Okay, but seriously… who doesn’t love pizza?
Pizza rocks. However you like to eat it.
The goal of Spade on The Street, as you all know of course, is to create a platform in which those who are living their passion can inspire and share with others what it means to live, love and do their schtick.
For Michael Robert Adams Brodie, A.K.A., Free Pizza Mike, that schtick is pizza!
As a lover of everything to do with this notorious baked-and-topped flatbread, founded in Naples, Italy, Mike is presently pursuing his dream of becoming ‘the most famous Pizza Critic on the face of the Universe’, as he puts it. As far as I am concerned, I believe he is well on his way to accomplishing this goal.
Currently, he is eating and enjoying pizza right here in Toronto, Canada. By channelling his enthusiasm and talents for drawing and cartooning, the world was introduced to Free Pizza Mike on Instagram. By utilizing a sketchbook, tech pens, 128 pencil crayons and a phone with a camera, his account relays daily doses of humour and hunger alike though meditative pizza doodles, pet cats, pizza puns and of course, Mike’s personal critique of the city’s best pizza. Mike has also created a similar and noble project of his own, entitled Home Town Heros (seen on Instagram), where he barters his wonderful drawing skills in an effort to support the entrepreneurial community and generate cross promotion.
Mike and I were lucky to spend two afternoon at Maker Pizza, enjoying a scrumptious pepperoni pie during our first visit, and then probably the best chicken pizza I’ve ever eaten during our second visit (I’m not kidding, we were both very much impressed). Piping hot goodness only added to the pleasure of hearing about his upcoming endeavours within the pizza critic realm, including a charity fundraising event to raise money and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, which will be launched at the end of April 2017. As per protocol, I created for him a collection of cool bracelets in exchange for my very own Free Pizza Mike cartoon portrait and mech adventure doodle, which are both presently on display in my jewellery studio.
In his downtime when he is not eating pizza, he enjoys classic pastimes and indulgences such as high school rugby (“Go TROJANS!”), Super Mario Kart for Super Nintendo, Kelly Gruber and the 92′ Toronto Blue Jays, Weezer – Blue and Pink Album, The Lion King, Season 8 of the Simpsons (I have to whole-heartedly agree with him on this one. BEST season, for sure), hot yoga and running very fun Marathons.
Oh… and in case you’re wondering what kind of pizza his favorite is?
Q: What is the most rewarding thing about your craft?
After that it would be eating pizza with friends. Being the world’s most famous pizza critic can get pretty lonely. I’m lucky enough to have super big group of friends who always wanna grab a slice.
I got a good friend in Frank Furlano a.k.a. Frank the Pizza Tank. Frank’s a 20 year old Video Game lover who has Muscular Dystrophy. We got a pretty good mission statement going – “Frank the Pizza Tank and his side kick Free Pizza Mike are two Internet celebrities bustin’ bad guys for a chance to have a slice of pizza with Selena Gomez.” It’s gonna be fun.
I’m looking forward to discovering all the ways we can use pizza to save the world. This month we’re holding THE LOCAL PIZZA PARTY. A charity event raising money and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. I’m collaborating with Lululemon, yeahhhaa it’s gonna be off the hook. We are gettin’ all the fun celebrities to come. CFL Players, The National Ballet of Canada, tons of Toronto Fashion designers and Video Game Makers. Also there will be pizza.
Sorry I was rambling. Did I even answer the question? Ummmmmmm……Pizza, Friends, Laughter, Fighting Evil and Charity. Ya, that’s the most rewarding part of my job. Boom.
Mike’s rad collection of ‘rustico’ bracelets.
Can we interest you in this amazing chicken slice? It’s bananas good!
Mike’s famous Pizza Bracelet is made with Tiger’s Eye, Brass Findings and European Seed Beads.. a brass Trikotnik charm makes for a little slice of pizza goodness!
Pizza doodling to save the world!
The warm sunshine, melted snow, and green leaves are fast approaching, and what better way to honour it all… by posting 2017’s very first Spade on The Street.
This time of year sure has a way of inflating that longing for days spent on hot beaches, enjoying cold drinks, bright colours, and enjoying the company of others. Days very similar to my afternoon spent with and getting to know, one-on-one, Style and Beauty Blogger, Mikayla Ann Kuehn. A Coburg Ontario native, Mikayla’s blog, MAK Style, jumped out at me one day after seeing a photo of her sporting a fresh set of Nail Kandy nail art, which compelled me to further explore and discover her fashion expertise.
Along with a bracing introductory, her blog offers an extensive array of style, lifestyle and product knowledge, and exciting discoveries within the make-up and cosmetic realm. A personal favourite of mine is her love of nail art, which she dotingly shares through her Current Claws blog sphere. Her social media platforms can be found through Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Facebook. And being that she has a deep love for the colour pink, her subscribers can take part in the MAK Style community through her hashtag, #thepinklife.
Mikayla is statuesque in a blazing satin Magenta skirt as she sits, poised and smiling with me amidst the surrounding urban foliage. She shares with me her passion for her Fashion Marketing program with the Toronto Film School, which she will graduate next month from.
Graduating in 2014 from highschool, she spent the following year refining her portfolio, and is pleased to find everything she has ever wanted in a post-secondary course licensed to the Fashion Marketing industry. Possessing an entrepreneurial spirit, her hopes are to one day assume the role of a senior creative director or even owning her own company, all the while mastering her talents with marketing through social media.
Thank you Mikayla for your contribution to Spade on The Street, and looking forward to watching your success, evolution, and revolution within The Pink Life!
Q:What is the most rewarding thing about your craft?
