A Conversation with Sylvia Hoang of Studio S Over the last 12 months, creativity has been on the rise and DIY projects became the new norm. For this special interview, we caught up with Toronto based artist and one of Complex Canada’s Top 30 Female Designers Sylvia Hoang, owner of Studio S, a creative brand founded on the ethos of “doing it yourself”. Coming off of a strong launch with her streetwear inspired concrete home goods collection and most recently a tasteful apparel release perfect for the spring & summer months, Sylvia has been on a roll and has a positive attitude that is taking her to great heights. @studio.sylvia Hey Sylvia! For those who may not be familiar, tell us a bit about yourself. Hey! So excited to be speaking with you. So, I’m Sylvia and I’m a fashion student at Ryerson University in Toronto, a freelance graphic designer and the founder of Studio S, my home goods and now fashion brand. My entire life I’ve been surrounded by art and started studying art in my early teens. I’ve had incredible opportunities to explore clothing & product design, event planning, retail & merchandising and so much more which has allowed me to work in so many different mediums and led me to where I am today with Studio S. Right now I’m really excited about sculpture and working with concrete which is what kicked off Studio S and I just launched an apparel collection called “The Forest Hill Collection”. I also love biking in the city and my favourite ice cream flavour is Vietnamese coffee ice cream! Oh so good! Most people that start brands might begin with something more common like t-shirts or hats. Why was it important for you to do something unique like concrete home goods right out of the gate? While I studied fashion, I took a lot of art history and architecture courses which spawned a huge interest in industrial design. After working with print and digital for so long, I wanted to work with a new medium and making functional and aesthetic 3D objects was really exciting to me. I hadn't ever worked with concrete but I had some conversations with Toronto creative Natalya Amres who is amazing and she really pushed me to give it a shot. With this brand I really just want to experiment with all mediums and this one was a ton of fun to learn about and work on. Speaking of creatives, who are you inspired by and how, if at all, did that influence your first collection? First and foremost, my grandfather has always been a huge inspiration to me. He’s a self taught artist who grew up in China and taught himself how to paint, draw and play five different instruments. From a young age, I’ve always looked up to him. I mentioned her before but Natalya Amres is always a big one being from Toronto. She’s been an awesome contact to have as I start my journey. Daniel Arsham and Matt Williams of Alyx are also huge inspirations for me; Daniel Arsham for his large scale sculpture works and MW for his sleek, dark aesthetic. Lastly, the entire creative community in Toronto that I’ve watched and met parts of is so inspiring. Seeing everyone do their own thing and make their own lane is exactly what I want to be a part of. We’re sure people are interested, so can you walk us through the process of creating your concrete collection? Absolutely! Firstly, I knew I wanted it to be sneakers and streetwear inspired which is how I landed on the nike swoosh, Murakami flowers and more recently the Nike and Jordan sneakers. To make it all happen: Drawing . I drew the concepts a bunch of times first to get an idea of what I’d want to make. Clay modelling . I used modelling clay to make the 3D shapes so I can get a good feel for the pieces. It usually takes a lot of clay iterations until I’m happy with the design. 3D Printing . I was luckily able to find a great local 3D printer who I work with to make the prototypes. Usually there are a couple iterations but I try to prep with clay and work on digital renderings to reduce the number of 3D printed models which can be expensive to make. Making the molds . Once the 3D prints are done I bring them to my friend who can help me make molds of the pieces. Lastly, once I have the molds I fill the molds with concrete and let the pieces sit to dry. This usually takes anywhere from a couple hours for the small pieces to a couple days for the big ones. It was fun experimenting with the different types of concrete mixes to find the perfect one from a texture and colour standpoint. This is super interesting and we love to see the process. On to the apparel launch, tell us about the inspiration for your recent Forest Hill Collection. This was actually my first time getting into apparel and it was a lot of fun and learning. This collection was dedicated to personal growth and for me it served as another reminder that it’s ok to keep trying new things. I started planning the collection in January and it took some time to find the right suppliers and understand the supply chain for apparel first hand. Luckily my roommate runs an embroidery business so that helped with the decoration part but it wasn't easy at first to source all the apparel I wanted. Design wise, I wanted to make something fun and a little different than classic colours like black, white and grey, even though that’s my normal aesthetic. I love forest green and wanted to make something lively for spring and summer and thought the green/gold aesthetic was great for that! Love that! Any tips or things you learned along the way that others might find useful when starting their own brand? The first thing I learned is that communication skills are key . The Studio S projects were the first time I really started working with other people like printers, other artists, suppliers, etc and I had to learn how to speak their language to get things done. I also think patience is important , understanding that new things take time and practice. Things won’t always be perfect on the first try or maybe suppliers won’t always have what you need but being patient and testing a lot will get you where you want to be. Trust the process and have fun with it. This is great advice! Lastly, while you’re just coming off of a big launch, any idea what’s next for Studio S? When we get closer to the fall I really want to start experimenting with outerwear like maybe a varsity jacket. I think that would be a challenging project but I love those vintage varsity jackets and the BBC Ice Cream varsities so I think making one of those would be really cool. I also have been ideating a personal project that will involve the community and concrete at a large scale. This one is in the ideation phase right now so I can’t share too much but if I can rally some people, it will be very cool and bring concrete and plants to a new level! To keep up with Sylvia & Studio S, check out her Instagram and latest drops available on her website and keep it locked to Pier Five for more interviews and stories with the coolest designers, artists, activists, entrepreneurs and more.

