Product Toronto - Issue 3 by PRODUCT Toronto by Kyle Kofsky

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Ta b l e of contents 10

connect the Products

Say Hello to my little friend

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Letter

Hip & Hop

All work all play

Electric lines

inspiring Innovating transforming

How High? This High.

Drips & Spills

To the teeth

Food And sex & Travel

Little things

Run This Town

Music at his fingertips

Just close enough

53 30

I Am NOT A Penguin

Money For Oysters

Eat, pray, joga

Published by PRODUCT in Publishing 104-302 Carlaw Ave. Toronto, Ontario - M4M 3L1

www.producttoronto.com 416 . 364 . 5753 info@producttoronto.com

Kyle Kofsky Editor In Chief

Isabelle Savard Deputy Editor

Alex Browne Director of Photography

Reece McCrone Production Manager

Nathan Stevens Accounts & Distribution

Alex Mathers Lead Designer

Carolee Custus Style Director

Ana Opulencia Copy Editor

Jonathan Broderick Lead Writer

Melissa Allen Lead Writer

senior staff

senior writers

D’arcy Grewal Webmaster

Adam Hendrik Senior Writer

Juan Mendez Director of Publicity

Brian Sweigman Senior Writer

Adam Zivo Assistant Director

Joseph Clement Senior Writer

Glenda MacInnis Assistant Director

Lauren Cullen Senior Writer

Jeyda Deyna Assistant Director

Olga Kwak Senior Writer

Jill Lerner Assistant Director

senior photographers

Joe Swallow Assistant Director

Chantal Ryanne Senior Photographer

Kim Lum-Danson Assistant Director

Cristina Arce Senior Photographer

Max Power Assistant Director

Isaac Zelunka Senior Photographer

Rebecca Wengle Senior Stylist

Mark Tym Senior Photographer

Aziz Vivant Assistant Stylist

Paul Steward Senior Photographer

Karine Delage P.R. Director

Tara McWatters Senior Photographer

Hayley Campbell Sports Director

hair & makeup artists

Alexandre Fafard Acount Manager

Charlie Dilnot

Robert G. Wonham Account Manager

Emily O’Quinn

Tess Hamilton Account Manager

Giovanna Minenna

Melis Stevens Lead Hair/M.U.A.

Michael Morra

Joshua Cruz Production Assistant

Katherine Torrez-Aleman

Colleen Oldfield Assistant Designer

Larra Dassas

contributors Mai Ismail Contributing Photographer La’Brown Styles Contributing Stylist

Natalie Shemuel Taylor Vigneux

Thank you

Elsa Mack Contributing Writer

IMAX

Iddie Fourka Contributing Writer

Meg Sethi & E.P.R.

Stephen Sparks Contributing Writer

Parts & Labour

Tim Luther Contributing Writer

Ronit Rubinstein

EDITOR ’s LE T T E R Photo: Paul Steward From Left: Alex Browne, Kyle Kofsky, Alex Mathers

Who are you interacting with and what are they doing? What are you doing here?

ife is the hardest thing we will know. The people we are surrounded by are the closest to anything genuine. The projects we work on and the way we make ourselves members of the moments around us will define how we make our marks. Good and kind. It’s not that we are done making mistakes; it’s more that we know we will be making them and then actively learning from them.

he support around us from family, friends, colleagues, and partners is what will make us stronger, and we will all be better for the energy exchange. You can do a lot on your own - almost everything All the very best to you & yours,

- but the limits disappear as soon as you join the right team and make your contribution, whilst making your peace with everyone else’s.

e will not push aside our destiny and disregard la raison d’être. We will remember what has brought us to today and cherish the flaw and the wondrous of it all. It’s not important if you don’t make the time for it.

et involved. Do better. Be alive and never let anyone put you down. Well, unless you deserve it. We couldn’t be more grateful and honoured to have you in our lives. Kyle Kofsky Editor in Chief

All Work A l l P l ay Clothing: Pomp & Pageantry Ring, Bracelet: Aldo Accessories.

words: Brian Sweigman photos: Cristina arce

hrissy courted me for three years and then I moved in,” Jessica Glover jokes as I sit in the new open concept office of GLO Communications and VOCAB Communications. She’s speaking about her public relations company, which moved into the office space of VOCAB Communications - a public relations company owned by Chrissy Newton in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood. While operating two independent public relations (PR) firms, Chrissy and Jessica work together on campaigns, creating a distinct approach to public relations.

Dress: H&M Necklace: Aldo Accessories.

s public relations representatives, Chrissy & Jessica work with clients in order to help them start a “buzz” about their brand. They are dedicated to influencing lifestyles, attitudes, and opinions for a company or personal brands by allowing them to outshine their competitors. They educate the media about their clients. By understanding both media and business perspectives, Chrissy & Jessica work effectively to deliver the brand’s message through optimizing media to best reach the public’s ears.

LO & VOCAB also present gifting lounges, which are interactive presentations of select brands to be gifted to celebrities. The lounges are meant to introduce the brands both to the media and the stars. GLO Communications has presented “Bask-It-Style” gifting lounge for four years at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Additionally, VOCAB has offered The “VOCAB Lounge” for the past

four years during the MUCH Music Video Awards (MMVAs), in association with The Art of Music Video.

hrissy & Jessica use their knowledge of Toronto to their advantage, quickly establishing GLO Communications and VOCAB Communications as leading boutique public relations firms. They both have extensive professional and social networks within Toronto, making the city as accessible as a small town. (born and raised in Toronto) and J essica Chrissy (a Kitchener/Waterloo gal)

have a unique perspective of Toronto from working in PR. They are keenly aware of their favourite areas in the city, whether it be picnicking in Trinity Bellwoods Park with a treat from the County General or checking out summer movie nights either at Yonge and Dundas Square or Riverdale Park. They actively participate and engage in Toronto culture for both work and play,

