It's About Time

I needed a minute- but I'm back. I shared my truth with you and appreciate your love and checking in on me.  I will be back with more regular episodes soon, but needed to come through and explain this delay and really highlight that life is lifting right now and I am just rolling with the punches. Sending you all love and appreciation. Podcast site: https://zeeta.ca/podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/itsabouttimepodcast/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/MakingItHappenWithZeeta

About Mélissa Bolduc Mélissa started designing her own clothes that flattered her figure at the age of 17. This gave birth to a vocation that would ultimately lead to the creation of her own clothing line, Melow. To gain knowledge and perfect her talent, she headed to Vancouver, where she studied Fashion Merchandising at the John Casablanca Institute and Fashion Art at the Vancouver Community College. In 2007, she created her first collection and opened up her flagship boutique Melow par Mélissa Bolduc in Montréal, which is solely devoted to selling her clothing. In addition to her boutique, the Melow line can be found in 65 points of sale across Canada. About Melow Established in Montreal in 2007 and running strong with a loyal client base, the Melow line is designed for women of all shapes and sizes, ranging from XS to XXL. Proudly designed and made in Canada, the Melow collections have always embodied a casual yet sophisticated style. The designer's clever engineering of each piece makes the clothing adjust to flatter any body shape. Structured cuts draped into pleats and asymmetrical lines intelligently mix comfort and elegance. The choice of quality, fluid fabrics is instrumental in creating the ease-in-motion experienced when wearing Melow. As much as possible, the fabrics used by Melow are made in Canada as well. Melow's team has always been committed to helping sustainable development and works daily to minimize the impact of its activity on the planet. To achieve this, several concrete actions are taken from our manufacturing methods to the travel required for our production. We pay particular attention to the choice of our fabrics, many of which are made in Montreal. We always prefer natural fibres over synthetic fibres. Our production is entirely made in Canada, and about half is made in our workshop. This considerably reduces our ecological impact and encourages the local economy. https://melowparmelissabolduc.com/ https://www.facebook.com/melowparmelissabolduc https://www.instagram.com/melow_par_melissa_bolduc/

Pascale Lavache Plus Size Model, Writer, Radio Personality While Pascale's bio is in French she is perfectly bilingual and our interview is in English. Bio À travers son cheminement de carrière, Pascale Lavache, mannequin représentée par Foliodepuis maintenant 7 ans, a pris conscience d'un profond inconfort chez les femmes. Ambassadrice pour la semaine ”le poids sans commentaire” du groupe Équilibre, et porte-parole pour la société ANEB, elle comprend l'impact positif qu'elle a et continue d'avoir pour aider à développer l'estime de soi de chacune et chacun. En tant que chroniqueuse pour des magazines tels que NoovoMoi et Elle Québec, elle utilise sa plume et ses plateformes sociales où elle partage ses expériences personnelles et donne une voix à tous ceux qui ont besoin d'encouragements dans leur propre cheminement vers l'acceptation de soi. Passionnée de culture, de musique et de mode, c'est à travers la radio CIBL 101.5, qu'elle nous informe sur tout ce qui bouge dans la métropole et même dans le monde en prêtant sa voix tous les samedi à l'émission Chad Damord FM. IG: https://www.instagram.com/pascalelavache/ Blog: https://www.pascalelavache.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/pascale.lavache

Julie Savaria, founder of Bindia Savaria Julie Savaria is the founder of Bindia Savaria consulting and defines herself as a Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion designer, an Equity facilitator, and a global citizen at heart. A biochemist by training, Julie worked in clinical research for 5 years before completing an MBA from McGill University. It was then that she deepened her expertise in social impact and human- centered design thinking and the intersectionality of the public, private and social sectors. Julie worked for innovative and Fortune 500 organizations as well as public institutions, to help them further their conversations around racism and implement a sustainable strategy dedicated to all their employees. As such, she founded Bindia Savaria Consulting to help organizations start, deepen or establish their JEDI strategy or program, and JEDI Kids, a platform dedicated to helping caregivers and anyone raise the next generation of inclusive and (racially) mindful children. Julie is a TEDx speaker, a certified integral development coach, and a renowned panellist. She is also the Co-chair of the B Local Québec chapter, focusing on Collective Impact and Activism and an ambassador for the Just For Kids Foundation. Webpage: www.bindiasavaria.com www.jedikids.ca IG: @Julz_bindia , @bindiasavaria, @jedi_kid Facebook https://www.facebook.com/julie.bindiasavaria ; https://www.facebook.com/bindiasavaria ; https://www.facebook.com/kidsjedi