Putting In The Hours With Jess Sanchez of Santa Isla A common through line in entrepreneurship is resilience but the idea of always "pushing through" is often easier said than done. What helps is having something to push through for and Jess Sanchez, founder of Colombian-Canadian jewelry brand Santa Isla has a thing or two to say about purposeful commitment after building her business across the world for over a decade. Created with the Embera Chami (meaning people of the mountain in their traditional language) artisans of Colombia, Jess has fostered a community around her Colombian culture that shines light on this centuries old art form that she knows she can never stop supporting. We got the chance to speak with Jess about her ups and downs as an entrepreneur, how she has adapted the business over the years between multiple countries, the reality for anyone looking to start a business, and where she hopes to take the brand next. Read the full interview below! Hey Jess, thanks for taking the time to chat with us! For those who aren’t familiar, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your business Santa Isla? Absolutely! So I'm Jess, the founder of Santa Isla which is a jewelry brand. Santa Isla is my love letter to Colombia. It's an exploration of where I come from, woven with my Canadian identity. I consider the pieces of Santa Isla little tokens of Colombia for everyone to wear and hold. All of the pieces are made with lovely Embera Chami artisans who weave spiritual intentions that you can hold and feel. Looking back at your Instagram, it seems the brand has been around for a while but evolved quite a bit throughout the years. How did it start and what was that evolution like? It started 12 years ago when I came across these Embera artisans in Colombia and really loved the bead work they had created. I bought two pieces and was wearing them around in all of the big cities in Colombia I was travelling to and so many people were asking me about the necklaces, what they were and where they came from. It was a bit dumbfounding to me, like "how can something that comes from here and is so rooted in our heritage be so unknown to so many of our people" and it pushed me to spend more time learning about this craft and the history behind it and made me want to make some of them myself. I spent a lot of time trying to find and connect with these Embera artisans to learn and once I did, that's where Santa Isla started; but it was a passion project, not meant as a business. To learn more about the Embera Chami, click here. For almost 8 years I was making really extravagant and large pieces but it wasn't until 2 years ago after a bit of a break during COVID that I started to pivot to merge these traditional techniques with more fashion-forward designs like rings, anklets and necklaces that are the driver of the brand now. Wow, so you've really put in the time to build this! Absolutely. As an entrepreneur, you have to put in the time. I understand that the time part isn't very sexy. We don't want things to take time. We want them to move but unfortunately - or maybe fortunately - it's really an exercise in patience. You really have to put in the time to get to know your business and your offering and then you can't stop. You spoke about this fairly significant pivot from more traditional to fashion-forward pieces. What was the reason for that shift? After so many years of creating these traditional pieces, which were mostly bought as display or art pieces, I decided I wanted the brand to be more accessible and in order to do that, I had to change the offering. Once I started getting into smaller, more fun and easy to wear pieces, it completely changed things for the brand. Was it scary making such a big change like that? I've had so many moments of doubt and asking myself, like "what am I doing" but I think that those moments of reflection are really important. As an entrepreneur, there are going to be so many moments where something isn't working but you can't stop; but you can pivot! The place you start might not always be the place you