Clothing: Pomp &Pageantry.

making it a professional necessity to know our city inside and out. “People consistently reach out to us asking about the best places to stay, eat, drink, and enjoy Toronto,” says Chrissy, “and it all depends on what you are looking for, as Toronto has it all.” Chrissy suggests checking out the Thompson Hotel’s rooftop if you want the business and corporate crowd, while in contrast, the Drake Hotel has a very different vibe depending on which floor you choose. For food, Jessica boasts that you can indulge in foods of any culture and matter-of-factly declares that Sukkothai is the only restaurant in Toronto where you can get Chiang Mai’s specialty dish, Khao Soi.

heir work flows almost effortlessly, as they think alike and even finish each other’s sentences. Despite only working together for a year, they are already powerhouses within the industry. They are quick-thinking, quick-speaking individuals

with a wealth of knowledge and passion for what they do. Jessica worked in publishing after graduating from university and fell in love with public relations. Chrissy Newton opened her public relations firm in 2008 when she was just 25 years old, after several years of working in the music, beauty, and lifestyle industries. The two focus on lifestyle, consumer brands, entertainment, sports and fashion clients, among others. Today, the client list is both extensive and impressive - including Adrienne Kress, Stylus Awards, and The Remix Project. The PR world moves quickly, and this duo is always meeting new clients and developing unique campaigns.

hrissy and Jessica’s career paths to success are enviable. “When you do something you love, it’s not work,” they iterate. It’s obvious that their passion is their life’s work. And it shows, as they continue to make important contributions to the public relations industry in Toronto.

Lit tle

S ay Hello to my F R I EN D words: Kim Lum-Danson photos: Mark tym

ee Baxter is a 29-year old entrepreneur who owns both Gansgster Burger and FY Ink. Timing and opportunity was on his side when he saw that the previously owned shwarmah shop was up for lease and conveniently situated directly across the street from FY Ink on the south side. This was a perk for Lee and motivated him

to bring Gangster Burger to life. “I saw the opportunity and took it. If it were to have been any farther, I wouldn’t have done it.”

ow only two months into the burger game, Gangster Burger is most popular for its take on burger and sauce combinations. The shop is small, yet inviting,

with old school hip hop playing in the background and the smells of burgers and sautés being cooked, exciting your appetite. The vibe is lighthearted, and even though a “grab and go”, the experience is enjoyable. As you step inside, you feel good - and hungry.

he menu offers five deliciously arranged and perfectly flavoured choices, as well as a secret burger that you can only order if you’re “in the know” or have heard about it through following them on Twitter (a unique and interactive way to keep updated on the latest new burger and sauce creations). Word of mouth is everything, and Lee relies on the buzz to build Gangster Burger’s reputation. And so far, it’s working, for regulars continue to show their support as loyal customers. A few hits on the menu include: The Capone - topped with sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers,

and smoked provolone, The Lucas - with dill havarti melted onto the patty and caramelized onions, chipotle mayo, and gangster gu (spicy ketchup) on top, and The Don C – which is a “create your own” burger. There is a very yummy vegetarian option too. The rest, you’ll just have to go taste for yourself.

urger joints are on the rise and are the craze right now, so I ask Lee if he ever feels the pressure of competition. But I soon learn that it was this that inspired him. He wanted to learn all he could about burgers and just jump in. Lee is positive and confident in his team (which includes Manager Will Ngune and Head Chef Adrian Forte) to continue to keep up Gangster Burger’s ranking in the burger industry. He is proud of the uniqueness of Gangster Burger: “from my employees to my customers and to the variety of tastes Adrian creates,

there’s a whole lot of culture in this small space and the food is really good.”

n the flip side, Lee also recognizes that his success isn’t without hard work and guilt. He confesses, “If I’m not at one shop, I feel like I’m neglecting the other. It’s hard to slice myself down the middle and give 50% of myself to each business equally while 10% is me running back and forth across Queen Street”.

espite the juggling act, Lee manages to make running two businesses, completely different from one another, look easy. He’s got a newfound passion for burgers and believes anyone can do what they want, stating that “even if you don’t know anything about an industry, learn it, and go for it. Don’t let that hold you back and don’t let people with a wealth of knowledge and experience tell you that there’s a time limit that it takes to learn something.”

Elec tri c lines words: Iddie Fourka photos: MAI ISMAIL

r. Draw is a Russian-Canadian musician who is known for rocking out on his electric violin. He has performed all over the world and has opened for celebrities such as Seal, Bette Midler, and Cyndi Lauper. He has even toured with Cirque du Soleil. You have played many festivals both internationally and throughout Canada. What are the benefits of performing at a showcase vs. being a spectator?

y absolutely two favourite scenarios are when I go into a concert hall full of hardcore fans who are ready to go bonkers, or playing to a room full of people that have never seen me perform before and don’t know at all what to expect. Watching shows for me has become a bit of an ordeal, as I watch bands to be inspired, and I’m rarely inspired by other artists these days. Last show that really served a much needed punch was

Fink at the Garrison. I discovered that neo-folk band in a Ninja Tune Solid Steel Podcast. When I was a teen, I used to go to pretty much every all ages concert no matter what the music genre was. I wanted to be up there with the artists and feel what they feel. That feeling stayed, but now I just want to have my world rocked every time. How did you develop your special point of reference and your trademark sound?

just pick it up and see what happens, as there is no usual approach to innovation. I let the music write itself and pretty much do what I want to do. Some people go to school to adopt a style or technique. I already have it all inside, and it is manifested every time I play.