Tap Dancer. Performer. Choreographer. Speaker. Believer. Travis Knights is realizing his dreams, pounding rhythms on wood floors all over the world. His talent and dedication have earned him audiences in Shanghai, Dusseldorf, Paris, New York, and Vancouver to name a few. His career started in 2000, when he was cast as a principal dancer in the motion picture biography of Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson with Gregory Hines and Savion Glover. The film, 'Bojangles', was choreographed by the legendary Henry LeTang. In 2006, he was tapped to be the principal dancer in the video game adaptation of Warner Brother's 'Happy Feet'. In 2007 and 2008, Travis participated extensively as a Tap Dance consultant for Cirque du Soleil. He had the privilege of performing in Tandem Act Productions' 'Diary of a Tap Dancer' at the Apollo Theatre, and the touring show 'Wonderland: A Tap Tribute to Stevie Wonder', created by Ayodele Casel and Sarah Savelli. Knights was a featured Tap Dancer in the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. In the same year, he toured North America with the raucous and rowdy internationally acclaimed Australian Tap Dance show, Tap Dogs. From 2010 to 2013, Knights jumped into the dance company world as a principal dancer with Tapestry Dance Company in Austin, Texas under the artistic direction of Acia Gray. During his time there he was awarded the Austin Critic's Table Award for best dance artist in 2011 and 2013. In 2014, he embarked on a self-produced world tour, filming his web series entitled 'The Interviews' featuring celebrated pioneers in the tap dance world. In 2015, he debuted new works in Thomas Marek's show NOLA in Hamburg, Germany. In 2018, he worked once again with Cirque du Soleil in Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum. Later that year, he acted as the Artistic Director for the 2018 Vancouver International Tap Dance Festival. In 2019 Knights finished a two-year community development residency at the Tranzac Club in Toronto hosting the Jazz United Jam, a weekly jazz jam session aimed at connecting live musicians with dancers. He is the 2020 recipient of the Jaqueline Lemieux Prize for outstanding contribution to dance in Canada. He currently lives in Brampton, Ontario and hosts The Tap Love Tour Podcast, available on Spotify, Soundcloud and Apple podcasts, (make sure to subscribe) featuring interviews of a myriad of inspiring artists. In 2021 he will debut a new full-length original work commissioned by Anandem Dance Theatre called Ephemeral Artifacts. The one-man show will play at Theatre Passe Muraille in Toronto and at the Mai in Montreal. Website Facebook Instagram YouTube Soundcloud Podcast

Danielle Murrell Cox is a minimalist graphic designer & illustrator from Montreal. She is best known for her self-published colouring books Black Queens and Black Kings, which are filled with images of powerful people, and positive affirmations, that will help to uplift your spirit any day. These colouring books are great for people of all ages. Her colouring books went viral on social media and gave her the opportunity to have segments on CBC, Global and CTV, amongst many other local & international platforms. The viral post on social media also gave her the opportunity to create a book with publisher HarperCollins, together they released her board book, “My Hair”. My Hair is the perfect introduction to an array of beautiful hairstyles for tiny naturalistas-in-training! In addition to her work as a graphic designer, she is the founder, illustrator and designer of her plush toy brand, “Zuri & Dre.” The toy brand officially launched in January 2021, and are based on her colouring books. Along with her own work, she is also recognized for being the illustrator and designer for the “Big Dreamers: The Canadian Black History Activity Book for Kids” Series.

Bibigi Haile is the founder of The Beauvoir Group, a career management and personal branding consultancy. She works with women in middle and senior management roles, helping them make bold moves in their lives and careers as they discover the possibilities that come with finding and owning their unique voice. Bibigi is a sought-after keynote speaker and business strategist. With a background in organizational development and strategic change management consulting, her career expands over several industries including finance and investment management. Applying a research and evidence-based approach, Bibigi guides her clients through transformational change. Her current focus on imposter syndrome and women's visibility through personal branding has earned her spots on national stages. She hosts Speaking with Women, a podcast about the experience of women in the modern workplace. Bibigi is also and especially the mother of a wise 6-year-old, a third culture kid, a podcast and book nerd and a running enthusiast.