MK: I would have to say that the freedom of self-expression through my blog and sharing my content with the world as an influencer is the most rewarding part of what I do!
I have always been super creative, and had a love for fashion and beauty. Growing up, I was very much a girly-girl and experimented with my makeup and clothing choices on a daily basis. I also liked other things such as photography and writing, so incorporating all of those things together – I created my own blog! I can be my own boss and make my own posting schedules, what I want to write about, what I will wear… and I love having all of that control and creative freedom!
It is also rewarding to be able to work with brands I love and test out items and share my thoughts and opinions with my readers. I am able to help people make purchasing decisions easier and inspire their own personal style. I am so blessed to be able to do what I love and explore the fashion industry through this platform I have made for myself!
Delicate Crystals and Golden Chain make Mikayla’s beautiful Hand Bracelet.
Tripod in tow, camera bag in hand, handmade jewellery all gift-wrapped, and umbrella sandwiched between my teeth, I’m racing down St. Patrick on foot, and I’m late. After breaking through what felt like a flock of OPP officers casually blocking my path as I zoomed down the sidewalk—smashed into, yelling ‘thank you!’ (!?) as I passed—I eventually reach Queen, slowing my legs down to a brisk pace. It’s June, and I’m approaching Much Headquarters. The usual faction of ink-clad skin, plaid, band tshits, and Kensington market 3-for-15 shades part partially as I walk towards the building with that tell-tale CP24 truck bursting out the bricks in the loading yard, wheels still rotating and body paint rusting away. My eyes eventually land on the riveting woman who is waiting for my arrival just outside the front doors; my Spade on the Street focus of the day, the multi-talented Lifestyle Vlogger and Much Creator, Miss Jaclyn Forbes.
She’s casually and genuinely brushing off my tardiness (try waiting behind someone trying to turn right onto College and then Dundas from University, I don’t know why I didn’t just drive in the middle lane) as we enter the building, and signs me in at the front desk. Fresh-faced, relaxed, and with effortless good posture, she’s cool and excited and fluent in wit, and I adore her even more in those past 7 or 8 minutes of talking and getting to know her better. We are eventually greeted by Alyssa Petru of Much Digital Studios, and she leads the way upstairs to the Fishbowl (which has impeccable lighting, I might add. You can’t blame me for being excited about that, I am a cliché with a DSLR).
Jaclyn has been involved with Much as a Creator since 2014, heading forward with ease and strength that is carried by her natural charm and amiable essence. She is also best known for her dedication to her riveting, educational, and incredibly fun Youtube Channel, encompassing her love of make-up, pop-culture, and delicious vegan delights, amassing over 24,000 subscribers, and more than 860,000 combined views in ONE YEAR… a testament to her entertaining nature. Her videos feature things that she loves, to make-up and fashion tutorials for your go-to musical festival look, and more.
In June, you could catch her and other Much Creators (AND… former Spade on the Street segment feature, Toronto Photographer, Nick Wons) on the red carpet at this year’s 2016 iHeartRadio’s Much Music Video Awards, welcoming the likes of Gigi Hadid, Alessia Cara, Tegan and Sarah, Nick Jonas, Shawn Mendes, and more.
As we settle into the Fishbowl, she finally opens her jewellery goodies, revealing her custom-requested Peach Glass Choker (part of her Bestival 2016 look, and also featured in her June 2016 Favorites Video), as well as a special Quartz & Labradorite necklace that caught her eye. It’s not surprising she has great taste.
The fishbowl is sweltering for me in the heat of summer, and I down a bottle of water while the camera is snapping. Jaclyn doesn’t have a bead of sweat on her. Cool to the bone.
She is a natural infront of the camera, which only further confirms what I suspect to be an ever-growing and successful career in her future. It was such a delight to get to know her. Keep on the look-out for her as she continues to create a platform for herself as one of Toronto’s leading faces in pop-culture and beauty, whether though Much or though Youtube. All the best of luck to you, Jaclyn, and thank you for your contribution to Spade on the Street. Enjoy the jewels!!
JF: There are so many different rewarding parts about what I do. Of course, there are those self-motivating, everyday rewards, like when I finish editing a video that I’ve worked really hard on, or finishing filming a dream video (like when I filmed the 5 Second Challenge video with Hailey Baldwin and Tyler Posey- it was one of those ‘pinch me’ moments), but I think the most rewarding part of my craft is interacting with viewers and hearing their stories. No matter what aspect of my video making process I’m working on, ultimately I’m always thinking about my viewers.
Whenever I upload a video, and it gets to the part where it says “99% uploaded”, I still get these little butterflies in my stomach from excitement. I am always so eager to share my content with my subscribers and I can’t wait to read their comments. Ultimately, what I do wouldn’t be possible without my viewers. It’s definitely a two way street!! I think one of the best parts about YouTube is the comments section and the sense of community it creates. I love hearing feedback or having discussions with everyone on there. I think YouTube is a platform that really relies on that. To go even further, of course, interacting online with people who watch my videos is great, but meeting those people in real life is one of the best feelings.
The most exciting part of what I do is meeting those people and hearing their stories or how my videos have inspired them. It’s so rewarding to hear that what I’m doing and that the videos I’m creating are having an impact on the people around me – or maybe not even around me for that matter! It always blows my mind when I read comments from viewers saying that they’re from a country half way across the world. The reach you have with YouTube is limitless, and to think that someone, who in some cases might not even speak the same language as me, are watching my videos is extremely humbling. To think that these are real people, not just usernames or faceless accounts, is insane to me.
