U Grow Girl U Grow Girl Who: Crystal Wood & Leha Marshall Where: Kelowna, BC Instagram Website How would you use the $10,000 CAD fund for your business? See All Winners

From The Streets To The Big Stage With Kizmet Change is inevitable but you can’t always wait around for it if you want to find success. For Toronto based graffiti and lighting artist Kizmet, taking matters into his own hands was key. While the general population was taking its time to decide whether or not graffiti art was for them, Kizmet was carving his path through the underground arts and music scene and making a name for himself. From the streets to the big stage, Kismet is a prime example of taking initiative and not being afraid to put in the hours and it shows, big time. Read through the interview with Kizmet below where we dive into his early beginning, what gave him the courage to pursue his passions, what he’s excited for in this ever changing world of art and much more. Hey Kizmet! For those not familiar, can you tell us a little about yourself? Hey I’m Kizmet, and who am I? That’s something I like to let people figure out themselves. Maybe this conversation will help [laughs]. And figure out we shall! What’d you get up to today? I was in my studio most of the day. There are a bunch of pieces I’m working on so that’s keeping me busy. You’ve talked a lot in the past about how your studio space in Toronto is really your comfort zone. What are the keys to a great studio/work space? When I used to do a lot of music, I always wanted a space where I could have all of my stuff and get everything done there. Now, with art, it’s the same way. Kind of like in the Shedders Lair in the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie where all the kids are just chilling spray painting, blasting music being creative doing karate and there’s like some dude just offering kids cigarettes. Everyone is just doing their thing. That’s what I want minus the encouraging kids to smoke[laughs]. The key for me is that I could be there at any point, day or night, doing whatever I want and nobody gets mad. Like if I play a drum set at 4am in the morning nobody is going to call the cops. It’s like having a clubhouse. I can get work done or if I wanted I could watch a film on a projector screen or I could play drums or me and my studio mate can Jam or play video games on the big screen. Who inspired the faces that we see prominently across your artwork? I haven’t really shared this formally on many platforms so this will be a first actually. I often don’t talk about the context of my paintings personally. With street or graffiti art, the artist is often anonymous and so the viewer needs to create their own interpretations of the works. That’s what I want for my work. That being said I have always had meaning behind the works so here it is. I’m huge into Sci-Fi. So with the faces, I wanted to create a new reality that would change over time. First they wore glasses, then those came off and you saw there weren’t any eyes, and then the faces multiplied and the narrative kept on changing. And in the end it turns out these faces are a robot tricking you into falling in love with it. It’s all about coercion and one the original presented concept turning out to be one big lie and everything is a connected story. Damn! That’s wild. Did you know when you started the faces that it would turn into that huge story over multiple years? At the time I started doing these I was in this transitional phase with my art and so I started creating these faces and actually built this entire story and knew where I wanted to take it from the beginning. I knew I’d be able to get better over time as an artist which would allow me to develop the characters further and keep making them better so that when it came time to talk about it, it would all be ready. Did you also plan on using them for live events or was that part decided afterwards? Ya so the idea was to be able to bring them to shows/events and tour them around. I’ve always been really big into music and events so I wanted to be able to bring my work there. Also the impact of bringing work to music festivals and seeing people interact with it in person there is amazing. Its something you don't really get in a gallery or just with a mural on a wall. There’s also a ton of elements that you can play with too like with smoke and lights which is epic. How big is that for you? I’ve been doing light murals for a little while. It’s really crazy about how light interacts with colours. It’s not like normal colour mixing. You get these wild combinations of mixing light with paint and what colours will turn into what when certain light hits it and you can play with different elements and make these pieces really come to life. You can make it so stuff is hidden or morphing and people trip out watching it. Sometimes I make the transitions slow so you don’t even realize what’s happening in the moment until the image has completely changed colours. Going back to your roots now. What was the evolution of going from graffiti to this experiential art like? I kinda always knew that this was going to be what I make my living on. The whole tags and street bombing thing is really just advertizing to get your name out there, but I knew to make a living I would need to put more thought into conceptualizing. For me it wasn’t so much of changing the art style but it was me being more serious and that led to the transition which has been a good one. Was there a moment or turning point where you knew you’d be able to make this work out as your career? I got kicked out of high school for some graffiti shit and went to a new alternative school where there were tons of