Chandravati (Wendy) Ramnarine, B. Sc. Psych, AYU Ayurveda Practitioner | Teacher | Energy Medicine Chandravati (also known as Wendy) has always had an interest in people, culture, wellness, yoga and meditation. After spending her youth traveling and living in Australia, she returned to Montreal to complete her Bachelors in Psychology in combination with training in Yoga Therapy, Hatha Yoga and Vedanta Philosophy with Dr. Madan Bali. She further went on to complete her Ayurvedic studies and Energy medicine under the private tutelage of the 4th generation Vaiyda Anita Sharma, founder of the Institute of Ayurveda & Well being. Starting this work since 2009, she brings a variety of experience and understanding of specific treatments available to aid healing the mind, body and soul. As a member of the ANN (Naturopath Association), Canadian Yoga Teacher Alliance as well as the International Association of Yoga Therapists. She has worked in both one on one and in groups settings regarding treatments of imbalances and dis-eases. She has provided numerous workshops and teachings on various aspects of health & wellness and in both private, social and corporate settings. Through her love of Ayurveda, she is now the founder of the Skylit Ayurveda Center. She is grateful on a daily basis for the opportunity to offer people a place to feel safe, to challenge themselves and deepen their all aspects of their personal growth, as well as her own. "Chandavati (Chandra 'moon' + vati 'light') literallymeans ‘lit by the moon'. Chandavati also means"of a princess" in Sanskrit. As the moon lights up the sky at night, it is my mission to provide a glimmer of light in what seems like a darkening world. "

Vinay is the founder and curator of The Cutlass, a progressive podcast and social media platform dedicated to the Indo-Caribbean community and descendants of Indian indentureship. He tackles culture, religion, politics, history, and entertainment through his posts, as well as with his podcast guests. To access his content, follow The Cutlass on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook (@cutlasspodcast) and listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, AudioBoom, Deezer, iHeartRadio, and JioSaavn. Having taught himself his ancestral language, Vinay's research centers on documenting and revitalizing Hindustani among those living in the West Indies, in addition to the diaspora. His ongoing archival project consists of interviews with elders who still speak the language and have knowledge of old customs that are at risk of fading with time.

Akilah Newton is an activist, entrepreneur and author. She has always had a fascination with the arts and pursued her passion by studying music, drama and dance, and performing in productions at John Abbott College and as a member of the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir. In 2003 she moved to England to attend the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. After earning a BA in Arts, Music & Entertainment Management she returned to Montreal and founded an organization for artistically-inclined youth. She founded Overture with the Arts (OWTA) in 2009; an organization committed to making the arts accessible to youth from all walks of life. She made it her mission to produce OWTA programs and events that spark discussions about social change. One of OWTA's most popular programs is their annual Black History Month school tour. The tour visits schools across Canada and educates youth about Canadian Black History using music and spoken word. Akilah is also the founder of Akilah Newton Projects Inc.; a company that celebrates diversity in ethnicity, gender and orientation through literature, games and art activities and supplies. In 2018 Akilah co-wrote the children's book Big Dreamers: The Canadian Black History Activity Book for Kids Volume 1. The book highlights the achievements of Black Canadians whose stories are often left untold. Since 2018, Big Dreamers has sold over 6,000 copies. Due to the popularity of the book, in November 2020, Akilah co-wrote and self-published Big Dreamers: The Canadian Black History Activity Book for Kids Volume 2, which has sold over 3,000 copies. 2021 has been an exciting year for Akilah with the recent launch of her first full colour children's storybook titled Movers, Shakers, History Makers: The Canadian Black History Book of Rhymes. In addition, she has several other product launches this year including a jigsaw puzzle, a line or crayons and more!

Mama Oracle is a therapist in Energy Medicine, a herbalist, and a doula. She started her initiation into Energy Healing in 2012 and has since practiced in the Caribbean and Canada, treating thousands of people. She's helped countless individuals overcome anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, childhood traumas, sexual traumas, abuse, and more, as well as helping them release the blocages and stagnant energies affecting their lives. She has helped numerous women get pregnant and also supports women in their pregnancies, along with assisting their births.

Happy New Year dear listeners. I want to sincerely thank you for listening and cannot wait to start sharing new episodes. New guests, great topics and deep conversations are on their way! I wish you self love and kindness this 2022. We can and will get through this! Sending you love, light and hugs, Zeeta!

