Seven Creative People in Toronto To Know About
Since moving here two months ago, I've worked together with some amazing creative people in Toronto. One of the most amazing things I've learned through a big move is that there is creativity at work everywhere. In San Diego, it was amazing to see those who put their hearts and souls into their work. Whether it was a blogging hobby or a full time photography career, the energy was there all the same. When we found out we were moving to Toronto, I was sad to leave that behind in San Diego. I wasn't all too sure where to start looking for a similar energy. Alas, a little creative digging on social media and what do you know? There are some amazing creative people rocking Toronto too.
Creative People in Toronto
It's my pleasure to introduce you to seven creative people who I've met since moving to Toronto. These creatives are to me successful because they
- exude great character
- possesses lots of motivation & drive
- are an inspiration for others
Do these ladies have those qualities? You bet. I asked these ladies some fun questions so you can get a glimpse into my world, see their creativity at work, and get to know (& follow) them to see why I think they are so fabulous!
1 | A Photographer | Ally Payetta of A.Payetta Photography
Ally and I met a few weeks ago, via another successful ass kicker (i.e.: successful entrepreneur) Nicole. From the moment you meet Ally, you get caught up in her ease and general positivity. She shot some of my first Toronto style images for my blog and I am eternally grateful to her for that!
Tattoo quote, "More than a Woman"
- || In 3 Words? Relaxed. Creative. Personable.
- || What she's working on? Other than fabulous photography, Ally is Fundraising for The Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It's goal is to end domestication of Elephants in Thailand. Ally visited the sanctuary back in 2014 and its stayed close to her heart ever since. Ally is selling her photos of the elephants to help with the fundraising efforts.
- || Addictions? Her breakfast power bowl. Gluten free oats, chia seeds, mashed banana, almond milk, almond butter, cinnamon, and blackberries.
- || Favorite Toronto places to hang? Montauk on Dundas (great drinks, good vibe) and Track and Field (cool vibe, bocce ball, and shuffleboard). Need she say more?
- || Where to Find Ally? On her website, Instagram, and find out more about her fundraising work!
2 | A Branding Consultant || Meet Nicole, a fabulously talented branding consultant & owner of Bot Communications
Nicole and I met briefly at The Altitude Summit conference last year. Being from Toronto herself, we connected again when I moved here! (Positive proof of a small world.) She and I became instant buddies and you can just tell, she's brewing with talent. She's embarking on a branding tour to share her talent with others.
- || In 3 Words? Connector. Passionate. Creative.
- || What she's working on? Hitting the road for a branding workshop tour. Brand[ed] is a one day workshop for creatives to learn about branding, business plans, social media, photo tips, and much more! Brand[ed] will stop in Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, and Vancouver.
- || Addictions? Mini eggs and her new blender. Smoothies, soups, and hummus are on the blender menu to balance out all the mini eggs (-;
- || Favorite Toronto places to hang? Boxcar Social and Propeller Coffee.
- || Where to Find Nicole? On Instagram, her webpage/blog, and find out more about attending Brand[ed]!
3 || Creative Director || Meet Tiffany Pratt, lover of life and Toronto creative genius!
Tiffany and I met at Tori's Bake Shop last month over coffee and a most delicious savory scone. She is energetic, genuine, and being around her is like being caught up in a swirly rainbow of delightful color. Tiffany is one of those people that you want to be around simply because of the trail of creativity that emanates from her in every direction. She's full of energy, smiles, and hugs. Oh, and did I say, glitter?
- || In a quote? Baby You're a Firework. Come on let your colors burst. Make 'em go, "Aah, aah, aah", You're gonna leave 'em all in, awe, awe, awe." - Katy Perry
- || What she's working on? She's working on, and very excited about, LIFE and what she can create within it! (From writing a book, to working with HGTV and dousing all things lovely in pink, she's got quite a fun & fabulous resume (-;)
- || Addictions? Chocolate (and pink houses of Buffalo!)
- || Favorite Toronto places to hang? Her home, the Glitter Suite, on the Beach.
