Vigil shines light on 26-year-old’s disappearance

Friends and coworkers are hoping to raise awareness for missing woman Shilan Shahbazian. CTV Windsor's Travis Fortnum has more.

Co-workers and customers gathered outside the workplace of a missing 26-year-old woman Monday evening to bring light to her disappearance.

According to Kim Lam, it took three applications before she hired Shilan Shahbazian to work at her business, Kim’s Nails and Spa.

It was her “determined” approach and a love for work that won Lam’s approval.

“She was so happy she could go to school for English, and she tried to get her hair license,” Lam said.

Shahbazian moved to Canada from Iran with the hope of a better life. However, after not being seen for more than a week, there’s a growing concern for her safety.

Lam, who looks at the Iranian as a “daughter,” hasn’t lost hope she will return safely.

“Every morning now I try to stand in the window to look at the bus stop. I just try to see her step out... out the bus, like every day I see, but you know it’s really hard, like you’re waiting, and you hope to see that happen,” Lam said.

About 50 people attended Kim’s on Monday for a vigil as Shahbazian’s disappearance passed one week. Customers and co-workers reflected on the woman’s upbeat personality.

Amanda Smith has been a client of Shahbazian’s for more than a year, and despite her “hurt” she remains hopeful.

“I haven’t stopped thinking about her since this has happened,” Smith said. “I’m going to do whatever I can to get the word out, be on the lookout for her.”

When she first heard about Shahbazian’s disappearance, Smith said she was left in “shock” and tears.

“I was hurt instantly because she’s such a young, beautiful [woman],” Smith said.

While there are many things going through her head, Smith said she’ll remain optimistic for as long as she can.

The Windsor Police Service previously said Shahbazian was last seen around 7 p.m. on Jan. 4 near Huron Church Road and Riverside Drive West.

Described as an Iranian woman, police said she is about 5’5” with a medium build, brown eyes and black hair. She was last seen wearing a light brown coat, dark pants and white sneakers.

Anyone who may have seen Shahbazian or has information on her whereabouts is asked to contact Windsor police.