Massage Therapist - Barber - Self Published Author - Public Speaker Sarah Gagne is a multi-faceted entrepreneur. She has so much to bring to the table and is an open book, that she decided to “un-Funk” herself with her self-published memoir called Mind Funk. It is a deep dive into her story and shares private moments of various realizations, endearing moments and reckoning with herself and relationship to others. She bravely used this experience to shed some layers and understand herself in a more profound manner. She is an accomplished athlete, coach and massage therapist. But -, ohhh, she is so much more than that. This episode cracks the surface, thanks for diving in. Socials: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.gagne.79 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahgagne22/ https://www.instagram.com/sarahgagne_mtl/ https://www.instagram.com/thesgxperience/

Singer, songwriter, bassist, producer, entertainer Fredy V is back with a brand new EP, and this time he brought along his powerhouse band, The Foundation. Their trademark funk sound rises to new levels while combining Afro-pop influences that reflect the group's diversity. The Foundation From their weekly TV appearances as the house band for CBC/Radio-Canada talk show Les Poilus, to performances at the Montreal Jazz Fest and Cape Verde's Atlantic Music Expo, the group consistently displays an inclusive and multicultural experience that warrants their catch phrase “We got some for everybody!” Fredy V & The Foundation released their debut EP ‘ONE STEP' in the Fall of 2020. This collaborative process saw each member's experience and skill put into writing, composing, arranging and producing; giving light to catchy powerhouse songs that seamlessly combine R&B, funk, afropop and hip hop. From backing band to production team, The Foundation is on course to becoming major contributors to Canada's flourishing R&B culture. GIMME THE CHECK PODCAST Artist/Producer Fredy V takes his humble experience as a music journalist and jumps into the media industry with the launch of his very own podcast GIMME THE CHECK: The show highlights Montreal's budding and diverse R&B scene and provides a much needed platform for Montreal based artists, producers and music industry professionals to dictate their respective narratives.

Michal Harewood aka the Natural Hair Whisperer Michal Harewood has worked tirelessly for the past decade to bring you a school and comprehensive curriculum for the 21st century. She has worked directly with the Imaging and Microscopy Laboratory at Concordia to work on Cuticle patterns that determine shine and porosity, Internal water distribution to determine elasticity within a hai strand as well as a scientific approach to curl typing through calculating the variation in a diameter's size along a single hair strand. Working with thousands of clients has infused new research techniques and an inclusive approach on all hair types. If you don't have one don't stress, send me some pointers; some background information you would like to help me shape some questions. While I already adore you and there are so many reasons I do, I want to make sure to highlight the key talking points you would like to discuss on the show. Socials: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0ELpnZK8bRkghVuexqZYVg https://www.instagram.com/natural_hair_whisperer/ https://www.facebook.com/michal.harewood https://www.instagram.com/inhairitancecan/

Roen Higgins is an award-winning Spoken Word Poet, Educator, dynamic Speaker, and Impact Coach. Her mission is to Elevate her audience with important life skills such as self-care, resilience, leadership, creative literacy & community well-being. Roen loves helping young people Emerge and Adults Shift towards Elevation. As a coach, she is dedicated to raising others to get unstuck and tap into their genius zone. Socials: https://www.facebook.com/roenhiggins/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/roen-higgins-ab156436/ https://www.instagram.com/roenhiggins/

Svens Telemaque Svens Telemaque ranks as one of the most impactful speakers touching youth empowerment today. After multiple arrests and various feats with death, he abandoned familiarity and a life of drug trafficking to start anew. Since relocating to Montreal in 2007, Svens has co-founded L'art Selah, a poetry collective which provides a platform for writers and arms listeners with hope. In 2014 he released his first book entitled Pen of a Ready Writer Vol.1 and has been featured on CBC., Global News, Breakfast Television, and other major networks. As a social entrepreneur, Svens has been recognized as a regional finalist for Start-Up Canada and awarded the Community Leadership Award from Montreal Community Cares, amongst other honours. Svens has empowered thousands through his youth empowerment tour across the U.S., Canada, The Caribbean, and Africa. His compelling story does not idolize a troublesome past but reminds us that even "Broken Crayons Still Color". Socials: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063705123926 https://www.linkedin.com/in/svenst/ https://www.instagram.com/svens_telemaque/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SvensTelemaque https://twitter.com/svens_telemaque