â&#x20AC;&#x160;My goal is to tour, tour, and tourâ&#x20AC;Śto have all my favourite compositions orchestrated, and to play alongside orchestras worldwide. In the beginning, how did you balance making true art and business? How do you channel greatness and maintain focus in chaos and pressure to produce?

he balance is something that came with time, and the strength is in retaining your focus, no matter how good or bad the times are. In good times, you sometimes become overconfident and let certain creative or business aspects slide. In bad times, I usually overexert myself to rise above all the nonsense, and quickly get on top of the game. The key is not to take everything personally, which is hard to do, because art is personal, no matter how far you distance yourself. I love the chaos, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot more organized than we usually think.

R u n T hi s Town 17

words: Brian Sweigman photos: Cristina Arce

ife is stepping stones, one small step at a time. This is the philosophy that influences Davelle Morrisonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life by allowing her to help herself and others in making careful, deliberate, and informed decisions which let them climb the wealth ladder through her medium of choice: real estate.

s a real estate agent at Bosely Real Estate, Davelle advises her clients to buy property with the intent of owning it for at least five years. With that mentality, clients are consciously making the decision to buy something that is worth owning for at least five years simultaneously giving each investment time to appreciate in value. This strategy provides clients the ability to leverage the property into something bigger.

avelle believes strongly in her methods because sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seen them work for herself. Buying her first home in 2002, she used that property to purchase her first house at Yonge and Eglinton. Since then, she has slowly developed her wealth to include her

midtown home and two additional rental properties. It may not be the sexy or the flashy way of investing, but it works.

n a great city like Toronto, where you can own a house in the middle of any popular neighbourhood, we see that real estate values are consistently on the rise and that every solid investment portfolio is highlighted by ownership in real estate. Using her expertise acquired from personal investments, books, and conferences, Davelle attained her real estate license in 2011 and believes that there is no better way to develop personal wealth and stability than by the slow accumulation of property.

or example, Davelle preaches that instead of moving into a rented apartment or buying a condo, young professionals should consider buying a small house and renting out the basement. With about the same amount of space as a condo, a homeowner can earn extra income from the rented premises that will provide them the

cash to pay mortgage and other bills, providing a good financial foundation so that they can move up when the time is right.

he gives the same advice to elderly people. With fears about the job market and lowered retirement income, renting out the basement is a great way to keep a steady income even if you lose your job. By the time you are ready to retire, your tenants have helped you pay off your mortgage so that you own your property, free of any encumbrances. Owning your home is extremely important, especially in retirement, when you need to cut down your expenses. Accommodation is the easiest expense to cut and nobody wants the stress of mortgage payments extending their career unnecessarily. As Davelle says,”you don’t want to be eating cat food when you’re sixty-five.”

n helping people purchase property, Davelle is following her own investment advice by giving families a home and helping them make better lives

for themselves. She also helps families through her charity work with Holiday Helpers, an organization that provides Christmas trees, presents, and gift cards for groceries to underprivileged families. Davelle has been involved with Holiday Helpers for more than 10 years and is part of their Board of Directors.

y taking one small step at a time, Davelle has seen her personal success flourish, enabling her to give sound advice to other Toronto residents. Whether you are a first-time home buyer or buying your second investment property, it is always promising to buy property in Toronto. Davelle has traveled all over the world, yet she continues to make Toronto her permanent home. She names the food, the parks, and the overall sense of community, as just some of the aspects that make Toronto the ultimate attraction for her. Given all of this, just one simple question remains: Why wouldn’t you want to own property in this city?

Just Close Enough

words: Elsa Mack photos: Max Power

ichael Margiotta is a self-proclaimed enthusiast of all things men: grooming, style, and fashion. An Account Supervisor at Porter Novelli, he’s a Public Relations pro who gets his kicks from mixing business with creativity. “When you get to marry your hobby with your professional life, it’s a win-win situation,” he asserts. Margiotta handles massive accounts such as Gillette and Old Spice.

Men’s grooming has really taken off in the past few years. How do you see it evolving?

en are trying to look and feel their best, and they can have a little more fun with it. They can be more masculine and be themselves, while still taking interest in their look. At the same time, they realize that when they put more effort - be it in grooming, hair, fashion, exercise - it helps them attract a mate. When it comes down to it, he wants to look good for himself. He wants to look good for the people around him. He grooms so he can have confidence walking down the street; and people will do a bit of a “double-take.” What’s the Toronto Man to you?

e takes a European sensibility, but translates it to a style that’s uniquely Canadian. With the Canadian climate, you never know where you’re at. You need to take what’s on trend and what looks good on you, then adapt it to be able to jump out in February…[like] wearing a pair of Timberland boots because they’re comfortable, stylish, and practical AND get you from day to night, from indoors to outdoors, [letting] you explore your backyard without fearing the weather. Old Spice reminds me of my dad.

t’s always been known as the classic “dad” fragrance. But [there’s also] the Old Spice Fresh Collection - a line that’s meant for the young, hip male. The Fresh Collection is inspired by the freshest places earth – Fiji, Matterhorn, et cetera - [conjuring up images of] icy winds and freedom.

ccording to Margiotta, his philosophy on men’s grooming, style, and fashion is not about what’s “the latest”. Rather, it’s about the current trends that make a guy look good and feel confident in his own skin, so that he can put his best foot forward. “It seems like in the past, men have been cookie-cuttered into what their role in life is. Now [they] have the option to play with their style and be whoever they want to be – above and below the neck.” Michael Margiotta sports a winning combination of business savvy and creative drive. For PRODUCT Magazine and the City of Toronto, it’s a win-win situation.

e at, pr ay, joga words: Brian Sweigman photos: Max Power

thletic mind, athletic body. That is the mantra Jana Webb repeats aloud as she leads her growing following through a series of active and high-intensity poses in her Joga class. Designed for athletes, Joga alters traditional yoga postures to align with an athleteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body. Quickly, Jana moves from one pose to another, emphasizing strength by doing a push-up before going into downward dog, and agility with intricate footwork used to transition between poses.