artists. The head of my new school, John Morton, told me “this is a democratic school. If you want to paint the school, cool. Make a proposal and maybe you'll even get paid for it. Just let us know how and when you want to do it and if everyone is ok with it, you can do it.” I was so shocked. I presented it to the school and everyone was hyped about it. Now I don’t even think there’s space left because the entire place is painted up. The school got covered. Once people found out it was cool to do, everyone went nuts. It started in the hallways, the stairwell, the lunchroom and then it just got everything. They even painted the outside of the school. It looked sweet. That introduction of a safe space where I could have an idea and it would be approached with an open mind was what showed me there might be a long term opportunity with this. That’s an insane story. Maybe hard to top but do you have a “greatest story of all time” from your tagging days? Honestly all the days of tagging were just insanity. If you were somewhat tapped into that culture back then you’ve probably had some crazy f**** up experiences. Like everyone is nuts. The lifestyle of being out super late, running from cops, tons of partying, is kinda crazy in itself. I would tell these stories to people that were not part of that culture and they’d all just think I was lying. The stuff is truly unbelievable. Are there any stark differences or changes that you’ve observed with graffiti art and culture over the years? The biggest thing now is street art is very accepted and also highly funded. Back in the day it was so criticized like once I was painting a garage for someone and the neighbour came out with a baseball bat and was threatening to beat me up because he thought I was tagging. Recently though I was doing a garage for someone else and the neighbour there came out and was like “what about my fence? I want a mural too.” I was shocked. I thought he was going to be pissed off but he was jealous. He literally said “I’m a taxpayer and I should have my fence painted too”. [laughs]. Why do you think things have changed so much like that? I think it was that the city really got behind it. They finally accepted that you can’t fight graffiti because you don’t know who it is and it will NEVER go away. It used to be that if someone tagged on your business, you had twenty four hours to get rid of it or you’d get fined, so as a result business owners just started commissioning murals to get around the rule. Then programs funding murals came around to deter people from just aimlessly tagging. It’s been a slow transition but a good one. I also just think some people need some sort of authority or what they consider a validated entity to say it’s ok and then they’re quick to accept things. Any tips/tricks that you’d give to young artists of stuff of the trade you wished you knew when you started out in graffiti? There’s this whole starving artist mentality that leads to artists getting taken advantage of by these big companies and corporations who don’t pay well and treat the artists poorly. I think it’s important for artists to know that it’s completely ok to walk away in the middle of the job if you’re not getting the respect or being treated properly. Protect yourself and your representation. Don’t let money control everything you do. I know some artists take jobs and feel like shit after because it was a terrible experience but they wanted to be able to say they worked for that company to feel validated. That’s just so not how art should be. No matter who you are - and I know it’s easier said than done - but stand up to these big corporations or anyone not treating you fairly. Until people do this, nothing will ever change. Once you do this and you start prioritizing yourself, you’ll actually open so many new doors. These great clients and jobs do exist. Be patient and protect your values and you’ll find them. Lastly, what keeps you inspired to continue creating and what are you looking forward to next? The DOCD (Department of Civilian Dance) parties we’ve been throwing, like the raves, have been challenging me to keep being creative and force me to always one up myself and that’s awesome. It’s a pressure that I put on myself but I know if I do so, I’ll keep creating and getting better to the point where I’m surprising myself. That’s the best feeling like “holy s**t, I made this?” [laughs]. I’m also really inspired by all these new faces that are doing great work and that I know are going to be huge. We’re close to a point where everyone can really thrive together as things change. It’s a really exciting time in Toronto right now. It feels like the renaissance of DIY culture and I’m super stoked for it. Check out Kizmet's Instagram to find out about upcoming events and see more amazing work coming from Kizmet and keep it locked to Pier Five for more interviews and stories with the coolest entrepreneurs, designers, artists, activists and more.

July Guest Picks: Music with Jazz Alba Guest: Graphic Artist Jazz Alba "OK so let me preface this by saying that most of what I’m listening to right now is with my son. When I’m working, I’m usually listening to podcasts and a couple songs here or there." That Chapter "A YouTube series on unsolved crimes and murder mysteries" True to Size Podcast - Canada Got Sole A podcast on all things sneakers by Toronto's Canada Got Sole group. The Channel 8 Podcast - Sean Go A podcast by Toronto based sneaker content creator Sean Go "Heartbreak Anniversary" - Giveon Leave the Door Open - Bruno Mars & Andersen Paak Check out all of our guest picks for July here and stay tuned to Pier Five for more stories and interviews with the coolest people around.