Looking at Tiara Jade Chutkhan gave me so many feels! She looks like me; she could be my little sister, cousin or niece. She is my kin and we never met. It was refreshing to speak to a young woman who has taken the time to find her purpose, dig deep into her heritage, and uncover the stories that made us. The resilience in our lineage is so impressive and uncovering the stories that our parents and grandparents never talk about is so powerful. I began questioning my own rich heritage and powerful story of how my parents parents parents made their way from India to Trinidad. The first reality is that I always thought it was much deeper in my history, but it is no more than 4 generations ago. That in itself wowed me, and then I went to where we all go; the interwebs! I came across an Instagram page @browngyaldiary. The stories, images and content spoke to me. I hit up Tiara and asked if she would be down for an interview and the rest is the magic of this episode. I felt connected to her instantly and a warmness that I would family, kin. I enjoyed the chance to see what she and her friends are so fearlessly bringing to the forefront, stories and an understanding of our culture and education for us all really. I have also decided to take a piece of her advice to heart and start talking and interviewing my parents and elders while I can. Giving them the space to talk and open up is healing and shines a new type of light on the kind of love our fore-parents had for us. I am excited that I opened this Pandora's Box. To be honest I do not know if its excitement, I feel like I am starting to open myself up, learn some tough truths and more than anything be proud of my people and all those that boarded ships and made it out alive – so I could LIVE. So, I can thrive. So, I can challenge, question, and begin my own origin story. This episode was what I needed, and I hope that you are able to enjoy it and maybe start your own quest. Feel free to send in your thoughts and feedback- looking forward to hearing from you. And, thank you for listening J https://www.instagram.com/browngyaldiary/ https://www.instagram.com/bookwormbabee/

Monk.E is a force, a vision, a shining light that touches everyone he meets and those he doesn't with his magic. His art is magic, and hearing Monk.E speak of his art like his children is exactly what I envision. He speaks from his heart, and he paints his truth. Monk.E is a creative through and through. He has been making Hip Hop music for years with uplifting messages and crazy beats. His creativity is phenomenal, one look at his stunning murals stays with you in the most beautiful way. I had the privilege to meet him face to face after wanting to purchase a painting he made, as I discuss in this episode, and feel so blessed for this encounter because every conversation since has been so uplifting. I hope this conversation brings you the joys it did me. Monk.E is such a blessing and can't wait for your feedback! Let me know your thoughts, I'm always happy to hear from you! Enoy! Monk.E Socials: https://www.youtube.com/user/Monke1officiel https://www.instagram.com/monke_k6a/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/0iA2L1Fbkwp3PxiSD22Uou https://monk-e.bandcamp.com/ https://www.youtube.com/user/Monke1officiel

Alfonso Cuadra is a serial entrepreneur, speaker, author, success coach, and philanthropist. He has endured many hardships in his life, and like a phoenix, he always rises. This episode of It's About Time dive in and learn more about his story and more importantly I hope you feel his winning spirit and drive come through. It has to be one of the most endearing and honest qualities about him. I appreciate his ability to tell his truth, but to also give back and allow others to also flourish under his mentorship. For the last 20 years he has been in real estate, and is instrumental using his life experiences and insights in helping people think big. https://alfonsocuadra.ca/ https://twitter.com/ALFONSO13 https://www.facebook.com/AlfonsoCuadra13 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfonso-cuadra-75463615/ https://www.instagram.com/alfonsocuadra/ https://www.youtube.com/user/alfonso2k8?app=desktop

Fimo Mitchell, Founder of When The Village Meditates, Meditation guide, writer and podcast host Pastel Remembrances is an offering of sixteen short stories that will take readers to different places from where they stand. A testimonial of travelling abroad, each story touches the pulse of what ignites societies. Captured are the dynamics of relationships in environments unlike what we think we know. These stories peel back the layers of what it means to see and to be seen in an unfamiliar place, and what transpires as a result. Social Media https://www.instagram.com/fimomitchell/ https://www.facebook.com/FimoMitchell/ Www.fimomitchell.com https://www.whenthevillagemeditates.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC30W7odUjnBG8v7jr0ixeLA https://open.spotify.com/show/2M1FSRzn6FsDxTg88QNkrs

Alfonso Cuadra is a serial entrepreneur, speaker, author, success coach, and philanthropist. He has endured many hardships in his life, and like a phoenix, he always rises. This episode of It's About Time dive in and learn more about his story and more importantly I hope you feel his winning spirit and drive come through. It has to be one of the most endearing and honest qualities about him. I appreciate his ability to tell his truth, but to also give back and allow others to also flourish under his mentorship. For the last 20 years he has been in real estate, and is instrumental using his life experiences and insights in helping people think big. https://alfonsocuadra.ca/ https://twitter.com/ALFONSO13 https://www.facebook.com/AlfonsoCuadra13 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfonso-cuadra-75463615/ https://www.instagram.com/alfonsocuadra/ https://www.youtube.com/user/alfonso2k8?app=desktop

