Where are you from?: North Toronto
What do you do for work?: For the past 10 years, I've worked as a marketing strategist developing brand experiences, both on and offline - from launching startups to building campaigns for established businesses. I recently left my agency job to focus more energy on music and creative community projects as a DJ and freelance marketing consultant.
What do you do for fulfillment?: Dancing has always been the most nourishing experience for me. It's where 'Me Time' comes from. My 'me time' is when I'm dancing, lost in the music, mind quiet and truly 'in flow'. I feel so blessed to have turned my love of dance music into a career as a DJ. Getting to share music on a loud and roudy dancefloors is really a dream come true.
What is your dream creative project?: So many! I want to re-engage my Computation Arts degree to create immersive dance floors with interactive visuals. I want to create a community warehouse venue in Toronto that supports late, loud and inclusive dance parties. And I'm currently working on a dream documentary project that's taking me back to my film roots - so stay tuned for that!
Do you consider yourself a freshman, sophomore or senior in your field?: Senior (Marketing), Sophomore (DJ)
What can’t you leave the house without?: Headphones and a smile (I'm a total introvert, so if I'm not smiling, I'm not going out)
What's a typical day in the life for you?: As a freelancer, I love that every day is different! Sometimes I'd like to keep to a routine, but it's just not the way my brain works. If I'm not at a meeting, I'm co-working with other creatives in a local cafe, strategizing at my kitchen table, or behind the decks in my living room. Cooking is a big part of every day, so I'm pretty stoked it's BBQ season because I'm the Queen of the Grill (don't @ me).
What would your perfect 24 hours consist of?: Wake up in a new place, preferably to the sound of waves. Spend the morning in bed, drinking coffee, eating fruit and cuddling with Ryan. Then go on a spontaneous adventure into nature, hit up a chip truck along the way. Be curious, playful and laugh a lot. End the day with a delicious home-cooked meal and dance on the beach at sunset. (This was a real day I lived and it was perfect.)
Where's your favourite place to eat?: Burger Shack - I've been going there for 25+ years, they've watched me grow up and as soon as I walk through the door, Joe starts cooking up a chicken burger and fries for me. It's just the most comforting comfort food there is.
Where's your favourite place to dance?: Shambhala Music Festival - Living Room by day, Pagoda by night
Where's your favourite place to drink?: At a cottage, on a dock
Where's your favourite place to shop?: I thrift most of my clothes while visiting my mom in Tucson, Arizona. But when I'm in Toronto, SPACE VINTAGE. When I walked in to hear Natasha blasting Honey Dijon's Sugar Mountain set, it was love at first sight! It's a dangerous place because you literally can't go there without falling in love with something. I also love that they're a WOC mother-daughter team (though you would totally think they're sisters!).
Is there something you really want to do in your city that you haven't yet?: Go camping on Toronto Island
What are your go-to tunes for getting ready to leave the house in the morning?: Will Smith - Big Willie Style (album)
What are your go-to tunes for exercising?: UZ ball trap makes me feel like I CAN LIFT BRO. I also just DJ'd a spin class and 'Can't Get You Out Of My Head - Kylie Minogue' was such a bop.
What are your go-to tunes for going out for a night on the town?: Anything out on Night Bass Records
What was your new years resolution?: Be consistent, be present
What do you think are the qualities of a life well lived?: You wake up and your legs hurt from dancing, your belly hurts from laughing, you love and are loved, you have no regrets and you feel challenged and excited by what lies ahead of you
Kindly recommend 3 people that inspire you:
Kosh Be