The AI Studio: How Pier Five and HP Canada Empowered Canadian Small Businesses with AI To kick off small business month in Canada, Pier Five and HP Canada came together in Toronto to host The AI Studio, a one-of-a-kind workshop experience designed to help Canadian small business owners discover how AI and HP’s Next Gen AI PCs can transform the way they work, create, and grow. The event welcomed 20 entrepreneurs and founders from industries including hospitality, health, media, fashion, tech, retail and restaurant for a day of hands-on learning, collaboration, and innovation. Every detail of the experience was crafted around real challenges and opportunities shared by attendees in a pre-event survey, ensuring that each moment was personalized, relevant, and actionable. Swipe through images The day unfolded through two interactive sessions that reflected the dual nature of entrepreneurship, the balance between operations and creativity. The first session focused on productivity and operations, helping business owners learn how to integrate AI into their day-to-day tasks, streamline workflows, and unlock new efficiencies. The second session shifted gears toward creative strategy and marketing, offering insights into how AI can support content creation, copywriting, and campaign planning for founders looking to amplify their brand stories. During the sessions, attendees were invited to explore HP’s Next Gen AI PCs and devices, guided by HP Commercial Category Business Manager, Towen Chrea, who demonstrated the power of AI-driven hardware in real time. From adaptive tools that anticipate workflow needs to features that make creative work more intuitive, the demos showcased how HP is reimagining what’s possible for small businesses in the age of AI. Beyond the learning, The AI Studio offered what every entrepreneur values most; connection. Guests shared experiences, swapped insights, and formed new relationships. They also took part in professional portrait sessions to elevate their personal brands and left with co-branded Pier Five x HP Canada merch as a reminder of the day’s inspiration. Swipe through images Ultimately, The AI Studio wasn’t just an event, it was a celebration of Canadian entrepreneurship and a glimpse into the future of work. It gave small business owners the knowledge, confidence, and tools to embrace AI not as a buzzword, but as a genuine growth partner. Pier Five and HP Canada are proud to have built this experience together, supporting the small business community, empowering innovation, and continuing to champion the incredible founders shaping Canada’s creative economy.

Keeping It Authentic With Katherine Johnsen As the opportunities and the audience grow, it can be easy for one to find themselves being pulled in a million directions with outside influences taking over. For Katherine Johnsen, creator and VP of Growth and Partnerships for Counter Culture agency, she has learned the importance of staying true to herself and ensuring that you grow with authenticity and passion. This has led to countless incredible experiences and the creation of lifelong relationships that Katherine attributes to her happiness and success. We got the chance to speak with Katherine about all of this and learn some of her secrets to building the next generation of opportunity for creators and brands. Read the full conversation below. Hi Katherine! Thanks for chatting with us today. For those who don't know, can you tell us a little about yourself? Excited to chat! So, my name is Katherine Johnsen and I'm the VP, Growth & Partnerships of Counter Culture agency which creates culturally relevant program with creators and for brands, amongst many other things. I've been with Counter Culture for 2 years and before that I spent a lot of time leading partnerships for some of the biggest tech and startup conferences in North America. I'm also a creator myself and on the brand side, have worked with tons of brands in tech, fashion and footwear, food and CPG so I like to think that I know the landscape pretty well and that can really help our partners. Throughout your time in the tech partnerships world and now at Counter Culture, has there been anything that you have learned that is a common thread across it all? Definitely! The biggest thing is that your relationships are everything. I spent a lot of time with company founders in the tech space and bringing that time into partnerships, I've seen how much those connections that you build can lead to success. I'm constantly trying to expand my network and stay connected with those who are close to me. That's a great point! As the network builds, how do you always stay in touch with so many people? I travel a lot and one of the guys I worked closely with at Microsoft who was one of the Top 5 People To Know in the NY startup scene used to tell me to divide my flights into 5 minute intervals and use that time to reach out to as many people as you can, just to check in on them. Just give when you need nothing and then when you need to tap people, they're more than happy to help you because you maintained a relationship there. With all of the different projects and travel, how do you stay organized? My calendar is everything and I'm a big advocate of time blocking. I allocate different blocks of time in my schedule to focusing on certain tasks without distractions and that's very helpful. I also make sure to prioritize. We all have so much going on but if you can prioritize 3 tasks for the week and get them done, then that's a win. I love this quote which is, "you don't always have to climb the whole staircase. You just need to take the first step." Oooh love that! As a creator yourself and a coach so many other creators out there, what is one piece of advice you stand by? I'm a firm believe that if you like something, then it's cool. I think it's so important to shed the weight of other people's opinions and just focus on liking what you like. A through line to all of the coolest