esigned to replicate the movement of sport, Joga poses are aimed to fix asymmetries in the body and focus on the coordination of breath and movement. As a result, the athlete has more flexibility, better recovery, and increased muscle memory that carry

over and allow the athlete to prevent injuries and perform at a high level amidst the chaos of sport.

urprisingly, Jana did not envision teaching Joga as a career path. She began practicing yoga during the rehabilitation process after an injury. She is an avid traveler and her life brought her to Japan, where she received her Ishta teaching certification, as it was one of few classes available to English speakers. Noticing the difference between traditional Eastern yoga and Western culture, she altered her yoga practice to embrace Western societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fast-paced, results-oriented culture. Jana created a brand of yoga that embraces competition and teaches active meditation, with a focus on movement, quickness, and agility.

s one of only two other Ishta yogis in Canada, Jana noticed that when she first started teaching yoga, that many athletes were attending her classes. Seeing the benefit of Ishta yoga on athletes, Jana studied sport and its movements, and created an entirely new yoga program, calling it Joga. first taught Joga in Calgary and got J ana the attention of the National Sports De-

velopment Centre, where she had the opportunity to train athletes and work with the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL. The success

the athletes experienced was immediate â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Stampeders won 10 straight games after beginning their Joga training and quarterback Henry Burris was named a finalist for the CFLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Outstanding Player. Jana then moved to Toronto and began working with the Toronto Argonauts, impacting the team by creating a measurable decrease in minor injuries such as strains and pulls. Since that time, Jana has continued to work with athletes in several sports including golf, hockey, and Olympic training. She also leads a Joga class at the Energy Xchange in Leslieville.

tireless worker and affable personality, it is not hard to see why Jana is successful. She is constantly learning and improving her program to make it beneficial to anyone who walks into her studio. Jana has a deep appreciation for helping people, saying that Joga is “like hiding the spinach in the chocolate cake” – meaning that the physical exercise is only an entry point to align an individual’s body and mind, giving them the ability and self-confidence to succeed in physical and emotional challenges. Jana also helps create awareness for

Power of Movement, a charity that raises funds for arthritis and related autoimmune disease research.

s a result of the increased popularity of Joga, Jana initiated the Ambassador program, a 40-hour teacher training program that provides graduates with a Joga teacher certificate, enabling them to teach Joga wherever they want. Ambassadors are equipped with the tools and training to create a successful Joga teaching business in any city. As of this writing, 40 Ambassadors

have been trained to date, with more Joga graduates to come.

he Ambassador program is an important initiative for it has become exceedingly difficult to find work as an instructor in the yoga field. By developing new yoga instructors and providing them with the tools to build their own practice, Joga is creating jobs for new instructors. As a result, Joga classes are now being taught in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna ,and Calgary, with planned expansion to Winnipeg, London,

Ottawa, and Halifax. Joga is also attracting more corporate sponsorships and more athlete participation in every new city it reaches.

uckily for us, Jana remains in Toronto, for now, praising its cultural diversity, its food, and its sports. Torontoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tolerant and multicultural nature has helped Jana develop her idea into an expanding business. As Jana proves, if you are ambitious, then Toronto can provide a platform for success. And as Joga proves, if an athlete can do yoga, anyone can.

Money for oys t e r s words: joseph clement photos: Alex Browne

hen Levi and Kai Bent-Lee decided they wanted to open a restaurant, they didn’t have far to go to find expert advice. As the sons of Chef Susur Lee, these brothers have gained a rare insight into the finest aspects of contemporary cuisine. Having traveled the globe and dined in some of the best restaurants, it’s no surprise that they have decided to create their own vision of a great dining experience. At 20 and 22, Kai and Levi have taken on what

some may think of as a daring plunge into a tumultuous and nerve-wracking industry, but to these brothers it was never so much a question of if as it was when. And they certainly haven’t wasted any time. “We always had the idea of starting a restaurant. Obviously, we were born into the industry. We worked for my dad for years and wanted to branch off at some point and do our own thing. However, we’re still working very closely with dad.”

fter having both tried their hand at business school - Levi on a tennis scholarship in Toledo and Kai at Concordia in Montreal – the brothers decided they needed something a little more hands-on, but neither returned with the specific notion of opening a restaurant. “I moved back to Toronto and was anticipating going back to school here, but started working in the restaurant with my dad over at Madeleine’s until it closed, and it really came naturally to me. I remember one day I was traveling to Asia with my dad, and we started talking about different ways I could help develop the business and so I stuck with it and Kai came on board and it all sort of fell into place exactly how I envisioned it.”

leg up, you can definitely say these brothers have, but there’s also a maturity and a certain type of well-placed bravado which appears to stem from dedication and years of working in the restaurant business. Kai started at a young age at his father’s restaurant. “I came on board as a food runner, worked my self up to a bar back. I was a bartender then I was serving, then managing the bar. So we really did take every small step you could.”

pening Bent on Dundas Street West, decidedly on the eastern stretch of a burgeoning culinary neighbourhood may have seemed like a logical place to create a new restaurant, but it was Levi’s determination to find a place that would become

Duck Salad (marinated sliced duck breast, duck crackling, peanuts, kohlrabi, cucumber, celery, sweet bean pesto, cilantro, crispy taro, vermicelli, pickled onion, apple)

a part of the community that drove the location of the restaurant. “The one thing I always love when I come into work is to see how many people that come into this restaurant and know each other from living in the neighbourhood. That was the kind of vibe we were going for - comfortable and relaxed.” Designed by their mother, Brenda Bent, this endeavour was truly a family affair. Complete with a wall of letter press boxes containing toys that used to belong to the brothers, there are many moments in the interior that contribute to the atmosphere of the restaurant.

he brothers work with their father and Chef Brian Gunness to critique the dishes and refine the menu. There is,

Tuna + Watermelon Ceviche (shaved red onion, crispy shallots, cilantro, fresh citrus juices, Rocoto chili, Chinese doughnut fritter)

however, one interesting twist. Kai has a very specific palate. “I’m a really picky eater. I don’t eat any seafood, most cheese, any innards, organs, and things like that. I’m pretty simple.” Is that just preference, I ask. “It’s stupid, is what it is,” Levi chimes in with that particular affection that only siblings can get away with. Kai recounts tales of his father offering him money to eat oysters, but even with cash on the table, he couldn’t do it. Fortunately, Susur holds strong to his foundation of fusion cuisine, and Bent’s menu spans a wide range of flavours - from the raw bar and oyster shots (I didn’t need to be paid to eat them) to decadent braised short ribs, duck salad, and a fantastic spicy watermelon and tuna ceviche.

