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Newcomers
Shelly Bazil-Smith
Shelly Bazil-Smith ·

CONVERSATIONS with A NEWCOMER. Episode #5 Meet Temi and STO! Owners of MindView Studios


1. Can you please introduce yourself?

We are Emmanuel and Temitope Odeyemi, a dynamic couple originally from Nigeria
Emmanuel is known musically as STOMusic and has over a decade of experience as a Music Producer and holds a background in Audio Engineering.
As for myself, Temitope, I have a strong professional background as a business and market development specialist. Presently, I am a student at Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology, pursuing a post-graduate certificate in Global Business Management. Simultaneously, I am working as a Business Development Assistant at Sault College.

2. What attracted you to Sault Ste. Marie?
We can't help but reflect on our incredible journey since arriving in the beautiful city of Sault Ste. Marie. Over a year has passed, and our love for this city continues to grow stronger. Coming from Lagos, one of Africa's most bustling cities, we knew that if we ever relocated, we would embrace a change of pace and try out a smaller city. And here we are, still smiling about that decision. We were fortunate to be introduced to Sault Ste. Marie by our dear Pastors and Mentors, Rev. Gabriel Araba, and Dr. Teni Araba. Having lived here for over six (6) years, they spoke highly of the Soo's strong sense of community, warm-hearted residents, and its reputation as one of the friendliest cities in Canada. Of course, we can't forget the breathtaking autumn, as the vibrant colors of the changing leaves create an unforgettable sight. Our experience in Sault Ste. Marie has truly been enriching, and we feel privileged to call this city our home.

3. What do you love about the Soo now that you live here?
The Soo's homely nature is just one of the many reasons we love it here. No matter where we go, we feel welcomed and greeted with warm smiles. The city offers a variety of places to explore, such as the beautiful Bellevue Park, Hiawatha Highlands, and the stunning Gros Cap. There are also several amazing restaurants that offer delicious food. One of the best things about the Soo are the activities organized during different seasons. Some of our favorite events include the July first fireworks at Roberta Bondar Park, the Soo Locks boat tour, and the Rotary Fest just to mention a few. These events are fantastic opportunities to spend quality time with family and friends while enjoying the city's vibrant atmosphere. Overall, the Soo is an amazing place to live.

4. How have you found the local community in terms of support and inclusiveness? Here you can also talk about your role in the city.

The community is quite supportive, as they provide serval integration resources to help newcomer settle. One such resource is our church the United Baptist church which has been instrumental in organizing several information sessions for newcomers to ease their transition into the city. The church's dedication to fostering inclusivity has created a strong sense of belonging among new residents. Another is the Sault Community Career Centre that provides counselling and employment support for newcomers seeking to join the local workforce.
Additionally, is the Sault Ste. Marie website that offers information on settling in Canada. Lastly, “Spaces" app has been instrumental in fostering inclusiveness and support for newcomers. By offering valuable insights into several topics. In our experience, the Soo has done an excellent job in promoting inclusiveness and offering essential support for newcomers.

5. What advice would you give to newcomers who are just beginning their journey in Canada? How do you stay connected with your culture and heritage while living here?

Our advice for newcomers is to avoid isolating themselves and embrace the importance of networking. Building connections and relationships within the community is vital for a successful transition into a new environment. Whether it is attending community events or participating in social activities. In doing so, you will create a support system that can offer valuable advice and guidance. Remember, you cannot be an island, so try to find your tribe or create one.

6. (STO and Temi- this question is just for you ) - We heard that you are a new business owners. Tell us a bit more about your business, services and packages offered. You can highlight any present sales or promotions.
The name of our business is called Mindview Studios, dynamic photography and videography studio located in the vibrant city of Sault Ste. Marie, Canada. Our business was born out of a desire to fill a gap in our community, providing a much-needed service that captures life's precious moments and transforms them into cherished memories through the art of photography.

Our wide range of services includes:
Portrait photography
Birthday Photography
Beauty and fashion photography
Family and children's photography
Maternity photography
And many more.

As a token of appreciation for our beloved community, we are offering an exclusive 10% discount during the month of May 2025 for families and individuals who wish to capture their special moments with us. To take advantage of this offer, please send us an email at themindviewstudios@gmail.com. We can’t wait to create unforgettable memories with you!

7. Please give your final thoughts- Share, anything you would like to say about being a newcomer in Canada/ Sault Ste Marie. Final advice? Anything at all- closing remarks

Building connections with fellow newcomers and long-time residents has made our transition smoother and more enjoyable. Remember, every person you meet has a unique story to share. Our final piece of advice is to maintain an open mind, stay positive, and be persistent. It's important to ask questions, seek support when needed, and actively participate in community events.
Thank you,
Emmanuel and Temitope Odeyemi.

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