people in our lives is that they are all authentic to themselves. What we often tell creators is that, by just looking at what other people are doing and looking at other trends, you will fall flat. We always say just listen to "what makes me excited to wake up in the morning?" and if you share that, I think it builds authentic community. That definitely shows in your content! For sure! My channels are really just an extension of my daily life. I like to share what I'm doing as opposed to doing things to share them. Love that! Lastly, on the business side, what advice would you give to creators looking to make a living out of this? 2 things! The first is when working with brands, be mindful of your value and your identity and always stay authentic to that. Brands will often come in with their own idea of how they think something should look and will try to use money to push that forward. The key is finding a way to make it your own - that will be the sign of a good partnership - and not being afraid to walk away if it's not a good fit. Secondly, it's important to think about your long term goals and understand the best ways for you to build your community and ultimately drive revenue. Partnerships are just one way to make money but there are so many other ways to expand your channels and revenue streams. Maybe that's building a mailing list, maybe it's connecting through events or selling product. At the end of the day though, the biggest thing is always prioritize your community. The people out there that are able to do all of these cool things as their full-time job are able to do so because of the community that they built. Make sure to check out Katherine and Counter Culture on Instagram and keep it locked to Pier Five for more conversations with cool creatives and industry leaders!

Pier Five Community Canvas For Kuwalla Tee In the first edition of Community Canvas, Pier Five brought together an inspiring group of talent for a unique editorial lookbook, with looks by Kuwalla Tee, a Montreal based fashion brand designed to help those express their creative authenticity. This edition highlights a diverse mix of innovators, each representing the creative spirit and entrepreneurial drive that fuels the community. Featuring Glory Allan, an online content creator teaching people how to make their own clothes, the lookbook explores the intersection of fashion, craftsmanship, and self-expression. Adria Kain, a multidisciplinary musician, singer, and artist, adds a rich layer of sound and visual artistry to the canvas. Vintage lovers will be captivated by Post Design, a curated business blending style and sustainability through furniture. Photographer Teaunna Gray, who also owns her own studio Of Sorts, captures the essence of beauty through simplicity. At the heart of it all is Pier Five, the founders of the Community Canvas series, who continue to champion creativity, collaboration, and connection. Sponsored by Kuwalla Tee, this campaign is a celebration of both fashion and community, with every look styled in Kuwalla Tee's new Fall/Winter 2024 collection —showcasing the power of creative partnerships in bringing new stories to life. Discover the stars of Community Canvas Vol. 1 and all of the looks below: Glory Allan Andre Chin, aka Glory Allan, is a passionate fashion designer dedicated to empowering others to embrace creativity. Through his work, he encourages people to kickstart their hobbies and discover the joy of making. Inspired by the art of creation, whether in designing clothes or crafting engaging content, Glory Allan thrives on bringing ideas to life. His work serves as a bridge between fashion and education, fostering creativity and self-expression. Adria Kain Adria Kain is a multifaceted artist and singer known for her soulful voice and authentic storytelling. With recent success in the music industry, Adria has re-emerged with renewed focus, sharing both her music and creative journey. In July, she expanded her artistic reach by launching a photography and creative direction studio, offering a space that fosters artistic expression and collaboration. Her studio has become a welcoming environment for creatives of all backgrounds, dedicated to inclusivity and supporting the growth of the creative community. Post Design Post Design, founded by JP Guay and Amanda Mota, is a curated studio specializing in unique furniture, objects, and wares. They offer carefully selected pieces that reflect creativity, paired with dynamic spaces and brands. Beyond their collections, Post Design provide furniture rentals, studio bookings for shoots and gatherings, and design services like sourcing, set design, brand pop-ups, and interior staging. At Post Design, they blend design with community to create inspiring spaces. Teaunna Gray Teaunna Gray is an Afro-Indigenous Director and Film Photographer from Toronto. Starting as a curator, she gained recognition through group art shows that support under-represented artists and give back to global communities. Her storytelling reflects her multicultural perspective, prioritizing inclusivity for womxn, people of color, and the Deaf community. As the founder of Of Sorts®, Teaunna creates a space for creatives through events, programs, and studio rentals, encouraging impactful art and dialogue. Pier Five Julian Golden and Jeff Lei are the founders of Pier Five, a community driven organization that offers support to creative entrepreneurs and small business owners. Pier Five's mission is to empower those looking to turn their passions into full-time businesses and careers by hosting unique networking events, fundraising programs and content series across Canada. Pier Five's initiatives have connected thousands of creatives and business owners and is building one of the largest founder networks across the country, shaping culture and driving economic growth. Shop the looks at Kuwalla Tee's website and make sure to follow Pier Five on Instagram for more content with the creative community.

