for her greenhouse, where she could start cultivating saffron. 

Adapting to Alberta’s variable weather was another hurdle for Zohreh. Traditionally grown in regions with consistent climes, saffron requires special care in the unpredictable Albertan climate. Undeterred, Zohreh meticulously adjusted her growing techniques and learned to navigate the local weather patterns, ensuring her saffron thrived. 

Amidst these challenges, the business plan she developed with Empowered Startups was an invaluable guide in launching her business in Alberta. It helped her to prioritize her work and manage her budget effectively, allowing her to stay on track despite the initial adversity. 

One of the highlights of Zohreh’s entrepreneurial journey was participating in the annual Christmas market. There, she was able to introduce her saffron to a wider audience. She discovered that while many customers were familiar with saffron, they were unsure of how to use it or how much of it to use in their cooking. By educating them about the spice, its uses, and its benefits, Zohreh managed to spark interest and boost sales. She sold dried saffron, saffron tea, and various foods featuring saffron as a key ingredient. 

Through her efforts, Zohreh brought a taste of her homeland to Alberta, established a thriving business that connected cultures through cuisine, and became a vibrant part of a new community. Her journey from Iran to Lethbridge, marked by determination and adaptability, is a testament to Alberta’s opportunities for new entrepreneurs. 

More information on Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream can be found on Empowered Startups’ website.