Christina: A Portuguese-Canadian's Journey of Heritage, Heart & Home

Olá! My name is Christina, and I am the new owner of Casa Betina. Many of Casa Betina social media followers as well as my Portugal Uncorked followers, will know that I took over the brand from Elizabeth Roque in August of 2024.

The past few months have been busy with getting to know the brand through Elizabeth’s eyes, heart and soul. We transitioned all the knowledge of the everyday mechanics of a small business operating in Canada and wholly embracing becoming a women entrepreneur. I have met so many of you at events around Ontario over the last few months and am so incredibly grateful for your enthusiasm for Casa Betina and continued support.

Easter and Spring are both times of rebirth and renewal and this felt like a great time to really introduce myself and my vision for Casa Betina.

I was born in Canada to Portuguese parents. As for my age, well I am a proud Gen X’er and will just leave it at that 😊.

From a very young age I was immersed in two of the best countries and cultures in the world. Growing up in Canada I had the opportunity to explore and experience this vast nation with my Portuguese culture intermingled every step of the way. One of the many things I love about Canada is that you can embrace your heritage and be a Canadian at the same time. My childhood was filled with weekends hanging around Augusta Ave (Kensington Market), going to every Portuguese event in Toronto and visiting family. Holidays and weekends were spent with family and the local Portuguese community celebrating and embracing everything. My summers were spent in Portugal between Lisbon, Aveiro, Peniche, Algarve and the area of Torres Novas where my family is from originally. My parents loved to tour around Portugal visiting friends and family during the summer months and of course I loved the beach and all the great food! Some of my favourites are Bacalhau à bras (Cod fish with onions, eggs and fries), Carne de Porco à Alentejana (Portuguese Pork & Clams) and Cozido à Portuguesa (Portuguese Mixed Meat Boil) - if you have never had it, trust me it’s delicious!!! Also, the desserts such as the famous Pastel De Nata, Pão de Ló (Portuguese Sponge Cake), Bola de Berlim (donut filled with custard cream) and Arroz Doce (Sweet Rice Pudding).

As l grew up in life, I went to University, got married and settled into a career in sales and marketing in consumer healthcare. I was laid off from the place I loved and began searching for my next big role in my career but nothing ever felt like home. Everything in life was underpinned by family and my Canadian/Portuguese heritage. My career was a roller coaster ride filled with mostly happy memories, but there was always something missing. And like many others, I recently suffered the loss of my parents, who were the anchor in my life and the anchor back to Portugal. It was exactly at this time that I started to wonder what if...what if I were to invest in my own business, that embraced the Portuguese culture in Canada. I left my corporate job and jumped right into being an entrepreneur opening a business called Portugal Uncorked and then becoming the new owner of Casa Betina.

This brand, my brand, represents all the values I live and hold true. I am now able to bring quality goods that are produced in Canada and Portugal that celebrate the sights and scents of Portugal to Canadians.

Other than the last few months, I have been exploring the reality of a dream I have long held in my soul. And now it is coming to life, just like the celebration of spring and Easter.

There are many new and exciting things for Casa Betina ahead. New products, refreshed website and many new markets.

As I have gotten to know the Casa Betina brand and myself during this period of transition, I know it is about connection. Connection to a memory, a scent, a sight or a feeling. In those experiences, Casa Betina tells a story. I would love for Casa Betina to help tell your story of your experiences either being Portuguese or travelling to Portugal.

Please look out for more posts and news for Casa Betina or if this post has inspired a feeling or memory, please reach out.

Let’s all help bring a little piece of Portugal into everyone’s hearts and homes!