The Pull Up Dinner: A New Kind of Networking Event for Founders and Creatives Networking events often promise dozens, or even hundreds of new connections. But the reality is that most conversations last only a few minutes before everyone moves on. At Pier Five, we wanted to create something different. That's why we launched the Pull Up Dinner: an intimate networking dinner in Toronto designed to bring together founders, creatives, business owners and community builders around one table for meaningful conversations that don't happen at traditional networking events. On July 2, we hosted the first-ever Pull Up Dinner at TONO by Akira Back inside Toronto's W Hotel, bringing together a carefully curated group of entrepreneurs from a wide range of industries for an evening focused on community, conversation and connection. Why We Started Pull Up Dinner We've spent years building communities online through interviews, events and storytelling, but we've also learned that some of the most valuable relationships aren't built through social media, they're built over dinner. The Pull Up Dinner was created to slow networking down. Rather than trying to meet 50 people in one evening, our goal is to create a space where 12 people can genuinely get to know one another. No pitches. No panels. No name tags. Just thoughtful conversations over great food. A Curated Group of Toronto Founders, Creatives and Business Owners One of the principles behind Pull Up Dinner is diversity. Instead of inviting people from the same industry, we intentionally curate a table of people who bring different experiences and perspectives. Around the table were an art gallery owner, a gym owner, a creative agency founder, an art curator, an entertainment producer, an ice cream shop owner, a fashion brand founder, a CPG entrepreneur, a video producer, a community strategist, media founders and content creators. On paper, it's an unlikely mix. In practice, it created exactly the kind of conversations we were hoping for. Many of the guests had never met before. By the end of the evening, new friendships, collaborations and introductions were already beginning to take shape. The Non-Negotiable: Mandatory +1 Every invitation to the Pull Up Dinner includes one requirement: Bring someone who belongs at the table. Not just a guest—but someone who brings curiosity, generosity and a different perspective. That simple rule expands the network with every dinner and ensures each gathering introduces new people into the Pier Five community. Great Food Creates Better Conversations The inaugural dinner took guests through TONO by Akira Back's signature seafood-fusion menu, where guests shared a family-style experience designed to encourage conversation throughout the evening. The experience was complemented by wines from Great Estates Wines, creating a relaxed atmosphere that allowed conversations to unfold naturally over the course of the night. Building Toronto's Founder Community—One Dinner at a Time Toronto has no shortage of networking events. What it needs more of are opportunities for people to genuinely connect. Pull Up Dinner isn't about collecting LinkedIn connections or exchanging business cards. It's about creating the kind of conversations that lead to friendships, collaborations, partnerships and ideas that continue long after dinner ends. For us, community has never been about audience size. It's about bringing the right people together. Join a Future Pull Up Dinner We're already planning the next Pull Up Dinner in Toronto, with another carefully curated group of founders, creatives and operators gathering around one table. If you're interested in attending a future dinner, hosting one with us, or partnering with the series, we'd love to hear from you.