I would like to apologize for the laps in time from the last episode to this one. Times are tough for everyone and I was honestly trying to get it together. You see during this very unprecedented time, I was also nearing the end of my pregnancy and was navigating how to have a baby, our first, during a pandemic and isolation. Without making this about me, I am happy to say little mama is thriving and at 6 weeks old we are coming into a pretty cool routine. Therefore, I was able to get this episode together. One lesson I have learned already about parenting is presence. I can't do a million things at once, I need to focus and be present. That means other things take a back seat. It is somewhat beautiful to be present, especially nowadays with so many distractions. This is why I would like to apologize, the delay went longer than even I anticipated and for that I am sorry. I don't plan on making this a reoccurring theme - but, I do appreciate the love and check ins I have been getting from listeners. You are simply the best! (That means people dig what I'm doing and are listening!!!!) This episode features fashion icon, Simon Chang. I met him at a function launching his collaboration with the Canadian discount store Giant Tiger. It so happened I was seated as his table and we hit it off. I noticed a few things about him immediately, his humility, simplicity, his joy de vivre. And, most importantly he loves what he does. It shows in how he talks, how he gestures and how he respects himself and others. He was so gracious when we met, and said yes when I asked if he would be interested in being interviewed. I would like to point out, that he said yes without hesitation - there have been people that are still on the come up, as it were, that I have asked to interview and they have been like "let me hear a few episodes and holla back". Not Simon Chang. Simon freaking Chang ... this was a lesson to me - real recognize real. He was so down and open that he connected me with his people instantly and started to sync blocks of time with me instantly. He didn't lowkey brush me off and never get back. He didn't ask a million questions about the show, he said he saw me, my intentions and was all in. He cleared his entire afternoon for me, I was touched. And, still am at how he and his team were with me and my team. Not just professional, but warm. That's the difference between someone who does things with positive intentions and love and others who do things for ulterior motives. His sparkle, that twinkle in his eye is real .. his soul smiles. It made me see that his success is only part of his story, his love of life, people, art and creativity are the other parts. With an open heart he has been able to try his hand at so many creative elements and soar. Simon's genuine curiosity keeps him young and so does his spirit. He is a bright light and am very grateful he took the time to shine some of it on me. I hope you enjoy this interview and as always encourage any feedback or comments my way. I have to tell you, Mr. Chang is simply put, a gem. www.simonchang.com Facebook Instagram

This is a short and sweet episode with painter extraordinaire Justin Bua. You will notice that it's a bit more tough to hear- and this is because I was granted access to chat with him at an event in a supper club downtown Montreal. I was thrilled to meet him in person; I interviewed him almost 20 years ago when I was running and co-operating a music magazine called Vinyl. What I find interesting - is the same genuine kindness and concern to connect with people then, shone through no as well. It's a short interview not only because he was being pulled in a million directions, but also because a vicious thunder and lightening storm started and the make shift space we were in was in face the terrace that was closed in and we were getting drizzled on at first, and slowly but surely rained on. I would like to note, it didn't stop Justin one bit - I was more worried. Regardless, there are many gems that he drops in this short interview and happy to be able to share this with you. Justin Bua's work has been synonymous with capturing our culture , Hip Hop Idols, the raw and classic cool of Jazz and modern day heroes and icons. His work has become a baseline for all things reflective and cool pretty much like himself. He is rooted in gratitude and I feel that propels his creativity and his career further. I would love to chat with him in depth at a later date to see how some of the projects he talks about develop. Give thanks for giving this short capsule a listen and as always please feel free to send me your thoughts, feedback and comments. Justin Bua Website Instagram Twitter Art Attack w/ Lizy Dastin and Justin BUA Instagram Libsyn Facebook

Daniel-Jocelyne Otou is a brand strategist, entrepreneur, and social engagement enthusiast. Originally from Cameroun, DJ moved to Canada from Senegal at age 4, where she grew up as an engaged youth, involved in many youth organizations. 5 years ago, while bed ridden from a difficult pregnancy, Daniele created and launched FemaleDepartment.com, a collective for women whose mission is to facilitate conversations and experiences -both online and IRL. She now also works at Apathy Is Boring, Canada’s official Youth Get Out The Vote Organization, where she’s merging her passion for brand strategy and community work. Author: Marianne Williamson A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles" Author: Malcolm Gladwell Outliers: The Story of Success Jay Shetty podcast