finish and that's ok. The important thing though is just don't stop. We love a brand with purpose and it seems that Santa Isla is exactly that. Can you speak more about that connection with the Embera Chami artisans and the part it plays in the brand? That is everything for me. That is my "why". For a brand, I think that your story is everything. Running a business is not easy but it's much easier to stick with it when there's something attached to it that's outside of you. Working with and supporting these artisans is the only reason that I've kept going after all of these years. It was hard and for a long time I wasn't making money but I kept on going because these people are amazing and they've been helping me learn more about my identity so how can I not continue to give back. As Santa Isla grows, where do you hope to see the brand go long term? If there was another brand I had to compare Santa Isla to, I'd want it to become like a Telfar where everybody has one, and it's cool that everybody has one. I want us to be worldwide with drops selling out and me being able to get Santa Isla into the hands of everyone, being accessible. I want it to be the marker of a community where everyone is proudly wearing Santa Isla and supporting this culture. Love that! Lastly, on your crazy journey with the brand, what is one piece of advice you'd give to an emerging entrepreneur? If you're ever feeling stuck or down, go help somebody! Even with a simple compliment, it can change people's attitudes and if you can find ways to then weave that into your business, it changes the game and can be a big motivator for you to keep going. If you want to become a part of the Santa Isla community, make sure to follow them on Instagram for news on all of the brands upcoming drops and keep it locked to Pier Five for more conversations with creative entrepreneurs coming soon!

2022 Recipient: Parkerview Brews Kombucha Introducing Parkerview Brews Kombucha, one of the five recipients of the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund 2022! Who: Amy Kaban Where: Saskatoon, SK Instagram / Website In 2017, only a handful of kombucha brands were available in grocery stores. After trying all the kombucha Amy could get her hands on with little satisfaction, her natural inclination was to create her own! The goal was to brew kombucha that tasted better than existing ones - less tangy (vinegary), lightly sweetened, bubbly - and to incorporate local ingredients from Saskatchewan growers. Together with her husband, she began experimenting and created a kombucha that was better than any other brand she had tried previously. Today, Parkerview Brews Kombucha is the largest commercial kombucha brewery in Saskatchewan and can be found in 200+ stores across the province. The brand also has their own cafes and e-commerce making them a go-to destination for all things kombucha. Parkerview Brews is known for making kombucha that simply tastes great - it's sparkling, balanced in flavour and uses unique Saskatchewan ingredients like Saskatoon berries, sour cherries and chaga mushrooms. The business also supports local charities that help provide at-risk youth and families with food throughout the year. How has the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business fund helped you? Being a recipient of the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund has been a game change for our business. The $10,000 injection has allowed us to scale and get into canning, which has been a huge goal of ours. Having the opportunity to meet other women entrepreneurs has been amazing and also to get to meet with experts in their fields, providing us with advice and motivation and connecting us with resources is just the cherry on top. "When we support other small businesses, we are supporting our local economy. When customers support me, I'm able to then put my kids into another program or course that is being run by a small business owner, which is a beautiful thing." Learn more about the Mastercard & Pier Five Small Business Fund, and discover the other 2022 recipients here .