July Guest Picks: Books with Jay Yoo of Bolstr Guest: Jay Yoo, founder of Bolstr AntiFragile by Nicholas Taleb Nassim "Counterintuitive insights on the nature of all things. Why nature is our greatest teacher of evolution? It gains from chaos. Humans don't work like that as we accept comfortable positions in life (taking advice from expert "Fragilistas" that make us fragile (although it may not appear that way). Like your doctor, who is the third leading cause of death in America. Ideas on preparing forward by building optionality into your life (dismissing expert news) allow us to benefit from inevitable "black swan" events that are unpredictable and catastrophic to most." Who Owns the Future by Jaron Lenier "All about rebuilding the middle class by humanizing the digital economy. A critical and credible take on creating commerce for all vs. redistributing wealth. The book was written in 2011, and much of what Jaron predicted is coming true. Specifically, how a free digital economy is destroying jobs as new centers of power (Google, Facebook, Snapchat, et al.) make money on our use of their ecosystems and are socially engineering us to stay in them. But what makes their systems valuable does not get an equitable stake (you and me). He lays it all out on how to get paid for making any content (as long as others are viewing it). It's entirely possible with the blockchain, which makes crypto ever more relevant. Importantly, the idea that our world can be automated via tech is a farse; without human influence, it will have no soul. Sorry, Ray Kurzweill and the whole singularity movement. No thanks." A Short History of Progress by Richard Wright "Where are we going? This is the central theme of the book. It's an incredibly illuminating book on impending doom and how man destroys everything. He goes through the history of humans from prehistoric times until the present and how we have destroyed the planet and the lives of millions (approaching billions), all in the pursuit of progress. He examines several civilizations from Neanderthals, Easter Island (an important microcosm), Sumerians, Romans, and Egyptians. Each crippled their existence by overproducing, exhausting resources, and then waging war to expand and gain more. There are no everlasting examples of civilizations, and they all fall victim to their progress. It took 3 million years to go from a stone arrowhead to smelted iron, but only 3,000 years to go from smelt to a nuclear bomb. Where are we going?" Big Bang by Simon Singh "The Origins of The Universe. One of my favorite books that walks through the history of science. I love learning about the cosmos and space but am more interested in how humans figured it out. It's a fascinating account of science's struggle to overcome dogma and human's persistence for truth. But, as important, are the pitfalls of incumbency (egos that stifled scientific progress), to which Einstein both abhorred and fell victim. Incredibly interesting and great for anyone who would like to know the Big Bang theory in layman's terms." 12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson "Life is a bitch. Historical, spiritual, and personal antidotes for leading a life of purpose and ultimate happiness. It's more than a self-help book; it's a serious eye-opener on building a relationship with oneself, others, and the world in times of immediate gratification. Fun is fleeting, and joy is work; I welcome this confrontation with what more I can do to be and influence "good."" Check out all of our guest picks for July here and stay tuned to Pier Five for more stories and interviews with the coolest people around.

2022 Recipient: Aaniin Introducing Aaniin, one of the five recipients of the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund 2022! 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. 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 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." "We think the future of small business in Canada is Indigenous." Learn more about the Mastercard & Pier Five Small Business Fund, and discover the other 2022 recipients here.

Small Business Activation Grant Winner: Grays Introducing Grays, the grand prize recipient of the Pier Five & Intak Printing Activation Grant! Founders: Julia Gray & Connor Dudgeon Location: Toronto, ON Discover Grays online: Website // Instagram About Grays Grays is a Toronto-based clothing brand specializing in 100% Ontario made garments (using 100% Ontario wool) and a multi-brand clothing and home goods shop. Their mission is to reconnect consumers with the origins of their textiles, emphasizing transparency, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Grays collaborates with local artisans and mills to produce limited-run collections that celebrate Canadian wool and traditional textile practices. Through their retail space and brand, Julia and Connor aim to create a platform for education, storytelling, and connection, inviting customers to engage with the process behind what they wear and use every day. Whether it’s a jacket made from Ontario wool or a hand-bent steel wine rack, every item at Grays embodies the belief that knowing the maker and the materials matters. What is your vision with the grant funds and support from Pier Five & Intak Printing? With support from Pier Five and Intak Printing, our vision is to bring the story of Ontario wool to life through a special event that blends art, education, and hands-on engagement. We'll showcase the journey from farm to finished garment through a gallery exhibit, creative talks, and interactive demonstrations, giving our community a deeper appreciation for local textiles, craftsmanship, and the people behind them. We also want to integrate other aligned elements of natural craft into the experience, including natural Ontario wines and farm-to-table food for guests to enjoy, creating a holistic and immersive celebration of local artistry. How will this grant help you realize your long term goals? This grant helps us take a major step toward our long-term goals by giving us the platform to share our story and values with a wider audience in Toronto. It allows us to showcase why we focus on local textiles and ethical production, which is something we've never had the budget to do at this scale. By amplifying the full narrative of our process, from farm to mill to maker, we can deepen community connections, raise awareness about regenerative farming and Canadian wool, and lay the groundwork for national and international growth. This activation is a pivotal moment in our journey to establish Grays as a recognized leader in sustainable, locally made clothing. Photos supplied by Grays Learn more about the Pier Five & Intak Printing Activation Grant and discover the runner up recipients here.