The first time you hear Kwite Sane's style of DJing in the club, you'll immediately be transported into a world well worth experiencing. Kwite Sane, with his strong charismatic personality, creates absolute mayhem on the dance-floor with his extraordinary mixing ability and microphone skills which only a few deejays can possess. He has over 20 years of being the crowd-pleaser in the club mixing it up from Hip-Hop to Reggae to R&B to Dance music... seamlessly. He has been billed with several major hip-hop acts over the years including Diddy, Nas, Rick Ross, Mya, Bow Wow and Wacka Flocka Flame to name a few and has toured with the likes of Lloyd Banks, Sean Paul and the late Guru of Gang Starr. In 1999, after years of honing his craft on the local club scene, Kwite Sane began a Friday night after-hour residency at the now legendary CLUB SONA in Montreal. His weekly 3 hour sets instantly earned him the reputation of being an innovative and amazing deejay. Due to popular demand, Sane took his high powered sets around the globe. He played his first European gigs in 2004 in Rome, Italy. Later on that same year, he returned to spin at various clubs in Belgium and made an unforgettable surprise appearance at CLUB MONDIAL in Holland. The rest is history. In Montreal, Sane has residencies at Dagobert (Quebec City), Complexe Sky, and can be spotted rocking at other clubs throughout the city. When he's not in the club he can be heard throughout the airwaves with the MIDDAY MIX daily and the TGIF MIXSHOW Fridays both on Curacao's #1 Hip-Hop radio station Rockorsou 88.3fm. Kwite Sane has been a longtime member of the 600+, most influential deejay collective in the world, The CORE DJS (www.coredjradio.ning.com). To add to his accolades, has won MONTREAL'S BEST HIP-HOP DJ for 2008 and MONTREAL'S BEST CLUB DJ for 2009 at the Montreal Dj Awards. Sane's also been nominated 5 years running since 2006 and again in 2012 and 2013 in Canada's STYLUS DJ AWARDS winning in 2006. Facebook Twitter Instagram djkwitesane@gmail.com

Get to know Kevin Selman, in his own words. As a brief insight into myself, Kevin Selman, owner/president of Spar Training. Coupled with my success as a personal trainer/ group fitness instructor, university athlete; my specialty is primarily focused on sport specific strength and conditioning. My goal works in tandem with that of the client; improving their performance or skill in a sport. My strength and conditioning facility is geared towards sports performance advancements; it is designed with ample weight training and conditioning equipment seeing that strength and power are crucial to the success of most athletes. My goal for young students/ aspiring athletes is that of; firstly, to improve one’s athletic performance, essentially working on improving the athletes speed, strength, and power. Another focus I emphasize with my athletes is the goal to reduce athletic injury by incorporating mobility and flexibility protocols. This is designed and researched by developing regimes/programs that strengthen body parts that are prone to injury in a specific sport. I am skilled in developing systematic training programs for both teams and individual athletes, working with close direction from their coach. I discuss and teach proper strength training techniques along with a vast plethora of various drills and highly developed circuits, all while maintaining proper supervision and motivating athletes as they train and improve themselves. S.P.A.R. Training 845e Tecumseh St, Pointe-Claire, Quebec H9R 1A1 Phone number: (514) 318-4339 spartrainingmtl.com Instagram Facebook

For more than 20 years, Shirlette Wint has practiced in Montreal as a clinical social worker, psychotherapist, researcher and cultural consultant. She works with clients presenting mental health problems often related to issues of identity, self-actualization, marginalization and integration. To her work she brings her interest in art, culture and spirituality. Over the years she collaborated on multiple community / university action research projects that explored cultural capital among youths within Montreal’s Afro-Caribbean and Filipino communities. In 2015 Shirlette contributed a chapter in the book Cultural Consultation: Encountering the Other in Mental Health Care, a Springer publication. In her chapter she discussed community consultation with racialized minorities. Earlier in her career she worked with the Black community Resource Center, the Cote des Black Community Center, Women on the Rise and Nyata Nyata dance Compagnie. Shirlette is also a founding member and former director of the Aspire Canadian Cultural Alliance and Foundation (ACCAF) a non-profit organization based in Montreal, Quebec, dedicated to the development and promotion of artistic and cultural productivity of individuals and groups from cultural minority communities. The last thing you may want to know about Shirlette is that the first 11 years of her life was spent in rural Jamaica. From 11 until early 30’s she lived in NYC. And moved to semi-rural Rouyn Noranda, Quebec in early the early 90’s. She currently lives in Montreal with her husband of 27 years in the former Red Light district. LinkedIn

