My Expat Story: Michael Motamedi
An American expat in Canada
At Global Living Magazine we want to connect with our readers. We want to know what you’re all about, what you love, where you’ve been, and where you’re going. The best way to do this? Hear it straight from you!*
Michael Motamedi grew up in Los Angeles, California before moving to Toronto, Canada. A creative and hardworking individual, Michael’s two main passions are cooking and fashion and he has earned great success in both fields. Michael is the co-owner of new Toronto restaurant Parcae (www.parcae.ca), which offers hand-crafted cocktails and globally-infused nose-to-tail dishes. Always well-dressed in the kitchen, he is also a part of Baffi Collections, a men’s fashion line that creates high quality wooden accessories. Here is Michael’s Expat Story.
When/why did you move abroad?
My father asked if I would like to accompany him on the move to Toronto from Los Angeles. At first I was hesitant, but it was a good opportunity to be with my dad and continue a higher education in Canada. I made the move, and now I love Toronto. I love the people and the way of life. My father soon moved back to LA and I stayed, because I saw the opportunity in this city.
What is your favorite part of expatriate life?
My favorite thing about Toronto is the content people have in their lives. They are still motivated to grow, and do not compromise who they are for others.
What has been the hardest part?
The most challenging aspect is living away from family and the friends I’ve grown up with. I want to be there for them, be by their side and share those everyday experiences – good and bad. This can be difficult being so far away.
Where have you lived around the world? Favorite places?
I grew up in Los Angeles, spent a short time in Sweden and in and around Europe and have settled down in Toronto, Canada – my favorite place by far! I have worked hard and am grateful for the people I’ve met and the opportunities this city has brought me. I have been lucky and am fortunate for the life I live.
Where would you want to move to eventually?
I don’t know how to answer that question. Eventually is such a broad word. If I have kids my choice will be different than if it was just my future wife and me. Life is funny like that, the circumstances you are faced with will tell you where the right place is to live. If you are single, maybe traveling the world is the right choice; if you have a wife, maybe a couple houses in different spots is the life waiting for you; and if you have a family, a stable home for your children surrounded by lots of family is obviously the right decision.
Would you prefer to stay put and build your life in Toronto and only travel for business or pleasure moving forward?
I would prefer to build a home and a family in Toronto. I think it is a great place for an up bringing. I can always travel for business and pleasure.
What’s your sense of ‘home’?
My sense of home is where I feel comfortable. I want to feel comfortable at home by myself and with my girlfriend. I want to feel comfortable going to work. Most of all I love the feeling of ending a vacation and looking forward to going back “home.” Luckily in Toronto, I know I have.
What advice would you give to first-time expats?
Take a leap of faith! There is only one wrong choice in life and that is not making a choice at all. There is only one life to live – it is short, sweet and be sure you take advantage of every opportunity. Don’t be scared to try something new. Just do it!
What has been the most helpful thing in adapting to your home abroad?
Surrounding myself with wonderful people.
Share anything else about your expat life that you’d like us to hear!
The past couple of years have been great! I co-founded a company called Baffi Collection that specializes in wooden products. You can check it out on the website www.bafficollection.com. I also co-founded a beautiful new restaurant called Parcae. It has been getting some amazing notoriety in the city of Toronto. Keep pushing and following your dreams. Everything is possible!
[Image courtesy of Michael Motamedi]
*If you’d like to be featured on our ‘My Expat Story’ section, send an email to Alison at info@globallivingmagazine.com and tell us about your experience as an expatriate by answering the above questions.
Don’t forget to include a picture of yourself, your website/blog information, and/or Twitter handle so we can help you connect with other expats from around the world!