About Iwona

I am Iwona Buziak-Mohamed, a Polish-born Canadian author, artist, publisher, and the creator of the HAPPY Method™.

I came to Canada more than three decades ago. Like many newcomers, I had to learn how to understand a new environment, communicate in a different language, manage daily life, and build connections.

There were times when I felt confused or alone. I did not always know where to look for help or how to feel at home.

Over time, I began to reflect on these experiences and organize what I had learned into simple steps. I wanted to make the process of understanding life in Canada easier to explain and easier for others to use.

The HAPPY Method™

These reflections helped shape the HAPPY Method™, a five-step framework for thinking about different parts of life in Canada.

Home, Arts, People, Places, You

• Home — Where do you live? Understanding housing, documents, and the practical foundations of daily life.
• Arts — What do you do? Reflecting on skills, work, interests, goals, and direction.
• People — Whom do you know? Building relationships, connections, and a sense of community.
• Places — Where are you from? Understanding your background and your relationship with your immigrant identity.
• You — Who are you? Making room for personal reflection, well-being, and growth.

The HAPPY Method grew from my experience of building a life in Canada. Today, I use it to help newcomers reflect on their own lives, understand their options, and consider their next steps.

My books and educational resources

Through HAPY Publications, I create practical books and learning materials for newcomers, ESL learners, educators, and community organizations.

My work includes Making Canada Home: The HAPPY Method Guide for Immigrants, its companion workbook, and the ESL for Seniors series, among other educational resources.

I also created the 4-Step Story Formula, a simple structure that helps people organize their experiences and communicate them more clearly. You can find the free guide through HAPY Publications.

Explore the HAPPY Method
View publications on HAPY.ca