Protecting Your Brand With Zak Kurtz of Sneaker Legal Almost every creative entrepreneur starts their business out of passion but as time goes on and the business grows, the legal matters of the business become more important but also often fall to the wayside. Zak Kurtz, lawyer and founder of Sneaker & Streetwear Legal Services dba Sneaker Legal, has turned his passion for kicks and coveted streetwear into a business designed to help creative entrepreneurs with all of those legal matters so that they can focus on their passions, while he focuses on his. We got the chance to chat with Zak about how he found an opportunity in a niche legal space, his tips for new creative entrepreneurs and what some of the keys have been to his success. Read the conversation below! Hey Zak! Thanks for chatting with us. Can you tell us a bit about you and your firm? Hey guys! So, my name is Zak Kurtz and I'm the founder of Sneaker & Streetwear Legal Services, also known as Sneaker Legal. Sneaker Legal works with clients in the sneakers, fashion, sports and entertainment space to help them protect their brand across a number of legal matters. You've built a very cool career in an admittedly niche space. What was the key to getting there? If you like something, go do it. I read a good book last week, and a line that I remember from it is, "let your joy be your GPS", meaning, whatever brings you passion, whatever brings you joy, do that in your life. Let that guide you. My grandfather was a judge, so I knew I wanted to be a lawyer but I wasn't sure about what in. I played soccer soccer in college overseas, so I thought I wanted to be a sports lawyer but in law school, while I was doing sports law, and I was president of all these things, and I was making a lot of money, I wasn't happy. I would sit on my computer and I would just look at trademarks like drawings of sneakers. Never did I know that one day I'd have a special law firm that's niche was in sneakers and streetwear. If you never giving up and follow your passions, that will definitely lead you to a good career and also a good life. We love that story and the self awareness about what makes you happy. At the end of the day, just be you. Staying true to yourself and what you love is the most important thing. If you're passionate about something, maybe it's sneakers and law or maybe it's something else, that will find a way to shine. If you want to build a brand and you're a good human being, people will come to you. We only live so long and I think it's important to be yourself and that really attracts people and brings good things into your life. You seem to have a great capability at getting clients. Any secrets there? A lot of the time, people don't reach out to legal because they're afraid of legal's answer always being "no". Due to this, most of the time when people come to lawyers, it's reactive. It's after you're getting a cease and desist or after you're getting a lawsuit. So, it's very important just to be upfront and work with your client so that that stuff doesn't happen. If you're releasing a shoe, come to us and we could say, "hey, this looks like an Adidas or a Nike. You might want to change this" or "this name is already trademarked by another company so you might want to change your name". We always take a very open approach because we believe it's important to be proactive with legal and I think that openness has helped create a welcome environment for new clients. Once you get a new client, what's often the first legal item that they might need help with? Starting is the hardest thing for your brand but once you start, you need to start thinking about all the stuff like establishing an LLC, registering trademarks, bringing on a lawyer or having someone around that you can ask those types of questions to. I can't tell you how many questions I get daily about little things like "should I have a contract for this?" or "do I need an NDA for that?". These are simple questions that a lawyer could answer for free or in a few minutes and I think it's good to start building that network and have that team environment. If I was to focus on one thing though, It would be the trademark. Anyone could actually do their own application or do some research but if you take it the next step and actually hire a lawyer, working on the trademark will really help protect your brand. That way you're boxing out the other people from using that name or that logo. Lastly, outside of the legal field, what's one piece of advice you'd give to a new entrepreneur or small business owner? You need to have a great team and be able to rely on other people because you can't do everything yourself. Then, once you find the right people, you need to trust them and let them do their job. I'm very cautious about every micromanaging them. I want my team to know that, as long they get the work done, they can be creative and flexible with their approach and I feel like that's been a key to the success of my team. Make sure to follow Sneaker Legal for all of your sneakers and streetwear legal info and keep it locked to Pier Five for more conversations with creative entrepreneurs and small business owners. Legal Disclaimer: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. 