Showing Up With Liz Beecroft After twelve very interesting months, we got the chance to catch up with one of our earliest guests; psychotherapist, LCSW, founder of MENTL.SESH and style queen Liz Beecroft. Liz has been on a roll since our last conversation, building and launching her private practice, making big moves with brand collaborations, leading in-person events promoting mental health and some of the best fit pics on social media. After a year of uncertainty but much excitement, it was only right that we catch up with Liz to chat about how she's feeling coming out of the pandemic and everything she has in the works. Check out the highlights from the conversation below! So, Liz! How have you been over the last 12 months? "Really good! There have been a lot of amazing opportunities that have been coming in. It's been really busy with a lot of restructuring with the team but all good and we recently had a great activation at ComplexCon and with MSG for Women's Empowerment featuring MENTL.SESH. I'm really spending a lot of time now trying to position MENTL.SESH properly so that we can do more in-person events which is really exciting!" Everything with MENTL.SESH lately has been really awesome! "We have a lot of exciting opportunities this year where we can quite literally meet people where they are and teach them how they can bring mental health into these spaces. We actually want to give you skills and get something for your mental health out of these experiences." March is the month where all the brands bring out their "Women's Empowerment" content but we keep an eye on who continues to do the same year round. May is the same for Mental Health. How are you looking at this when you see companies posting about these causes? "I’ve been doing a lot more trainings over the last year where I'm training companies internally on mental health in the workplace and I think that has given me a really good look at what brands are really doing it the right way and starting internally first and then going externally with that message. Having people who are not only really good at their jobs and talented in their respective craft, but who also have passions about a diverse range of causes, is really important because when you look at leadership, you want to make sure that those people are walking the walk and modelling that behaviour for other people. That’s also going to seep through to different teams and throughout the company." Liz on how to approach the world re-opening again. "Just like it was a huge adjustment to go into lockdown, it’s now going to be another huge adjustment to get back into what we've known. Our bodies and our minds have all adapted to slowing down. It’s OK to feel like you don’t really have the motivation and energy to do something all the time. It's normal." (LISTEN BELOW) TALK NICE TO ME! "If you aren’t feeling it, don’t force it. Listen to yourself, give yourself grace, be gentle and really start talking yourself in a nice way. We have to start first with ourselves because of the way we speak to ourselves matters. We need to really talk nice to ourselves and when we do that, everyone else and can also talk nice to us because we will be kicking ass!" You've mentioned that you don't just want to be known as the "Sneakerhead Therapist" anymore. How does tying into where you're at and what you're interested in to your brand? "I think it's all about growth. We have to be self aware and know what we do and don't want for ourselves because that's how we can set different goals and go after them. I've grappled with this for a while but I know that I can still love sneakers and I don't need to have a collection of 270 pairs and that does not take away from what I do and don't know about shoes." Lastly, we know you have a big wedding coming up! Any big plans for that? Yes! Can't wait to be together with all of my family and friends again. Crocs is sponsoring! White crocs for everyone! ...and I have a plan to get Post Malone to my wedding! (Watch Below) Make sure to keep up with Liz on Instagram as well as MENTL.SESH and keep it locked to Pier Five for more conversations with the coolest entrepreneurs, designers, artists, activists and more out there.

A Conversation With Julie Clark of Province Apothecary Julie Clark is the founder of Province Apothecary, a natural beauty company founded through her experiences crafting natural, organic beauty products out of her kitchen to help her own needs battling eczema and allergies. Julie's goal is to create pure, effective products that benefit even the most sensitive complexions so that you can feel beautiful in your skin. @julie.anne.clark // @provinceapothecary There are so many products/routines out there and skincare can sometimes seem intimidating. What are 5 tips you can give for those starting off in their skincare journey? Less is more. Begin with a simple 3 step routine of a) cleansing, b) toning/hydrating and c) moisturizing/nourishing so as to not get overwhelmed with too many products or steps. Set a time in the morning + evening that makes sense for YOU so you will follow through + be consistent with your new routine. Try not to rush through your routine, rather, make it a loving self-care ritual that you enjoy doing. Talk to an experienced Skin Therapist to learn about your particular skin needs so you get on the right track with products, ingredients & approach right from the start. Try to look for clean, simple ingredients. If you can’t pronounce them, they are probably harsh chemicals that aren’t good for your skin or body as a whole. Trust that healing & caring for skin is a process, not an event. It sometimes takes time to see results, but with a holistic approach, the results are lifelong. What is your skincare routine? Of course, I always use Province Apothecary products in my daily skincare routine. I always begin with cleansing with our Moisturizing