Paula Vergara & Federico Pereanez, owners of a social media and marketing company: “We love what we do and want to keep doing it."

When they arrived in London, Paula Vergara and Federico Pereanez needed help to get on their feet in Canada.
Fifteen years later, the couple own a London-based social media and marketing business that keeps them busy with work they love -- and say they want to give back to the country that welcomed them.
“When we got here, we had nothing. We couldn’t speak any English - I couldn’t even ask for a coffee,” says Paula, who arrived in London in 2004 with her family.
“We got help from Ontario Works, the food bank, churches, OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program). You don’t see that in Colombia and we wanted to say thank you.”
In February -- less than a year after launching a business called Half & Half Social -- the couple started a new social media campaign that aims to promote other small businesses and community organizations across London.
“We are a small business. We know how difficult it is. We wanted to provide the support to entrepreneurs and also showcase the city and events,” says Paula.
They everyone who dreams of becoming an entrepreneur to follow their ambition.
“If someone asks me should I start my own business. I say do it. If you are willing to eat tuna and crackers do it,” adds Paula, with a laugh.  “Yes, it’s not easy,” agrees Federico. “But everyone should try. We know of very successful stories of immigrants.”
But like many immigrants, Federico and Paula know all about taking chances.
The couple had been working together at a call centre in Colombia when Paula’s family decided to move to Canada in search of new opportunities. She planned her good-byes, but just before she left, Federico asked her to marry him. Paula said she would, but only if he came to Canada. 
“I said ‘see you there.’” Federico says.
Once they settled in Canada, Federico pursued work in motion graphics and web design. He took courses and became experienced. Paula also started learned graphic design.
Federico freelanced for a decade, working for production companies in London and Toronto, while Paula worked as a supervisor at a call centre and did freelance on the side.
In March 2018, the couple -- who have two little girls -- took another chance and launched Half&Half Social. Their clients include the City of London, area restaurants and businesses, as well as Colombia-based businesses.
“We were not expecting to get rich, but we like it,” says Paula.
Then this year, they started #half&halfonthego a social media campaign to showcase “all aspects of life in London, Ontario.”
The goal is to highlight small businesses and help them build a social media profile. They have done several videos for social media, but are looking for sponsors to help them continue the campaign.
 “We love what we do,” says Paula. “We want to keep doing it.”

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