I think that sometimes it can be easy to forget that each user I’m interacting with or replying to in the comment section are real people. It sounds silly, but it’s true. Most of my interaction happens online, which is awesome, but it really is something else when you finally meet that username face to face. It’s surreal, honestly. I’ve said it since the beginning of this journey, if my videos can make at least one person smile, or spark an interest in someone or even just entertain someone and allow them to take their mind off something, then it’s all worth it. Knowing that what I create is influencing someone else’s life positively is the most rewarding thing.
What would seeing the world mean to you if you could see it all?
What if there were no limitations to the places you could go? The adventures you could have? The people you could meet? The things you could see? If you could climb the tallest mountains, or visit some of the harshest landscapes… how would it change you? How would it shape you? How would it shape your view of the world? They say that the greatest relationship you should ever have is with yourself, and in order for it to be fulfilling, you have to nourish it. What better way to do that then to broaden your horizons, and willingly partake in all the world has to offer. The reverence, and the respect that I have for anyone with integral, unadulterated wanderlust, is whole and unconditional. To those who make a career out of it… a living out of it… a lifestyle… you are inspirations to those who may perhaps feel obliged or stuck in their own routines and societal expectation. A spirit full of genuine adventure animates our own bravery and reminds people that nothing is impossible.
This special Spade on the Street piece is happy to highlight its first international submission. I feel honoured to feature in this latest segment yet another outstanding artist and friend within the realm of photography, Travel and Wedding Photographer, Tom Archer.
As per his penchants for traveling, I met Tom and his family almost ten years ago while vacationing in the Caribbean. Hopping on a plane and venturing off to far and distant destinations has been in his blood for as long as I have had the pleasure of knowing him. Having grown up in a small village in Essex, UK (about 2 hours north of London) he showed a big interest in drawing from a very early age, eventually getting into photography in his early 20’s whilst travelling the world. He began a career as a Police Officer at the age of 21, and went on to do that for the next three years, eventually quitting in order to travel, spending 2.5 years away from home, further solidifying his passion for photography. That was 6 years ago, and he has been doing this ever since.
Like myself, Tom is self-taught in his craft, which I find singularly marvellous, as he is UNBELIEVEABLY talented. It truly does blow my mind what he does with a Nikon D810 and a Nikon D750, his favourite lenses being a 24 – 70mm f2.8, and 70 – 200mm.
Tom has created some of the most outstanding photography that I have ever seen. His wedding photography is, by far, the most romantic, magical, and transcendent images of love that truly do leave a person in awe. Incredibly, he has shot weddings on 5 different continents.
Check out all of Tom’s outstanding photos on Facebook, Instagram, and on his absolutely superb website.
I would also like to thank him and his equally talented girlfriend Julia for taking the liberty of shooting and submitting such wonderful photos for this very special segment, as traveling to the UK was, sadly, not an option for me at the moment. Nonetheless, I am grateful and excited for Tom’s globe-trotting inspiration. He has certainly planted many a seed. Let’s see how quickly they sprout.
Q – What is most rewarding about your craft?
TA – There are many things I love about photography and I could write an essay talking about them all. My main love though is capturing that moment in a freeze frame that will last forever. I think you get so caught up in moments (whether it be witnessing an amazing sunset or marrying the love of your life), that you don’t get the chance to stop and appreciate it. Photography freezes that moment and makes it last forever so you can go back and experience it again and again. Every time I see the smile on a bride and grooms face as they go through their wedding photos it makes me realise why I love what I do so much.
As you know I love to travel and shoot weddings all over. I think I have been to 78 countries now. I love to keep fit, I love to explore, to read, and to watch films. My room is full of books which I never have enough time to read! I taught myself photography and learnt from studying famous photographers’ work and by shadowing a couple of photographers at a couple of weddings. Oh, I have an obsession with ice cream too and eat way too much!
There is something to be said about trying to share a bit of a person’s story when that story is far too vast to narrow down. That something is, “It’s hard”. How does one try to encapsulate the magnitude of experience had by someone who has spent their every moment treading in an alloy of expedition and adventure? It is certainly not easy. Where do you begin, really?
Today, I’m here to introduce to you Freelance Toronto Photographer, Nick Wons.
If you live in Toronto and are part of one of its thousands of creative communities, you understand that the dynamic of these collectives are always very close knit, in the sense that everyone knows everyone, or knows someone who knows someone. Networking and creative comradery is something I find very special about this city. Emersion into the population of whatever niche you are involved in is to meet creative individuals of all walks of life. And more often than not, you cross paths with someone with such a profoundly grande, impactful, and unforgettable dynamism. If you know someone of this calibre, you know what their presence is like; step asides, all Alphas in the room, because the commander and chief has been designated.
Raw, open, pulsating… this person is like the lava stream you can’t peal your eyes from while watching from the solid rock bed that surrounds, catching the heat as they move. And if you know Nick, or have seen his work, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The dude’s blood is T.O+, therefore he encompass this rhythmical combination of Homespun Urban Animus, Gentleman Rapscallion, and a Wicked Sage Rudeboy. He’s hard to forget.
Our own meeting dates back to the beloved days of Loaded Fridays at Inside, Down One Lounge, and when Toronto Jungle was a Nina Spade staple. It takes a certain type of respected, genetic debauchery to keep up with it, and I’ve since understandably bowed out of the lucid scene aspect. Nonetheless, I will forever remain, at heart (and through my Sol Republic’s and bright orange bandanas), a ‘ginjie junglist’.