Oil Cleanser & Makeup Remover , morning & evening (even if I don’t have makeup on) as it not only removes dirt, oil, makeup & impurities on the skin, it adds moisture and calms my sensitive and dry skin. I follow up my cleanse (both am & pm) with our Invigorating + Balancing Toner to hydrate + soothe my skin, while prepping it for the next step On damp skin from the toner, I massage my oil-based custom serum into my skin using our Natural Face Lift Massage Ritual, which deeply nourishes my skin with ingredients chosen especially for my specific skin concerns. I do this step morning + evening. Next up I do our Sculpting + Toning Facial Cup protocol, that smooths, plumps & evens out my skin tone. Lastly I seal in all this goodness with either our Nourishing + Revitalizing Moisturizer (summertime) or our Protecting + Restoring Face Balm (wintertime). An extra step if my eczema/sensitivity is in full force, I layer on the Healing Eczema Balm as a night treatment. You talk about diet & nutrition playing a part in healthy skin. What are 5 recipes/ingredients you’ve been having lately that can help with skincare? During the cold, dry winter months, making sure I get enough good fats is key to healthy & protected skin. Avocados, olive oil, nuts & seeds are all good sources. Salmon is rich in Vitamin D and healthy omegas which feed skin, hair & nails. Fruits high in Vitamin C such as kiwis, oranges, pineapples help hydrate skin cells and help skin to heal. Sweet potatoes are high in Vitamin A which benefit hair, skin and nails and contain more than 700% of your daily recommended intake. And last but definitely not least, Water. The best thing we can all do for healthy skin is to drink lots of water because the skin, and entire body require it to function properly. We love your blog segment “Women We Admire”. Besides those you’ve featured, who are 5 women you really admire these days? My Business Partner Natalie is constantly inspiring me, I am so lucky to work with her everyday! My mom and 2 sisters are really helping me get through this pandemic, thankful for text groups and video chats. They are always doing fun things and cooking delicious meals. What are 5 skincare/beauty products you can’t live without? Daily glow dry brush to support lymphatic drainage Dual Action Jade Roller to stimulate + smooth Sculpting + Toning Facial Cup set Nourishing oil serums-never enough oils! Healing Eczema Balm! This is how Province Apothecary all began! We hear the term “Natural Beauty” a lot these days. From the view of Province Apothecary, what are 5 important things everyone should know about natural beauty? Natural beauty is a glow that comes from within, but can be supported with the right natural skincare products & practices. Taking care of your Whole Self with proper nutrition, sleep/rest, hydration, exercise, being in nature and connecting with others ALL are important parts of achieving Natural Beauty. Natural Beauty is not forced or manipulated, but rather a loving and patient approach to supporting our bodies & our skin in a way that focuses more on acceptance and trust than trying to change something that was never wrong in the first place. Natural Beauty means being mindful & intentional about what we put on our skin and in our bodies, choosing things that are clean, healthy & good for not only US, but for Planet Earth as well. Natural Beauty means knowing yourself & your skin & trusting that IT knows how to find balance if you give it the right support.

2023 Recipient: Colour The Trails Introducing Colour The Trails, one of the ten recipients of the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund 2023! Who: Judith Kasiama Where: Vancouver, BC Instagram / Website Colour the Trails was launched in 2017 to improve access to outdoor activities for BIPoC (including those who lay within the intersection of BIPoC and 2SLGBTQAI+ community) adventurers after seeing a severe lack of representation of racialized individuals in the outdoors space. With chapters across Canada, CTT has reached over two thousand individuals through various intro clinics and mentorship programs to equip folks with the knowledge and skills to feel confident, safe in the outdoors, while working alongside Indigenous outdoor organizations to stand in solidarity and further ongoing reconciliation. How will you use the $10,000 CAD for your business? The $10,000 will be used to help launch or Wellness in Colour programming across Canada. Wellness in Colour is a Colour the Trails initiative that aims to cultivate and promote wellness for Black Indigenous and racialized folks. Our well-being encompasses not only our physical health but also our mental, emotional, and social well-being. Creating a safe space to amplify and support the community of Colour is essential for healing and promoting well-being. Each event will be tied to a specific healing modality such as meditation, yoga, therapy, art therapy, mindfulness practices, or traditional cultural healing techniques. What is your big goal for the future of the business? Within three to five years, we hope and believe that participation and interest in the programming will have grown to enable us to move from single event programming and into a mentorship program for Wellness in Colour. Mentorship enables us to support community members by offering workshops or training opportunities based on interest and focused on personal growth, professional skills, and community advocacy. We would also then pair individuals in the community with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, support, and encouragement on a more ongoing basis. Ultimately, we would operate this with a “pay it forward” approach and expectation for participants to reinvest in the community using their newfound skills. Learn more about the Mastercard & Pier Five Small Business Fund, and discover the other 2023 recipients here .

