Bilal Diyab

Bilal arrived in Canada as a Syrian refugee in 2017 with no money, limited English, and little formal schooling. Yet, he was determined to succeed.

His family had fled their home in Syria years earlier, crossing into Lebanon. Bilal stopped attending school after Grade 3 and began working as a tiler at 11. At just 14, Bilal started working as a barber, often putting in 16-hour days to support his family. For two of the five years, they lived as illegal refugees, and he was their sole provider. His father and older brother worked to secure their refugee status.

Settling in Canada came with challenges, but Bilal never gave up on his dream of becoming a barber. In his second year at Our Lady of the Bay Catholic High School, he got a co-op placement at a Collingwood barbershop and worked part-time as a valet to help practice his English. He learned English, earned his high school diploma, and obtained his professional certifications. 

Now a Canadian citizen and business owner, Bilal supports his family through his shop, Bilal the Barber, in Collingwood. His loyal customers include former teachers and classmates, who travel long distances for his expert services.

His journey has made him a role model. He shows students and refugees the rewards of hard work and perseverance. As Bilal puts it, “The only reason I am open for these long hours is because I don’t feel like it’s a job for me. I love talking to my customers. I feel like I am chilling at home.”