Nick gracefully and vociferously commands the Drum N Bass community here in Toronto, as well as frequents the Montreal scene, capturing titillating events on his DSLR, and charming comrades with his jocularity. With a sizeable creative projects and collaborations catalogue, he has experienced working with some of the City’s finest. The inventory can include the likes of TELEFILM Canada, TIFF, ETalk Canada, Montreal Gazette, Narcity Toronto, and more. His talent has lead him to shoot the likes of Skrillex, Action Bronson, Bag of Trix Crew, and an extended list of celebrities, musicians, and performers, claiming to “feel at home” amidst the hustle and bustle of events, festivals, night clubs, and red carpet events. And for me to sit here and attempt to list his credentials is not possible. He has, successfully and masterfully, done so much.
One thing that I must certainly make mention of, is his magic on social media. Dubbing himself ‘The Puddle King’, Nick probes Toronto neighbourhoods, armed with his gear, to shoot the fabric of our City, having a particular fondness for puddles and reflections. His Instagram (@nwons) is a marvel that must be followed, as well as his additional social media on Facebook and Twitter. Also, be sure to check out his photo collaborations with Eckhart Soul, ANSER, and Vice x Virtue.
I met up with Nick in late October to not only shoot his segment, but to also discuss what I feel is a true testament to his creative savvy and capability: His involvement with Scotiabank Nuit Blanche, Toronto’s annual all-night celebration and multi-exhibition of art installations. Its exhibitors includes well-known, independent, local, and international artists, and our 2015 edition featured the likes of Inside Out Project artist, JR, having installed one of the top 5 featured exhibits of the evening. Nick was selected to shoot JR’s installation, and over a beer, and followed by a righteous meal at Barsa Taberna in Toronto’s historic St. Lawrence district, we discussed precisely how he was able to land the gig.
And so, Spade On The Street’s first interview segment was born.
Nina – So tell me about the shoot you did for Nuit Blanche, how did everything unfold? How did you manage to get that gig?
Nick – First off, I hate heights. Absolutely hate heights. So I have been shooting for The City of Toronto for 5 years now. This year, JR was one of this year’s featured artists and so they gave us the option to choose, and I had missed the boat on asking who I wanted to shoot. I want to shoot JR, and they said well unfortunately, it has been filled, and I was like, uh! I love his work, I follow it all, they said okay, let’s see what we can do, maybe we can speak with the photographer, and try to switch it up. I was like, awesome. So, we go in for a briefing, and in my head, I pictured that they were going to do something there, at city hall, because if you ever look at JR’s work, it’s always shot from above, and it is always big scale. Initially, their plan was to project images that he had shot ONTO Nathan Phillip Square, so there was originally no wheat paste installation, so hearing that, it crushed my hopes and said, you know… I figured that there’s sure to be something cool I can get out there on social media. It wasn’t until the night before Nuit Blanche that… okay, I get on my social media, as always… get on my Instagram, Scotiabank is one of the people I follow, so I see them on my feed, and they post, “Getting Ready In Nathan Phillip Square.” And they show a photo of wheat paste being put down on the ground with people’s portraits that JR had been doing.
Nina – And that’s when you found out about the change in presentation.
Nina – This is the night before?
Nick – The night before, yes! So I said something like, I know that this is crazy last minute… at this point now, I think it might have even been 10pm the night before… knowing me… anyway, *laughs* so I said “We have got to get this shot. I just saw what Scotia Bank posted, this NEEDS to be documented from above, no ifs, ands, or buts.” They get back to me and mentioned shooting it from a window, but the windows have on them this… anti-bird-whacking material….
Nick – I like to NOT have those moments in my life.
Nina – But it really was awesome.
Nick – Thank you. So that opened up to me asking them, “So, now that I’ve done this at night, can I shoot up there during the day?” And that is one really valuable thing that I have learned too, from this experience… you really don’t know what you can get away with until you ASK.
Nina – Absolutely. And that’s truly great advice.
Nina – And they’re entrusting you to take new photos because they know you have the know-how, and know how good your work is.
Nick – I got a portfolio to show for it. I’m not just a dude with a camera. I’m actually a skilled professional who wants to come in and document it and make it worth your while.
Nina – One of the things that I was having a look at was other photographers from Toronto who are similar to the ones we’re talking about—rooftop-photographers. Those men and women who grab their cameras and scout the city for those perfect shots. And one of the things that I’ve noticed is there are similarities in their chosen locations. I do see a difference between your own style, and everyone else’s of course when you’re shooting the same locations. What do YOU think differentiates yourself from those who shoot like you, or maybe even mimic your method?
Nina – Do you enjoy that there is this sort of ubiquitous connection between Toronto photographers?
Nina – There’s sort of a connected community there.
Nick – Totally. There is. I mean, there’s a lot of really good people out there shooting. Sometimes there’s a lot of ego, but when you strip it down, there are some really good people in the photography community in Toronto, and I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a bunch of them, and MORE as time goes on of course. Instagram has actually been a big one for me. Instagram has connected me with SO many Toronto photographers. It’s crazy. I’m going out this Saturday with four photographers I meet at a shoot for a clothing company that I got in contact with because they started liking my photos, and gave me a bunch of stuff to shoot people in. Instagram is a great tool. A picture speaks a thousand words. I mean, that’s more than I can fit in a Twitter 140 character limitation. Twitter doesn’t speak to me *laughs*. But Instagram does. Instagram is my twitter.
Nina – So here is the golden question: What is most rewarding about your craft?
Nick – Yes, I take seconds and I push them out for eternity. Not even seconds…. One two-hundredths of a second. One one-thousandth of a second! That power is just unreal. It pays the soul, which is most important. Its stuff like that that makes me keep doing what I do.
Nick is wearing a Jet Resign Chain necklace, Embellished with Hollow Gun Metal Tetragons, and a Genuine Swarovski Skull pendant.