Aaniin Who: Chelsee Pettit Where: Toronto, ON Instagram / Website Aaniin, which means hello in Ojibwe/anishinaabemowin, started as a streetwear brand that uses syllabics as the design focus to raise awareness for Indigenous culture. Each garment, made by Chelsee herself, includes a tagged QR code which allows the wearer to start the conversation about indigenous languages as well as pass on the information to others. Most recently, the business has developed into a full-time pop-up at Toronto's Stackt Market which houses products from Aaniin as well as other local Indigenous artists and designers. The main goal of the brand is to serve as a platform that can help create opportunities for other Indigenous creators and spread awareness around the beauty of Indigenous culture. "The fund has allowed me to hire staff for my store and give me the time and freedom to fundraise further, while keeping control with indigenous minds and allow me to build economic prosperity within the indigenous communities." Why was mentorship from Mastercard so important for you? As first time founders, many of us are getting into positions where we can pave paths for others but it's first very important for us to be able to learn from others who have already been out there themselves and done that. Being able to take their insights and established practices and find ways to turn that into opportunity for marginalized communities has been really important for me as a small business owner. "The future of small business in Canada is indigenous!" See All Winners

A Conversation With Kyron Warrick aka Gotsweige Montreal based creative entrepreneur and modern renaissance man, Kyron Warrick, also known by his social channels Gotsweige, has created a name for himself as one of Canada’s fastest growing talents in fashion. As an advocate of the “don’t knock it until you try it” mentality, Kyron has made a strong effort to explore all facets of the fashion industry including styling, creative consulting for brands, content creation, product design and modelling, to develop his skills, identify what he loves and put one-hundred percent of his energy into his success. Now after nearly a decade as a Fashion Youtuber, an impressive following on Instagram and a growing portfolio of impressive clients, Kyron is on a roll and showing no signs of slowing down. Before he outgrows us all, we got a chance to link up with Kyron in his hometown of Montreal to discuss his come up, life as a YouTuber, the need for supporting local brands and never being afraid of what you love and then of course, we had to shoot some street style pics and break down his fits. You’ve been on YouTube for nearly 10 years now. What has that journey been like? It’s kind of crazy that it’s been this long. The first five years were more casual for me but the last five, I have been really focused. Content creation was something I could really take into my own hands which I liked. A lot of fashion is actually slow moving and there’s a lot of waiting around. With YouTube, I didn’t have to do that. I could make content, have fun and create new opportunities for myself through that. You’ve been really ramping up the amount of content lately and the channel has been growing at a really consistent pace. What are 5 tips you’d give to aspiring content creators to increase their success on YouTube? Consistency is definitely the biggest thing. I know people say this a lot but it’s really true. Once I got out of school and could start putting more time into content, things really started progressing. I saw the results of consistency first hand. Have your own thoughts. People will consume your content if there are your own thoughts throughout. Be inspired but make it your own. Do it because you like it and not because you’re looking for validation or growth. Know yourself. Understand what you’re good at and what you’re not good at. Once you identify your strengths, you can go full force into that. On the note of making things your own, your style has always been very unique. Did you ever face criticism for doing things a little differently? Definitely. In high school, while I did have a bunch of friends, people definitely kind of looked at me as the weird kid. I was the only person that I knew who was into fashion but didn’t let that bother me. I was so focused on learning about the industry that I didn’t care about what people thought. One of your more popular content series highlights low-key/up & coming streetwear brands. Why is shining a light on these smaller/local brands so important to you? Any you’d want to shout out today? When I was coming up, I always wished there were people that would shout me out and help me get exposure so now that I have a bit of an audience, I want to be able to be that person for others. Starting from zero is really tough so I want to help lift those people up. I also think that a lot of these brands are really cool and it’s sustainable for me to consume as well because it’s often a bit more affordable and I like knowing that my money is going to someone local and not just into the pockets of big corporations. One of the brands I really love is Wun-Off , they do a lot of pop-culture installments and have a philanthropic side to the brand as well. They recently dropped the “Covid Ruined My Spring Break” hat and used proceeds to buy toys for children in need. installments. Just did the covid ruined my spring break trucker. Grimey MTL is another one I’m really into as well. It’s a pretty common progression for content creators to start their own brands. You’ve done collabs with some in the past but would you ever consider starting your own brand? It’s definitely something that I’m thinking about. Through working with so many others, I’ve learned a lot about what I would need to put into starting my own brand and what I would and wouldn’t want it to be about. A lot of creators are making merch and I definitely don’t want my stuff to be just that. I think about this as a long term play. I won’t be doing Youtube when I’m 40 so if it’s just merch then it ends when Youtube ends. I want my brand to be something that