Braised, Spiced Short Ribs (black garlic, truffled parsnip puree, roasted rosemary duck fat potato w/ sour cream, chives)

Sake Oyster Shot (lemongrass, shallots, ponzu-marinated salmon roe)

ith a life rich in food and travel, I have to know where the BentLee brothers eat most often in Toronto. “You know what, we eat out so much, and we frequent the same restaurants, but lately I’ve really been enjoying my mom’s home cooking. We miss it big time, because we don’t live at home anymore and we appreciate it now. You know your parents’ best dish, your favorite thing they cook. There’s nothing better than that. There’s no restaurant that makes that.”

FOO D AN D SE X & T R A V EL Clothing from Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company.

his Canadian made her mark as a chef agent internationally, by representing some of the biggest names in food - like Lynn Crawford, Laura Calder, and Curtis Stone. Carmen facilitates interactions among chefs and high-value clients, from the highest end parties to national television networks (such as the Food Network and Chef TV), putting her chefs in hot shows - like Top Chef Canada and Iron Chef America. “I understand national brands and lucrative clients.”

words: Steven sparks photos: Alex Browne

hat I love to do is eat, drink, and travel.” Carmen Correia holds Toronto in a special place. She loves taking “a boozy tour through Kensington Market,” stopping along the way at Cold Tea or Ronnie’s. For high-end dining, Carmen finds herself eating “off-menu” with the chefs – a special perk afforded by her self-made career.

ake all of my experiences, put it in a jar, shake it, and out comes chef agent.” Carmen admits it’s not the most conventional path, but there is no denying the success it has brought her. This daughter of Portuguese immigrants was born in Toronto, but was raised on a farm on Vancouver Island. Growing up on a farm gave Carmen an appreciation for the value of food. “If my dad didn’t kill it or my mom didn’t grow it, we didn’t eat it.” She also grew a love of fresh food and well-made drink, “Our farm even had a vineyard and a hooch farm in the back.”

armen didn’t believe a career existed that would let her pursue all of her passions, so she took a job as a property tax clerk. From there, she moved on to a myriad white collar jobs - from being one of the, “top liquor sales representatives in Canada,” to booking speakers for a speakers bureau, to advertising agencies where she bought and

sold print, media, and radio. Carmen gained a unique understanding of contracts and buying patterns, but she also discovered something that she says tourism boards are only just figuring out. “It used to be, ‘let’s find a cool hotel in New York’. Now, it’s ‘where are the cool restaurants I want to go to, and where’s the hotel that can meet that need?’”

he most important bit of expertise that Carmen brings to the table is branding. “I show them [chefs] how to package themselves properly.” She explains that often, chefs have great ideas but are not sure how they can bring them to the world most effectively. “I really respect what chefs do. They have a message to share, and I can help them share that message.” She also

spends much of her time “protecting” her chefs, making sure they are paid for endorsements and appearances. But she works hard for both sides in every deal, putting together combinations that will compliment both chef and client. “I go out and source a good matchup like Samsung and Massimo or Mark McEwan and Bombay.” Carmen loves living out her passion and helping chefs realize theirs. “It gives me such joy when I drop off a huge check for them.”

armen Correia sums up the interview by saying, “My chefs are not celebrity chefs. They are brand ambassadors for the ultimate food, drink, and lifestyle.” Be sure to watch out for this mogul, in print and on your TV.

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Music a t hi s F I NGE R TIPS W

hen we hear the word “musician”, we often think of a singer fronting a band, thereby upholding a delicately constructed image. In contrast, I present Maneli Jamal – a New Age solo act instrumentalist with a unique sound and swag to his tunes.

or Maneli, music is a way of life. His father, Mo, is a master violinist. His brothers delved into punk and heavy metal. By the age of 16, Maneli had lived in Belarus, Germany, Minnesota, and Texas. He built a musical backbone during this time, performing gigs and mastering the punk rock/metal technique. But when the Jamal family was issued a 30-day notice of deportation, life and music changed for Maneli. The Homeland Security Act implemented after 9/11 forced them to leave their home and seek refuge in Canada.

his was tough on Maneli. “It was a shock and I was pissed off I was getting kicked out of my own country.” But it was this experience that prompted his

words: Kim Lum-DaNson photos: Cristina Arce

musical rebirth, onto Toronto’s open arms. Maneli spent his first six months in Toronto teaching himself just about every style in the book. From flamenco to classical, to rock blues and jazz, Maneli equipped himself with a bucketful of knowledge, so that he could accurately depict what he was feeling. Maneli had gained this good work ethic from Mo, who taught him, “the bigger your knowledge of music, the better you can express yourself.” So Maneli practiced, and as he recalls, “played and played…”

e uses the six strings and entire body of his acoustic guitar to create sound. With no words, vocals, or obvious melodies, Maneli communicates using percussion sounds, slapping, tapping, plucking, and strumming as main characters in his

songs. His song titles like On the Run, Cold Arrival, and Adapt & Accept give us insight into his conflicting emotions - so that we can understand, feel, and relate to them.

aneli’s songs are a looking glass into his life - documented experiences told through his melodies. He has discovered an identity within his music, after feeling stripped of his own, empowering him. We get a personal and retrospective look into a man with a thousand riffs under one instrument. But as high as fans hold him, Maneli stays grounded, calm, and

confident. His goal to “reach the people” is happening. He has launched his newest album, The Lamaj Movement, released with CANdYRAT Records. The album tells a story and each song has descriptions that unravel the overarching concept. Maneli composes unique movements that far exceed the realm of traditional songwriting. He invites fellow guitarists to learn some of his pieces, encouraging the creation of music, just as his parents did. He offers Skype lessons for those who want guidance. Seems too good to be true? Well, this is Maneli Jamal, who, as he puts it, “is always in it for the music, [and] nothing else.”