When I am asked what my goal is by taking on my Spade on the Street project, my answer is broad, as there are many reasons as to why I am as passionate about this endeavor as I am.
I live and love in a city booming with young professionals and artists that are taking their ‘chip bag of resources’, tilting their heads back, and tapping every crumb down inside them. And being a young professional Torontonian myself, to shine a spot light on this type of attitude is compulsory. In many ways, it is part and parcel to your spirit as an artist to support your creative comrades and counterparts, as there are still these dated, though well-intended, expectations from different generations and demographics that encourage people to not take risks and just find ‘safe employment’. Forget your dreams, forget your desires. And nevermind, who can blame in this volatile world that we’re living in.
That is the thing about this world; there is both failure and success. When you turn on the news, or pick up the paper, or scroll down on what’s going on this week in the world, you’re met with an abundance of ‘bad news’. That is simply because no one would tune in if it the news was good all day, everyday. Call it the obvious human nature of being fascinated and attracted to negativity, the macabre, struggle, trials and tribulations. Bad news sells. Negativity strategically places a veil on what is going on in the world, menacingly warping your perception of the bigger picture. It instills fear and stifles your drive to do something ‘different’. However, the state of the world is not as bent out of shape as we see it, and a balance in having hope, happiness, success, motivation…. It is so key.
Hope, happiness, success, and motivation are abundant. And it is very easy to get lost in the mix of things and forget they’re there.
I created Spade on the Street to INSPIRE others in a world that tells them that following your passions is too risky. I wanted to share with EVERYONE that there are so many remarkable individuals, whether struggling or not, who are perusing their passion, and they are LOVING IT and cannot imagine themselves doing anything else but what they love.
Ola Mazzuca, this Spade on The Street session’s featured young professional, is a shining example of just the type of individual I am talking about. She embodies the exact spirit which elucidates what I call the ‘main ingredient’ in the recipe for success. I have watched her evolve over the years, whetting her appetite for every angle and every plane of Toronto culture, and accumulating the building blocks of professionalism and creative venture through her love of media, music, food, and travel.
Growing up just north of the city in The Village Of Kleinburg, she holds a Bachelor degree with Ryerson university for Journalism, and is an extraordinary communicator through her passion and skill for writing, having been showcased in Noisey by VICE, Hellbound, Exclaim!, Post City Toronto and Large Up, with surly more to come. I encourage you all to follow and be inspired by her pursuits and discoveries. You can read more on her Website, as well as follow her on Twitter.
While sharing a samosa after her shoot on Gerrard Indian Bazar, we got to chatting about what it means to live creatively and to be integral about your creative passions. We also got to talking about some of the principals relating to having a quality life that recently-passed Motivational Speaker and Author, Wayne Dyer, shared with his fans and for those he has helped. Dyer, I have found, has and continues to be a favorite amongst many youth and individuals in our generation, having a knowledge and wisdom that resonates with young people. Ola reminded me of the title of a book he had co-wrote with his daughter Serena. The title is “Don’t Die with Your Music Still in You”. This simple statement echos that fire that burns inside those who are bent on sharing the passions that are inside them.
I thank her for an enlightening, inspiring, and energizing morning together. It is obvious that Ola is the type of person who is connected to her inner music, and lives intrinsically through this philosophy, even if it means choosing a more challenging path. But according to her, it is so worth it. And I absolutely agree.
OM – I have many, multifaceted crafts, that consistently grow and progress through each experience. As I utilize them, often simultaneously, in my work, I guess you can say that the rewards are endless. My crafts are a gift, and they are shared with others with purpose.
As a culture journalist, I have been able to tell people’s stories through various platforms and mediums. When I was a Features Editor of a women’s lifestyle magazine, I curated the music column, which was dedicated to highlighting strong Canadian female artists. Every time I secured one for an editorial, following the interview and editing process, I realized that they all had one thing in common: they had experienced adversity and overcame in triumph. Their stories were then shared through their craft. That’s what I continuously seek in my work – to share the purpose of another. Whether it be an up-and-coming artist or a legendary band, to faces of the Caribbean Diaspora (a kind-of not-so-recent found passion), my intention is to craft a meaningful story, in hopes that someone will cry tears of joy, smile or laugh at something nostalgic, and share with the world. I’ve also been able to share my voice, too, as the manager, co-host and producer of BanTOR Radio – a podcast I started this year, in partnership with an important person in my life. We work collaboratively by applying our talents and parallel zeal for music and journalism.
As a brand and project manager, it’s the same deal. I’ve worked with such a diverse group of clients, organizations and communities. In each and every experience, however big or small, I have learned invaluable lessons and acquired great skills. I have a fervent passion for social issues and am an advocate of accessibility, mental health and promoting diversity in all its forms. One of my most rewarding experiences was spearheading a major accessibility initiative at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, where I helped develop, deliver and implement art programs for people living with special needs. I documented the entire project over the course of two years, which was transformed into The Art of Inclusion – a best practices guide for other arts and cultural organizations to establish similar programming and practices in their work. Nothing compares to witnessing positive impact unfold in communities that need progress the most.
With my clients, I strive to deliver fluid results in representing their craft, so that they can reach their audiences with purpose. Most are in the arts and culture industries, so I am always brainstorming and collaborating with them in the process. This is highly rewarding, as it gives me the opportunity to learn about a different field or facet of their life. They are all incredibly hard-working, innovative professionals with an immense amount of drive for what they do. This inspires me.
Ola is wearing cascading European Seed Bead earrings with gun metal findings.