can grow with me and outlive things that I might be doing now. Let’s talk about style now. How would you describe your personal style? What are you wearing these days? My style is very situational based but is often a combination of lively vintage 70’s style and darker silhouettes from brands like Rick Owens. I like to mix bright and dark together. Your style has followed a number of trends, from hype, to sneakerhead to luxury. Looking back on it all, what do you think were some of your best and worst moments in your fashion career thus far? I think my best moment, and potentially also my worst, was the Pyrex-Hood By Air phase. I really wasn’t aware of all that it represented. I was super impressionable, like all kids on the internet were, but it was good for me to go through that and start experimenting with things. It helped me start to really learn about what I do and don’t like. It also exposed me to some black designers who are now making huge waves. (break down Kyron’s fit with pics and labels of the items/brands) Do you think Montreal was integral in developing your style and business? I used to think that I had to get out of Montreal to make it but the internet has so much power so I have always been able to tap into cultures and people around the world without leaving. Montreal is also great as well though. It has given me so many opportunities and really shaped who I am today. In addition, whenever I go visit my family in NY or Philly I can bring that different perspective too which I think plays to my advantage. Overall, Montreal really is a power city and I think that a few more icons coming out of here will be big for putting it on the map. Justin Saunders [JJJound] is doing a lot for the city. I think a big musical figure would be huge too. Totally agree! Lastly, what's next for you? Honestly, I’m taking things day by day. Whatever I enjoy, I’ll work on. The brand is definitely in the works but I don’t have a launch date. I’m going to work on getting even more opportunities in styling as well and just see where things go. And of course, more video content! Make sure to follow Kyron Warrick on Instagram and YouTube to follow his journey and get updates on all of his new work and don’t forget to keep it locked to Pier Five for more interviews and stories with the coolest entrepreneurs, designers, artists, activists and more.

A Conversation With Kishan Mistry Kishan Mistry is one of Toronto's most promising up and coming photographers. Having shot some of the city's most iconic moments and talents, Kishan has compiled a very impressive portfolio. Kishan is a regular contributor to the MLB, NBA and hip-hop/rap scene and has photographed the likes of Drake, Travis Scott & Kawhi Leonard's "The Shot". @_kishanmistry What photographers are you paying the most attention to these days? I try not to focus on other's work too much so that I can keep my styles my own. That being said, @doncharleone , @jayscale & Marc Blinch are killing it right now. They each have a unique style and have scored some incredible shots. Do you have a top 5 for photos you've taken? Fred VanVleet - Game 6 Playoffs 2019 Kawhi Leonard airborne for "The shot" Demar Derozan and Kyle Lowry hugging post-game Drake & Travis Scott (2018) Portrait of Drake What are 5 tips you'd give to any starting out in photography? Shoot everything! No matter where you go, bring your camera and practice. Fake it ’til you make it. It's not always easy getting your foot in the door early on so do what you can to make your reach seem as big as possible and overtime it will grow naturally. Shoot your shot (no pun intended)! Don't be afraid to reach out to people to shoot. The worst they can say is "no". Use “no” as motivation to keep pushing & be resilient! Network and be kind! A nice attitude will go a long way an create a ton of opportunities. What are 5 tricks you use to make your photos pop? Since everyone has their own style, these tricks won't apply to everyone but my 5 tricks are: Invest money into good gear. You'll earn the money back through work! I like to use my music photography edit style for other categories like sports photography. Big poses. Vibrant, saturdated colours. Spend lots of time in Lightroom. My special trick is decreasing clarity a bit, but that's just me. Download as many presets as possible and work backwards from them to learn about each element and how they affect your photos. ASK QUESTIONS! Don't be afraid to ask people what gear they use, what settings they use, how they achieved a certain effect. Networking and talking benefits us all.

June Guest Picks: Books with Post Design Collective Guest: Amanda & JP of Post Design Collective 1. Atlas of Furniture Design. 2019, Vitra Design Museum "One of the most comprehensive design books featuring notable standout pieces throughout the 20th century. Beautiful book with a plethora of information!" 2. 325 Magazine, Yearly. Ryerson Department of Architectural Science (DAS) "An amazing yearly publication that showcases the work of students from 1st year through to Master's program from Ryerson's Architectural Department. Coming from this program ourselves, we always are interested to see what is being produced and how far the program has come." 3. What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions, Randall Munroe "Really just a fun, light-hearted read that takes simple problems way too seriously, sometimes how we approach problems as well." 4. The Age of Collage Contemporary Collage in Modern Art Vol 2, 2016. Gestalten "An amazing collection of abstract and surrealist works, showcasing collage as an art in its most idealistic and interesting form. Goes largely alongside Amanda's Thesis work, and is on the list to purchase (but is sold out everywhere)." 5. Dieter Rams: the Complete Works, 2020? Klaus Klemp "A Collection of works from one of the most influential designers (and one of our favourites, as noted in our previous interview). Also on the list for purchase and a read. One day!" Check out all of our guest picks for June here and stay tuned to Pier Five for more stories and interviews with the coolest people around.