HOW HIGH? THIS HIGH.

words: Jonathan Broderick photos: Alex Browne Clothing: Philip Sparks.

Elias is the founder of Canada’s hottest online fashion J onathan marketplace. Shop My Clothes (Shopmyclothes.com) is re-imag-

ining the world of retail by providing a unique and personal retail network. The process is simple: create an account, search for your fashion needs, and start selling. One man’s trash becomes another man’s treasure as this online marketplace tightly weaves its users together through a prevalent love for fashion. We gave Jonathan the PRODUCT Treatment and invited him to our studio to tell us about his business and share his thoughts on Canadian fashion.

What inspired you to start your own company?

guess my “Aha” moment was when I came home from working in San Francisco for GAP INC. I had been working in fashion for the past four years and had accumulated a pretty vast wardrobe (through no one’s fault but my own). As I grew as a person, my style and taste changed and I was left with this vast wardrobe that I no longer wanted to wear. I had to figure out what to do with all this clothing. My options were very limited among Craigslist, EBay, and Kijiji. I was disappointed over and over with these choices. Either it was too expensive, time consuming, and/or attracted the wrong clientele. [I thought] why don’t we do it ourselves - create something from scratch, brand new and improve on the systems that are currently offered to us? Over the next nine months, the design and creation of the website and brand took place.

Describe your typical customer.

ur user is split 70 / 30 women to men and their ages range from 18 to 50. It’s actually quite an interesting demographic because we get such a vast user base. From the struggling student to the established adult looking to upgrade or recycle their closet, users are constantly posting and buying items. We like to call it a Circular Prophecy in the sense that each person finds a sort of social utility in a product that another person doesn’t. And with that, we create this secondary marketplace for clothing.

What do you love the most about Canadian fashion?

t’s amazing to see the close relationships that people have built in Canadian fashion. We truly are a small market … we’ve created a very close-knit community. There are so many people who are willing to help you grow and offer advice that it is truly something special, especially for students and kids just starting out. I hope that as we pass this knowledge on to the younger generation, [that] they continue to do the same.

Who are your favourite Canadian designers? Who are “the ones to watch”?

here are three Canadian designers that I have followed and watched for a long time. Markus Uran of Metsa is a friend and an extremely talented individual. He creates pieces that are both timeless and avant-garde. Homespun and National Athletic Goods are probably the brands that I connect with the most - mainly for their quality, attention to detail, and just plain old comfort.

Clothing and boots for Jonathan’s shoot provided by Philip Sparks.

to th e T e e th words: Adam Hendrik photos: Mark Tym

rmed is tiny, painted yellow, and stuck between two houses at 1024 Dundas St. West. If you don’t know it, it’s because it opened last year. Desiree Girlato opened her store when her landlord converted the front of her apartment into a storefront. She feels that the store is an extension of her house.

esiree saw an opportunity, took it, and hasn’t looked back. She was turned down after applying to Ryerson’s Fashion Design program. “I hate sitting in front of a sewing machine, so I don’t think the rejection was a bad thing.” Currently, she studies

Fashion Management full-time at Humber College and will graduate at the end of 2013. “I will be able keep the store open and have time to make new jewelry instead of writing essays.”

esiree is a thrift store junkie who frequents suburbia to find the perfect trinket to finish a necklace. “My driving privileges have been revoked. I was using my parents’ car every day.” Her store is decorated with unique items found during her escapades. “I love home decor, all aspects of design... I have an obsession with chairs.”

She uses vintage picture frames to display her work, and hanging on one wall of the store is a framed mannequin, showcasing one of her long, draping necklaces.

love the process of creating something from scratch, with my hands. Sometimes I walk into the store, see a necklace I had made

and loved two weeks before, and hate it. I pull it apart and make something new, or add a few things and change it. I won’t sell anything that I don’t love. I don’t like duplicating the work I’ve done already. That’s boring. I like the challenge of creating something new. If I have an image in my mind and I don’t know how to make it, I go to YouTube.

t 23, she is doing well but still has big plans to achieve before 30. “I want to get rid of the storefront and let other people sell my jewelry, so I can spend my time creating new work and sourcing materials.” She already has five other stores selling her work. “Each store has its own unique collection.” She also wants to expand to Montreal and New York, focusing on high-end department stores and boutiques. Her new collection, “Hunter & Hennessey,” launched on December 1st. If you can’t get to the Armed flagship store, these shops carry Desiree’s bold work: Life of Manic, Coal Miner’s Daughter, Pretty Freedom, Parade, Grateful Dead.