With the obvious rise of Tattoo popularity over the past decade or so, it is far easier to get drawn into the magic and beauty of the art form. All kinds of people, all walks of life… politicians, doctors, school teachers… have tattoos. It is difficult, sometimes even surprising, to meet someone who doesn’t have, or hasn’t thought about getting one. How remarkable is it to watch the transition of a craft that used to be taboo evolve into a social and cultural norm that now rarely raises an eyebrow. In fact, it is celebrated, appreciated, and made a marvel. Perhaps one could call me impolite, but I very much enjoy sitting and working in a cafe, walking down any street in the Downtown core, meeting new people, and riding the TTC and/or driving around the city, and STARING and admiring and deciphering and absorbing and analysing and taking in other people’s ink. I certainly doubt there isn’t a soul who lives in any urban infrastructure, where the population is mainly young professionals, that has not done this at least once.
Being as enthusiastic as most people, I find myself very much enamoured by the art. Like most things, it takes raw talent to master, and that comes with dedication, practice, experimentation, courage, and even a certain amount of instinct to stand out as an artist. I remember getting my first tiny tattoo at 18 years old. Despite it’s macro size, and predictable location, I loved it so much, and still love it today. Over the years, many more have made it into my collection, and like most people, I am keen on the practice of client loyalty to one, or perhaps a small handful, of professionals. It is so unbelievably wonderful to be able to say that I have known my artist since I was just shy of 14 years old.
Caroline Tattersall has only been tattooing professionally now since 2012, but is incredibly gifted at what she does. I have had the privilege of watching her love of drawing and art unfold and evolve over many years, now having revolutionized into tattooing. Although living in Toronto with her two dogs, Taco and Nacho, and her equally-talented and fantastic husband, Peter John Belej of TCB Tattoos in Queen West, you can find Caroline in the Trafalgar/Uptown Core of Oakville at the reputable Good Point Tattoos shop.
What I think makes Caroline stand out as an artist is her ability to not ‘specialize’ in one particular style. Her credentials, technique, and styles have ranged from ‘watercolour’, portraits, dot work, sailor, and much more. My favourite is her flair and propensity for pretty pieces done in bold, bright colours. Her versatility is something that is not only evolving, but will no doubt propel her towards further and inevitable success. to see more of her wonderful work, you can also follow Caroline on Facebook.
Her segment took place on a very beautiful day in the park, accompanied by both Peter and her fantastic pooches. I thank them both for such a delightful afternoon, and I am eager to watch Caroline further herself as an artist. I remember in highschool asking her on many occasions to draw for me. Looking back, I thank her for her patience, because I must have been so annoying. But she always did, with enthusiasm and humour. And I am so pleased to be able to treasure, years later, her incredible art on me, and be able to do so every day. Art that is meaningful, bold, beautiful, and special. Just like Caroline.
CT – I got into tattooing because I wanted to see where I could take my artwork. I’ve always had a love of drawing and noticed over the years that I showed improvement the harder I worked. It is truly one of the only careers where you can physically see your progress. I am interested in seeing how my artwork changes over time. Tattooing is such a head game, there is a lot of self-doubt and inner criticism that can negatively affect you on a daily basis. I remind myself that it is my brain creating something, not me, I’m just an observer. That way, when someone shoots my work down, I don’t take it personally. Being able to take rejection is a huge part of my job and I want to soak up as much criticism as possible and apply it to my next tattoo.
That being said, the other rewarding part about tattooing is the interactive aspect of it. I have met some amazing people through tattooing that have made me feel so accepted and loved and inspire me to keep doing this for as long as I can. You realize that it takes so little to make someone feel important, and I try to treat all my clients as though they are friends. I’ll sing and dance a lot during the tattoo just to keep my head in a fun and creative mood and my clients don’t seem to mind, it usually makes people laugh!
Yes, there are days that I feel exhausted from the work load and it can be tiring when working with difficult people. But for the most part, I work with talented artists, and we generally get on well and have a laugh all day. I come home tired, yet so satisfied from a hard day’s work, and to boot, there’s money in my pocket. I wouldn’t trade this career for any other kind of job.
Caroline is wearing a three-tiered necklace made with dyed Beech Wood Beads and jet-black chain and findings.
Nothing like a fresh set of beautiful, bright nails to make you feel like a million bucks. Although I do not dye my hair, nor wear too much make-up, my absolute favourite aesthetics to treat myself to is a great manicure, complete with brand-spanking-new and funky fingertips. And if you share this joy with me, then you would love what Kate Bland, AKA, Nail Kandy Kate, can do.
A 1st place winner of the Canada Nail Cup mixed media category, and with a background in Make-Up Artistry, Kate studied at Sheridan College, applying her skills as a make-up artist for films and photo shoots in and around the GTA. Her love of cosmetics began when we was quite young (she shares with me that her mother relayed Kate wanting to own her “own cosmetics company”… A statement she claims to no longer recollect). Overtime, this love for make-up evolved into a passion for nail art, which she has been vehemently perusing and emerging into over the past 5 years.
She has been invited to take part in an exciting, educational, and inspirational weekend, The North West Nail Tech Retreat, on Vashon Island, South of Seattle, coming this October. The weekend seminar is an experience expected to bring together a variety of talent looking to expand their skills and share their own experiences. A flight fund for Kate has been organized with Go Fund Me, called the Flight Fund For Nail Camp. I encourage everyone to click on the link and make a contribution!