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The Business of Belonging Inside Piano Piano, every detail tells a story. The same can be said for its founders. Before anyone places an order, Piano Piano has already made an impression. At the Colborne Street location in downtown Toronto, cheetah-print wallpaper stretches across the dining room. The bathrooms are drenched in bright orange. Downstairs, a vintage carousel surrounds the bar, giving the room the feeling of an old carnival reimagined for dinner service. Every corner feels intentional, playful and unmistakably Piano Piano. When Victor Barry and Nikki McKean walk into the room, they somehow feel like part of the design themselves. Nikki arrives in a leopard-print jumpsuit that could have been pulled from the wallpaper, while Victor's floral knit shirt mirrors the warmth and personality of the restaurant around him. Spend an afternoon with them and it becomes clear that none of it happened by accident. Piano Piano has grown from a single restaurant into seven locations across Ontario, but throughout our conversation, Victor and Nikki rarely talked about growth for the sake of growth. They talked about experiences. About consistency. About people. About creating spaces that guests genuinely want to return to. Photo: Piano Piano That philosophy shows up in the smallest decisions. Ask Victor how he'd improve a slow Monday night and he doesn't start talking about discounts. He talks about giving people a reason to come back. Half-price wines. A lasagna that's only available one night a week. Small rituals that become part of someone's routine. "We're trying to build something that's going to last 20, 30, 40, 50 years," Victor says. "Location is important, but people have to keep coming back." For Nikki, hospitality begins long before the food reaches the table. As parents of young children, they often think about what makes a restaurant feel welcoming for families. Sometimes that means creating an incredible experience in under an hour. Great hospitality isn't measured by how long someone stays. It's about understanding what they need in that moment and making them feel like they belong. Photo: Piano Piano That balance between practicality and experience seems to shape almost every decision they make together. Nowhere is that more obvious than with one of Piano Piano's most recognizable pieces. Standing proudly inside the restaurant is a vintage carousel horse sourced from a collector in Miami. Before it was installed, Victor immediately started calculating what it would cost. Two seats would disappear from the dining room. Thousands of dollars in potential revenue would disappear with them. Nikki saw something else. She saw a story. A conversation piece. A reason people would remember the restaurant long after they left. The horse stayed. It's a funny story, but it quietly captures how the two founders think. Victor naturally gravitates toward systems, operations and long-term sustainability. Nikki sees atmosphere, emotion and the feeling guests take home with them. Neither perspective wins. The business is stronger because both exist. As Piano Piano expanded, those perspectives became even more important. "The second restaurant shows you every flaw," Victor says. It's a lesson many founders eventually learn. What works when you're in one room every day doesn't automatically work across multiple locations. Culture has to be built intentionally. Consistency can't rely on memory. Leadership has to exist long before the founders arrive. Today, much of that thinking has become part of Piano Piano's operating system. Pasta is produced in one commissary kitchen to ensure every location serves the same product. Leaders are developed from within. Every new challenge becomes another opportunity to improve the playbook. Photo: Piano Piano "The systems that are in place right now took time," Nikki says. "Restaurant one to two is huge because it shows you all of the flaws. From there, you really start to systemize what's working, what's not working and where you need to change things." If Victor often talks about systems, Nikki keeps returning to people. When we ask what leadership skill she'll spend the rest of her career improving, her answer comes instantly. "Listening." "Am I just waiting to talk, or am I really listening? There's a huge difference." It's a simple answer, but one that seems to underpin everything they've built. Listening to guests. Listening to employees. Listening to what a neighbourhood needs before deciding what Piano Piano should become there. Victor approaches decision-making with a similar balance. "Data is important," he says. "But always remember that data is looking backwards. You use it as an educated guess, and then make your gut choice." Perhaps that's what makes Piano Piano feel different. Every room is imaginative, but nothing feels random. Every system is intentional, but nothing feels rigid. The business has grown without losing the personality that made people fall in love with it in the first place. By the end of our conversation, it was difficult to separate the founders from the restaurants they'd built. The warmth. The creativity. The attention to detail. The structure behind the scenes. Every one of those qualities reflects Victor and Nikki as much as it reflects Piano Piano. Seven restaurants may be the headline, but it isn't the story. The story is about two founders who continue to approach hospitality with equal parts discipline and imagination, creating places that people don't simply visit. They return.