I AM NO T A P ENGU I N I

f you’re in entertainment, everything’s a gamble. Being a student of music has been the key to the success of Justin Kwan - booking agent and talent coordinator for livemusicTO. Record labels imploded due to the new digital economy being “in the outs”. Out of that supernova emerged young, fresh faces that knew good music and wanted to bring it to audiences. Justin is one of these new faces that are redefining what it means to be in the music industry.

wan spent four years in the New Wave band, Isle of Thieves. An unexpected hiatus left him with time on his hands. Not content to remove himself from the scene completely, he turned his sights

words: Olga kwak photos: Paul steward to promoting other acts. “It was a natural transition for me,” says Kwan.

ivemusicTO was born in 2010. Its small team has worked steadily to provide Toronto with some of the best shows (and best bands) that concert dollars can buy. Record labels, agencies, and most importantly, the bands themselves want to work with livemusicTO. “We’re in an enviable position where we can pick and choose who we work with,” Kwan says with a smile.

e has a right to smile. He has been behind some of the most successful acts to come out of Toronto these days - including THESET, Courage My Love, and Rikers. Yet you’ll never see him hanging posters. “Not only do we like trees, it’s inefficient and ineffective,” he explains.

ivemusicTO concerts are intimate whether the venue is as small as the room above Sneaky Dee’s or as spacious as the Opera House. Concerts have been held at other venues such as The Mod Club, Rivoli, and El Mocambo. Another part of what sets livemusicTO apart is its strategy. As Kwan clarifies,“livemusicTO is definitely a media company”. It’s more than just a blog, a concerts listings page, or a series of live events. “We encompass so much of what goes on in [Toronto].”

he industry is hesitant to take a chance on new talent, but young professionals like Kwan want to help these musicians. Kwan knows what it’s like for them out there, and he knows that he can help them. He’s willing to make that gamble. He’s not alone. There are countless promoters in this city, for better or for worse. But if you sign up with livemusicTO, you’ll be treated right. They love booking musicians in venues that are not quite the right size for the crowd because they want an audience who is willing to fight for their spot at the concert, or suffer the disappointment of getting there too late.

ow does a band or artist join the livemusicTO roster? If your music stands out, livemusicTO will find you. “Everything else can come afterwards, with the right guidance,” says Kwan.

l itt l e T hi n g s words: Lauren cullen photos: Isaac Zelunka

lise Kayfetz cares. I know this to be true because it is the name of her company and website. Seriously, though, the girl has a remarkable capacity to provide for others, not to mention she also has a heart made up of golden kitties and glittery rainbows. Her aptly titled website, elisecares.com, describes what she does best - care for boomer populations and counsel those on the ‘how-tos’ of informal care for grannies, bubbies, and poppas alike.

wearer of many sassy hats, she is, among other things, a huge advocate for seniors’ rights and welfare (and she has the collection of over-sized bedazzled knit sweaters to prove it). The well-being and healthy aging of Toronto’s seniors affects us all and no one gets it more than Kayfetz, who assists patients and their loved ones with managing the intricacies of aging. It is tough but important work, as senior populations continue to rise in Toronto and the GTA.

lise cares about the stories seniors tell, particularly those of Holocaust survivors currently living in the GTA, in numbers close to 10,000. This generation of survivors inspires her to continually ask herself, “Never again. But how?” It is this self-conversation that resulted in The Yellow Rose Project (YRP). A multifaceted endeavor, the YRP ensures that the testimonies of survivors are carried forward, stressing the importance of interchange among generations. Once the stories are lost, they are gone forever. In a way the YRP honors those who survived and have lived to tell. The project provides many programs - including friendly visiting and calling - and organizes the epic Senior Prom.

he YRP began with an event that she organized five years ago - a senior prom that linked high school teens with Holocaust survivors. Prom is an institution

full of expectations, memories, and mysteries. It is also an excellent opportunity to “throw down” on the dance floor. Kayfetz, never one to pass up on a good story, schemed up an event that could bring some light to a group of seniors who missed out on fun and innocence while enduring such morbid conditions.

ayfetz and her team pull off prom magic for the survivors by providing a beauty bar, limo service, and seating folks in tables organized by homeland region. She has witnessed reunions 40 years in the making and many tears of joy. Her expertise in gerontology also comes in handy when planning an intergenerational event like Senior Prom. Her passion for planning a “kick-ass” party for all those involved has made the event so popular that it is now in its fourth cycle, with current plans involving satellite proms in New York and tentatively, Israel.

D rip s & S P I LLS words: Tim Luther photos: Mark Tym

he evolution of John Kennedy’s career has brought his paintings to an astonishing place. The young artist uses “drips and spills” to allow his art to lead him to new and exciting directions. “The best part of being an artist is that journey of learning and discovering what you can do with what’s in front of you.” grew up in Port Colborne and went to Sheridan College. In 1999, J ohn he got his first apartment in Liberty Village. “I love Toronto!” ex-

claims John. He urges anyone interested in art to check out the MOCCA (Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art). “[They’re] preparing to move into a larger venue and host some fantastic shows of some really great Canadian art.” He also loves visiting The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery and calls it a “fantastic venue for anyone who wants to see what’s going on in the world [of art].”

reveals that he “started out doing pretty hard-edge, kind of abJ ohn stract work.” But simply through that act of painting, he began to

develop a softer style. “As time went on, and through making paintings over and over and over again, I started to loosen up.” Recently, his works have begun to evoke images of vibrant and expansive landscapes - a place that John was never sure he ever would go. “I don’t know if it was ever a conscious decision to gravitate towards landscape, but it just seems to sort of develop that way.” John still allows his painting to evolve in front of him and pull him to new places he’s never been. “I have no idea what a painting is going to look like when I start working on it.”

uch of his style was developed through taking the time to explore, “hanging in the studio, playing with paint.” John’s adventurous approach to painting has allowed him to “develop a technique through doing [art].” While John is having fun with his medium, however, he is very aware that “[art] becomes a job like any other.” He is committed to supporting himself with his paintings. He understands the great amount of hard work required of an artist. “Some days you don’t want to do it but you’ve got to… some days you don’t want to leave because you’re on a roll.” John continues to explore his art form, producing truly unique creations along the way. His works are, without question, a “must-see” for any Toronto art lover.

Phil Demetro

Blazers, shirts and ties from Harry Rosen.