No matter your personality or personal tastes, her nail creation is truly special, and she is able to cover a wide range of tastes. She has manifested themes such as Honey, Mermaids, Fruit, Flowers, Penguins, Paris, and even Birthday nails. Her easy-going nature becomes overshadowed by her affection and zeal for what she does; her eyes light up when asked about what sort of elements she uses to create her designs, where she draws her inspiration from, and all that is in between. Be sure to keep an eye out for for, as her talents continue to ripen. If you’re from Toronto, and you love unique, exquisite, one-of-a-kind nails… Kate is your go-to girl!
KB – Lots of things! The ability to create ever-changing pieces of artwork that are tailored to each client’s style and personality. That “WOW” moment when my client can’t believe I painted such tiny portraits of their cats onto their nails (and they actually look like cats). Although my canvases are much tinier than most other artists’, the options for how I can decorate them are practically unlimited which lets my creativity and imagination run wild. I also enjoy being able to provide a service that is purely about having fun and doing something nice for yourself. In the grand scheme of life, I know that nail art and getting your nails done is completely frivolous and unessential, but it’s important to allow yourself things like that. I feel like many people take things so seriously, and nail art is a small escape from the stresses of the world. I mean, you can’t be too serious with unicorns or googly eyes on your nails, right?
For myself, when I do my own nails, my style and personal taste are constantly evolving and I love the fact that nail art is only ever temporary. It can be inspired by an emotion, an event, a season or even just a color that I’m into at that moment and by the time I’m ready to re-do my nails I will have moved onto something else that has piqued my interest.
Kate’s beautiful aqua-inspired nails are embellished with scales and seashells, as well as aquamarine, silver, gold, and pearl tones. Her custom Nina Spade Bracelet is made with two-toned chains and sparkling crystals.
Assisting in shaping the human mind is an ability that is, understandably, both remarkable and expedient in today’s society. I give such ovation to any teacher I meet who influences and helps students both young and old to develop into the best versions of themselves. To me, an outstanding teacher goes beyond what is expected of them and has this natural inclination, as well as this remarkable competence, to not only leave a lasting impression on their students, but are able to systematise and manifest methods that benefit their students INDIVIDUAL needs and personalities.
For individuals with special needs, this would seem to present a challenge, and a special educations teacher is not only someone who is a specially trained professional, but someone who is patient, gentle, strong, and has a tremendous amount of heart. They are incredibly understanding, resourceful, creative, and fun!
Today, I introduce to you all my good friend and Special Educations Teacher at the reputable Kohai Educational Centre, Kelsey Ferguson. She is about to embark on her 6th year of teaching, having studied at McMaster University, Trent University, and is also presently completing her Masters at Brock University in Applied Disability Studies.
I am so delighted and inspired when I hear her relay the wonderful activities she does with her incredible students. She creates an environment for them that is filled with fun, allowing her students to exercise their abilities to be inventive, adventurous, productive, and happy. I have personally attended one of Kohai’s student concerts, and loved watching the teachers and students perform their own wonderful renditions of popular songs.
What Kelsey does for her students is truly incredible. I am constantly in awe with her great mixture of enthusiasm, dedication, and joy for what she does, and this world needs many more people just like her.
KF – Being a teacher of children with special needs, I am driven by one pervasive question, “Why not?” Why can’t these children learn and achieve? Why can’t they learn how to communicate? Why can’t they learn to live independently? I ask myself these questions often, and this is what drives me to become a good educator. I strive to find solutions for my students, not problems. I strive to challenge them in a way that society may not. I strive to make them valuable members of their families and communities. And I am rewarded greatly for my efforts. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a student finally achieve something that we have been working so hard on. Better yet, when a student achieves something and is proud of themselves. The look on a students’ face when they feel pride is all the reward I need. My job is difficult, but the rewards make it so worth it.
One of the most valuable skills I have achieved as an educator is to never blame the student. Now, let me be clear, this does not work for all educators, and eventually we have to ask that the students have ownership of their own lives and goals. However, with the young children that I work with, blame does not work. All students want to learn, and it is my job to set up the environment in such a way that they can be successful. For example, a student may throw a tantrum every language class. They are not doing this to be bad. They are doing it because something about the environment that has been have created isn’t working for them. They aren’t getting the rewards they need to work at the task I have assigned. It is not my job to blame the student, It is my job to figure out how to make it work. Maybe he needs to sit on the floor. Maybe the work is too hard and we need to back it up a step. Maybe we should put some music on and have a movement break before class. Maybe he needs a really powerful reward, like ipad time, to make it through the challenging class. There are so many maybes, and it is my job to sift through them all to find what will work for my student. Giving up is not an option.
It is a challenge. And sometimes, I feel like I’ll never get it. I have cried more than once in frustration, trying to figure out how to make something work for my student. But with the frustration comes the greatest reward. When I finally figure it out; When we make it through a language class with no tantrum, I am on top of the world! I did it! I got through to this kid! I helped to make a difference in this child’s life. He can now sit and learn a valuable skill because I figured out how to teach it to him! It is such a great feeling.
I recently had someone ask me “What are the two greatest things about being a teacher?” I responded honestly, and he replied “July and August”. It was a joke. Funny, I guess. There are a lot of teachers out there who work very hard, and we are privileged enough to get a lot of vacation time. I see this time as a reward for hard work, not a right. But any teacher that I know who is in any way good at their job will never list summers off as the most rewarding part of their career. We do what we do to make a difference. We want to see children grow up to be conscious, thinking, feeling members of their communities. We want children who are inquisitive, who ask “Why not?” on a regular basis, and who challenge the status quo. That is why I am a teacher.
It has been a while since updating the blog, and my sincerest apologies for keeping you guys waiting. I have been slowly polishing my incredibly elementary technological skills, as well as tackling a few other life demands. Future projects are underway, despite taking longer to manifest than anticipate, but I promise some fun stuff in the near future. After taking a two month hiatus to upgrade my technology a bit (new computer, new camera), I have returned, Nina Spade Studio Fans, and with a very special Spade On The Street segment.
