Age: 23 | Height: 5’3″
Hometown: Maple, ON

Barlen Zaro, 23, born in Iraq resides in Vaughan where she owns and manages her own tanning salon business. Her aspirations to become a successful business woman originate from her strong personal belief that with hard work and dedication, anyone can achieve their dreams.

She is especially passionate about the advancement of women, not only in business but also in society. She hopes to inspire women to pursue their own dreams and she wishes to communicate the message that women can achieve anything they put their mind to, despite the challenges and obstacles they face today. Standing at just 5’3- she is small but fierce!

Her strong and fierce personality is balanced by her kind heart and genuine compassion for people of all walks of life; especially children, for whom she has a soft spot. Nurturing by nature, Barlen spends her free time getting involved in her community by participating in events such as fundraising for Sick Kids Hospital.

She believes that kindness is the most valuable virtue and strives to practice it each and every day. Barlen also believes in being kind to yourself, which she does by maintaining a healthy life style such as meditation and eating healthy.

When she is not running her business or in the studio singing, Barlen can be found at home doing what she considers to be the most important job of all- being a daughter and a sister. As a family oriented person, she knows that no matter where she goes in this world or what she does with her days, home is where the heart is.

Sponsored by: Francis Hair Salon, Insecure It Insurance, Entourage Entertainment, Hypnotic Sun Tanning, Lana Boutique, Luxy Nightclub, Family and Friends.

Languages spoken fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language). 

Assyrian ,English

What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?

I love singing, taking walks with my dog, working out and spending time with family.

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.) 

Vocal  lessons

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

Soccer, Cross country, Track and field, Swimming, Long jump.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why? 

My sister has been the most supportive person in my life, always guided me to the right track. Helps me through life’s battles , She still continues to push me especially with this competition. She will always be my number one supporter and best friend.

What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)? 

Launching my salon at a young age –  running amazingly for a little over 1 year  and counting.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal? 

I’m  fortunate to say I have started my career path I hope to expand in my field one day and maybe franchise my business sooner then my set goal. I’m constantly working hard coming up with ideas of how to get to where I want faster. I believe with hard work and dedication you can get to wherever you want to be.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

To be the Prime Minister of Canada.

Are you currently a student?

No

Are you currently employed?

Yes

If yes, what is your occupation?

Self-employed

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.  

I was raised in Toronto, Ontario. Coming in as immigrants life was a little hard to cope with. Having 4 siblings and myself it was very hard for my father to provide as much. Although we were struggling my father would know exactly how to keep us happy, weather it was ice cream cone Fridays at McDonalds or a adventurous day at the pioneer village we grew up loving and supporting each other through hard times and good times.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had. 

When I was really young I always begged my father to take me to the farm and pick tomatoes for each basket I filled id get 2 dollars  I loved my job! (at the time)

List any volunteering you have done.

Sick Kids Hospital fundraiser

What is your most unusual talent?

I can do baby voices

Where is the most interesting place you have been to? 

The most interesting place I’ve been to would be when I went back home to Iraq visiting the house I was born in, seeing family I had never seen, the scenery, eating the most amazing food ever and experiencing the different life style.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years? 

I really hope in 10 years I can have accomplished my business career goals. Travel the world, marry the man of my dreams have a big family.