Jessica Gohier is a resume expert, freelance writer, entrepreneur and facilitator of career objectives. She founded Profilia CV in 2008, and her organization now offers resume writing services to professionals across industries and seniority levels. In addition to her 10+ years of valuable experience interviewing job seekers to write their documents, her qualifications include an undergraduate degree in Applied Human Sciences (Concordia University) as well as Project Management certification from McGill. Her super power is helping others see themselves through a renewed light, highlighting relevant skills & expertise in a way they may not have yet considered. Ultimately, her own career passion is marketing people based on their own aspirations and career objectives. Wordsmith with a vision, she paints accurate yet impressive pictures, which match potential employees with employers! Through her passion for helping people and encouraging their personal development, she has established herself as a trusted reference in terms of resume development and professional advice. In addition to writing for individual clients and organizations, her work is also featured on Jobillico.com, highly reputable references in terms of online job search and career advice. www.profilia.ca LinkedIn Instagram Youtube

A passionate yoga teacher, speaker and entrepreneur, Rozel has close to 20 years of experience in the fitness industry, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and MBA in Business Development from McGill University. Following her son's battle with cancer in 2010, Rozel left a successful corporate career in finance to follow her dream and open the Energie EnCorps Wellness Centre. The center is an expression of gratitude for her son's remission and a platform to promote pro-active, balanced and healthy living. Rozel pours her heart and soul into uplifting others, teaching others to live in the present moment and to take the philosophy of yoga off the mat and into the world. Instagram Website Facebook

“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak” Rachael Zoe Monica Giliati is a personal fashion stylist who is inspired by women and their stories. Coming from a fine arts background, Monica explored the world of fashion after studying in Italy and working with renowned fashion houses in all aspects of marketing, styling and PR. She finally found her place when the one-on-one aspect of personal styling taught her values about life and art that no other form could. She is inspired by listening to her client’s needs, understanding their inspirations, goals and attributes and be able to offer style choices that will help enhance their professional, lifestyle or high fashion image. Her goal to help women feel powerful, confident and beautiful is what fuels her energy day after day. Her passion for yoga, fitness and travel are what keeps her grounded, and at the same time curious to explore what the extremities of life have to offer. Meeting and connecting with new people everyday is a gift that is both thrilling and limitless and encourages her compassion for others. Social Media Instagram Facebook Website Book Recommendations: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People By Stephen R. Covey How to Win Friends and Influence People By Dale Carnegie

Get to know the man behind the brand. Learning about his journey and the ability to grow his opportunities and eventually become a premiere influencer and ambassador for various brands. Being open, taking risks and learning to seize the moments are just some of the take aways from this interview with Marcus Troy. I got the chance sit with him and pick his brain on his daily rituals, favourite books and how he navigates the very murky waters that is social media. I have a deep respect for his anonymity and overview on life. Social Media Links IG: https://www.instagram.com/marcustroy/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcustroy www.marcustroy.com Book Recommendations Pitch Anything Rich Dad Poor Dad Think and Grow Rich: The Black ChoiceEdit

Naskadmini Self-taught Photographer. World traveler and cohost of What a Time to Be Online among a myriad of other things. A ‘true content creator’ with a vision and mission to promote highlight and uplift voices of those mostly unseen or unheard. It is hard to describe Naska without sounding like a groupie. This is mostly because I have watched his career develop from the sidelines and have the utmost respect for his ability to mature his craft, take risks, photograph amazing places and people all the while being humble and maintaining this unwavering integrity. Having a keen business sense from young, an ability to thrive in all settings and a foundation routed in family and togetherness make him enigmatic and magnetic at the same time. Personally being in his presence brings me a sense of peace and tranquility with a peppering of deep conversation that is not superficial and so appealing that it feeds into his magnetism. He was a terrific guest for tis inaugural episode and look forward to having him on in the future. NaskaDemini’s Social IG: https://www.instagram.com/naskademini/?hl=en FB: https://www.facebook.com/naskademiniPhotography/ Tumbler: https://naskademini.tumblr.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/naskademini?lang=en Web: https://www.naskademini.com/ What a Time to Be Online: https://soundcloud.com/whatatimetobeonline Book Recommendations Outliers: The Story of Success: Malcom Gladwell Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice: Dennis Kimbro and Napoleon Hill