I NS I NNO tr a n s f Presented by: Harris institute words: adam zivo photos: Alex Browne

oronto has a formidable music scene. From Drake, to Feist, to Deadmau5, to more esoteric gems, like F*cked Up, we’ve been an important regional and international hub for nurturing disparate music talents. It’s a $700M industry, worth four times more than the rest of its Canadian equivalents combined. In this regard, we just might be the centre of the (Canadian) universe.

f course, an industry is a combination of talented individuals and brilliant institutions. “The scene” works well conceptually, but that never overrides the

fact that behind this abstraction, there’s a very real universe of very cool people. So let’s give credit where credit is due. This particular article will cover Harris Institute and three of its grads because, frankly, each brings an excellent resumé to the table.

arris Institute is a college specializing in accelerated, one-year, diploma programs. What sets its programs apart from typical university education are their hands-on approach and the guidance of a faculty stacked with individuals still active and prominent in the industry. There’s no

David Ramsahoye

NS P I R I NG NNO V A T I NG forming shortage of Junos among the professors. Just over twenty years old, Harris was among the first to offer training of its kind. The early investment shows. In 2011, Billboard Magazine featured the institute as one of its “Schools That Rock”. Mix Magazine covered it in its “Finest Media Arts Institutions” list.

eather Gardner is a Harris graduate and the head of Music Supervision and Licensing at Vapor Music. She makes sure that when clients use music, the tracks are legally cleared. Though she loved university, it lacked the practical knowledge she needed to succeed. For that reason, she later attended Harris and there discovered and fell in love with her particular field in the industry. She credits her success to

hard work and the ability to make a job for oneself in an industry without traditional, linear, career paths.

avid Ramsahoye tells a similar story. As the Manager of Audio Technology at IMAX, his job is to create high quality transfers of film soundtracks and provide them to IMAX theatres according to each venue’s needs. His work centres on quality control and actively engaging in research and development. He spent his early 20s as a keyboardist in cover tribute bands. The profits were underwhelming. He discovered mixing and television audio and, through Harris, learned the skills of those fields. He then interned at MuchMusic and created a specialized position for himself there that hadn’t existed before. He

Heather Gardner

gained recognition, was hired throughout the CHUM building, was nominated for a Gemini, and left for the corporate world as he approached the age of 30.

ast, we have Phil Demetro. He’s the Senior Mastering Engineer and co-owner of The Lacquer Channel. His job marks the last step of the artistic process of creating an audio disc. It’s his mix that’s sent out to manufacturers for mass production, and his focus on detail and fresh ears provide the final safeguard of quality control. Originally,

he didn’t intend to work in music. He was an academic working in a psych ward. He found the job unfulfilling and in his late 20s, he went to Harris and studied production engineering. As he puts it, it gave him “a grounding - an understanding of a musical dialogue, so that when I was out in the world, I knew what people were saying.”

hese stories form a portrait of an industry of practicality and hard work, where skilled aspirants find success through sweat, shrewdness, and good education.

H ip & words: Melissa Allen photos: Chantal Ryanne

hen you first meet Matt Burnett, hip hop producer extraordinaire, the first thing you notice is what an articulate young man he is, speaking with the maturity of an industry veteran, even though he’s barely 22 years old.

nown for beats that are “big sounds on big drums,” his is a signature style that led to a Grammy nomination. He has produced beats for a slew of big-name, hip hop and R&B names such as Drake, Keri Hilson, and 2 Chainz. So how did a young kid from the suburbs make such a splash on the hip hop industry so quickly and at such a young age? “There’s something in the water,” Burnett jokes of being born and raised in Ajax - a quiet, working class suburb east of Scarborough. “Jordan Evans, Boi-1da…a ton of talented producers have come out of here.”

is mother might also have something to do with his music success. She would hold earphones to her stomach when he was still in the womb, and he would kick in response. This of course, led to post-natal piano lessons and a regular drumming gig at his church. He was destined for a life in music, but not without hard work and a chance meeting that opened him up to opportunities that many aspiring music producers could only dream of.

n the summer of grade nine, Burnett began experimenting with producing beats. “I was terrible at it, but I thought I was good,” he laughs at those early memories. Halfway through grade ten, Burnett was introduced Boi-1da, a local hip hop producer who was starting to come up in the industry. The correspondence between the two eventually led to a partnership that would prove to be one of the most impactful in Canadian hip hop history.

&hop B

urnett’s professional turn occurred in 2008 when he was only in grade 11. Collaborating with Boy-1da, they co-produced a track for Toronto songstress, Andreena Mill. Later, Burnett and Boi-1da would co-produce Drake’s hit “Up All Night”, featuring Nicki Minaj. And suddenly, Burnett found himself splitting his time between Toronto and L.A., where he became in demand by the biggest players in the hip hop game. By his second year of university, Burnett, Jordan Evans, and Boi-1da produced Eminem’s hit, “Not Afraid”. The song debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts, became #1 on iTunes, and was nominated for Best Rap Song at the Grammys, losing out to Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind.”

nd yet, his modesty and gratitude for all that’s been given to him shines through. He cracks silly jokes throughout the interview, speaking with a genuine humility that’s refreshing coming from someone who’s achieved so much in such a

short time. “Church keeps me grounded,” he responds when asked how he manages to avoid growing a “big head.”

hen it comes to advice for youngsters who want to break into the business, Burnett emphasizes the importance of networking. “90-95% of success in the business is networking,” he says. “Good music will always find a home.” However, there’s a caveat. “Focus on developing your sound,” he says. “Be content just sitting in your basement making beats.” It could be years before you’re ready to show your music around. Take it from someone who knows what he’s doing: “After six or seven years, I’m starting to feel like I’m consistently making good music,” Matt says humbly.

hile he’s producing music and finishing up his degree (in Music, of course), he’s not too busy lend an ear to aspiring producers looking for feedback. Find him on Twitter @pmbmusic.

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