How lucky am I to say that I have someone so very important to me that can help me answer those questions. That person is my dear friend, Holisitc Nutritionist & Blogger, Tricia Güt.
Tricia has always been an inspiration to me. She lives a life of passion AND compassion. And when it comes to the things that matter to her the most, she discusses them and acts upon them with vigour and gusto. I have watched her make remarkable creative transitions since the day I have met her. She has a knack for design, and has done it all, from trendy and custom nautical bags, silk screening, and even killer costumes like My Pet Monster and my very own David Bowie Ziggy Stardust Halloween get-up. She has travelled all across Europe within the past two years, further enriching her life by bringing home her own inspirations and experiences. And there is never a time I visit her and I am not served the most delicious, bonkers-healthy meals and smoothies and deserts and tinctures my belly ever did have. And although it is mostly to be taken seriously, she makes charging and chanting up Yonge Street during a March Against Monsanto educational and fun (…and hydrating, with always a mason jar full of fresh water and cucumber in tow).
Her know-how when it comes to nutrition is marvellous. Her unapologetic devotion to being active about health and her say-it-like-it-is attitude is a valuable facet on the multi-faceted constitution of making the world a better place. And like all aspects of raising awareness and awakening consciousness in this day and age, it is necessary. She calls a spade a spade (Oh, I am just full of cheeky puns today).
So, without further ado, here’s a lovely lady who firmly believes in something very real and very simple: “most everything happening on the outside is a direct result of what is happening on the inside”.
Q- What is most rewarding about your craft?
TG: Feeling passionate. Being able to stir up my insides and express them outwardly.
I’ve always been a craftsperson. I can say that. Working with my hands is the most natural form of work for me. I made the huge decision of walking away from my craft as a seamstress last year when I decided to go back to school. I am the type of person that eats information for breakfast. I am inspired by so much in life and I refuse to put myself in a box, or remain in a stagnant state. That is why when my work as a designer/seamstress was no longer lifting my spirits, I turned to something that would. I am proud to say I am passionate again. As someone who lost passion for her craft, to find it again in something else feels amazing. Today, I am a holistic nutritionist, having earned the designation of Certified Nutritional Practitioner (CNP). What does this mean exactly? Well, it means a lot and it means something different from person to person. In an industry that is quickly becoming over-saturated, I see no good reason to limit what it is that I can now do with my designation. Freshly out of school, it is now my time to figure out my voice and my place in the world of holistic nutrition.
I do have a glimpse of what I am becoming. With each tool I learn to use and with each bit of information I hone, I find that I am becoming better at being a human. I think that what it means to be human is nowadays is not what it once was; we were once survivors. We used to be able to fend for ourselves, having an innate quality to live off the land. Now we can’t even get by if our iphones die. We don’t know where our food is coming from. Most of us have become complacent and lazy. In honor of Halloween I will even say this; we are a bunch of zombies. If you do not believe me go to a mall and just sit and watch. People consume so much, trying to fill this emptiness inside but never feeling quite full enough.
“Holistic Nutritionist”… “Herbal Tincture Manufacturer”… “ex-Seamstress”… All just words to help others to define me but really what I am is human. Everything I am learning is essentially to become self-sustainable and un-reliant on others. Therefore my craft is to show by example how others can learn to get back to their roots and become human again too. With my own two hands I make herbal extracts used for medicinal purposes, I grow food in my backyard, I brew kombucha, I make my own almond milk, I cook meals almost every single day for my loved ones, I can make my own clothes (when I am in the mood), I can handle a two-bit drill and I am no stranger to a band saw, jigsaw, and miter saw.
To get back to being human we need to start with food. We have lost our connection to food and I want to show people how to get connected again. I want people to care about what they are putting in their bodies. The most joyful experiences I had this past summer were visiting organic or biodiverse farms and getting my hands in the dirt. Being a part of the farming process from planting the seed, picking the crop, preparing for market, and sharing it with the public has been my most rewarding experience so far. Ask me how much I love farmer’s markets… SO MUCH!! Farmer’s markets are so universal too. Really, I could be anywhere in the world and find a market to meander through. The colours, the smells, the food… nothing beats strolling around a market for me. The best part is you can meet the people who grow the food. You can talk to them and ask questions. You can get rid of the middle man involved and go right to the source. Best of all, you can support these hard working and local farmers by buying their stuff. I have no problem going to markets and opening my wallet. I always feel great afterwards because there is never a guilt feeling associated like there is when purchasing and consuming fast food.
When I eat food fresh from the market there is a certain appreciation for it after having met the person who grew it with their own two hands. It feels good, and I don’t know about you, but I like feeling good. That is exactly what food is supposed to do, make you feel good inside and out. Hopefully I can encourage a few more people to get off their butts and find a local farmer’s market and stock up for the week.
As a Holistic Nutritionist I am capable of helping others get their life and health back on track. I have the tools and knowledge to help people with everything from mental disorders to allergies. I am passionate about prevention. I would love to get into the schools or to educate young families on what they can do today to ensure a better future. One of the reasons I went back to school was a direct action after becoming privy to the “cancer industry”; One out of every three people in North America will get cancer. Look around you. That is you and your family. The suffering can end, I truly believe that. I believe it starts when people get this mentality out of their heads that we have another Earth to go to or something. Too many people do not care about what is happening in their environment. Our environment is what is making us sick. If you do not want to fall prey to illness and disease it is time to start caring. It is time to get connected in the truest of ways.