2023 Recipient: Spice Girl Chai Introducing Spice Girl Chai, one of the ten recipients of the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund 2023! Who: Rebecca Pereira Where: Toronto, ON Instagram / Website After noticing that commercially available chai products lacked the depth of flavour and overall spice that she was looking for, Rebecca Pereira worked with her mother to create their own Chai concentrate in-house. With the recipe’s success, Rebecca launched Spice Girl Chai in 2021, and has landed her Chai concentrate into over a dozen restaurants and retailers in Toronto, numerous high-volume trade shows and in the hands of over 100,000 customers. The brand, rooted in Rebecca’s culture and Indian traditions, has seen major success through specialty collaborations and samplings. She makes enjoying authentic chai at home as easy as brewing a cup of coffee. How will you use the $10,000 CAD for your business? One of the biggest challenges is keeping up with demand from existing and new retail and restaurant partners interested in bulk orders. With all of our product created at a shared commercial kitchen, we are limited in the volume that we can produce. The $10,000 will help us work with a co-packer facility to produce ten times the volume that we can daily. This will allow us to quickly expand our distribution, exponentially increase revenue and give me time to focus on other parts of the business like marketing and sales that have taken a back seat. What is your big goal for the future of the business? My long-term dream is to establish our very own facility for producing our Chai Concentrate and upcoming canned Chai drinks. We have significant revenue projections to hit in the next five years that would allow us to open this facility and build a team of incredible women who love Chai as much as I do. One of those women who I would love to bring on full-time is my dedicated mother, who has been with me every step of this entrepreneurial journey. It's a bold goal, but my unwavering dedication makes it an achievable one. Learn more about the Mastercard & Pier Five Small Business Fund, and discover the other 2023 recipients here .

A Conversation With Keith Pears Keith Pears is a force to be reckoned with in the kitchen. He has been in the food business for over 20 years, racking up an impressive resume as winner of Canada's Great Kitchen Party, Executive Chef for Delta Hotels, Toronto and most recently taking on the new role of Executive Chef at the W Toronto (Opening 2021). @keith_pears Your feed is filled with delicious looking meat! What is your 5-step guide to cooking the perfect steak? Let the steak sit at room temp for 10-20 minutes. A cold steak will cook unevenly. Use a cast iron pan to retain the most heat possible and get a meat caramelization (maillard) effect. Cook 6-7 minutes med-high each side (time will vary depending on thickness of steak) Baste your steak with garlic, herbs, shallots, and melted butter during the last 2 minutes. Even after you take it off the heat, it's still cooking. Let your steak rest for 10 minutes to capture the juices. What are 5 ingredients everyone needs in their kitchen? Fish sauce - for salt & umami Finishing vinegars Lemon Flaky sea salt Onions - one of the most diverse ingredients A great stock - you can make your own with cheap bones Who are you listening to in the kitchen? I've been listening to a lot of Toronto artists. Drake, [Justin] Bieber and Anders. I've also been playing a lot of Bryson Tiller and then a lot Spotify R&B mixes. We love to see a chef who's into sneakers. What are your top 5 in the rotation? Jordan 4 'Oreo' Nike Air Max 97 'Olympic Red' Nike Blazer Low 'Peach' Nike Flyknit Racers Clogs! I have a casual pair and a Gucci pair for special occasions Finally, a lot has changed since COVID took over. How do you think dining could change after it's over? I think food will have to get simpler - fewer touches in the kitchen and less sharing style cuisine. It's sad but I think tapas is going to fade. I also think drive-in dining is going to make a big comeback like back in the day where they're bring burgers to your window in the parking lot. Patio season will have to start to be year round but I'm not sure how yet. Lastly, food apps and ghost kitchens are going to keep popping up and becoming more popular. Low-lift, low personal contact and quick service.