- || Where to Find Tiffany? On Instagram and her website
4 || Design Creative || Met Meg, beautifully talented Stylist + Creative Interior Designer & Blogger at Modern Camper
Meg and I first met when I reached out to her on Instagram (gotta love Insta!) after I found out I was moving to Toronto. She and I met over tea & lunch last month and we immediately hit it off. She is a gem; full of kindness, talent, and has an amazing eye for minimalist design.
- || In three words? Hopeless romantic, artistic curator, mama to two girls
- || What she's working on? She is currently working on a project that has her immensely excited but also grateful to the creative community to share knowledge, experiences, and collaborations that will change people forever!
- || Addictions? She loves her afternoon chai lattes. They've replaced the average cup of coffee. It's the loveliest cozy little cup of steamy goodness!
- || Favorite Toronto places to hang? She loves a good art gallery or museum, like the AGO & the ROM, both beautiful museums in downtown Toronto. But you'll also find her at Mimico, eating the best donuts or snacking on the pasqualina & latte at La Merceria.
- || Where to Find Meg? On Instagram and her website, Modern Camper.
5 || PR Founder | Meet Ashley, CEO of Creative Consultancy, Ruby Social Co.
Another meet up through Instagram here (Toronto is full of amazing Toronto creatives!), Ashley had me at champagne. Both lovers of exploring cities, her daily pics of Toronto helped me navigate a new city like a champ. She is a darling who gave me some helpful tips when we moved here and I can't wait to soak up more of her loveliness!
- || Descriptive phrase? Maker of Magic
- || What's Quaintrelle all about? Quaintrelle is a women who experiences life of passion expressed through personal style, charm, and cultivation of life's pleasures, among other things.
- || What she's got going on? Ashley stays busy as a PR gal in Toronto, just recently got engaged and has a very big move to Paris coming up, so you'll have to stay tuned!
- || Addictions? Iced coffee, and flowers!
- || Favorites in Toronto? Cedarvale Park (for picnics and croquet. It's sprawling and you'll have the whole place to yourself!), Her Majesty's Pleasure for a beauty refresh, and Colette for coffee and a croissant.
- || Where to Find Ashley? On Instagram and her website, Quaintrelle
6 || Shop Owner & Artist || Meet Christine, talented artist, photographer, & owner of the boutique shop, Love the Design
When I walked into Christine's shop for the first time, I was overcome by visual stimulation of the best kind. I immediately started taking pictures of everything. Her shop is a reflection of her talent, her artistry, and her character. She is a beautiful curator but moreover, you can see that every piece she finds, brings into her shop, and breathes life into was meant be there. She has an amazing display of personal artwork on the walls of the shop, another passion of hers, which she brings together beautifully. Christine and I chatted over coffee and I knew we'd be hanging out again soon. I loved listening to her excitement over photography and can't wait to see her solo shows!
- || In three words? Curator. Designer. Artist.
- || What she's got going on? Among other things, she has been working on two solo photography shows, one at Parts Gallery of Toronto in May and another in Boston at Gold Gallery in May.
- || Where to Find Christine? Follow her beautiful Instagram feed and you can pop into her amazing shop, Love the Design.
7 || Meet Stephanie, a digital marketer by day and fabulous blogger at Beau Mondes at night.
Stephanie and I have had doses of coffee, a spot tea, and an oh-so-delicious cocktail at some of the most lovely places in Toronto. All the while, we've chatted it up and I've found her to be one of the lovelies gals around. She delights in all the romance that Toronto has to offer and it's been fun to experience it with her as someone new to the city. Stephanie is relaxed with a quiet energy and that's just what I think is so great about her.
- || In a few words? Nostalgist. Day dream believer. Willed by Wanderlust.
- || What she's got going on? She & her beau are renovating their century old home, through which she's uncovered some interesting history. She just recently found a map that dated her home all the way back to 1898!
- || Addictions? The iced green tea lemonade from Starbucks.
- || Favorite Toronto spots? There are so many amazing restaurants in the city, but favorites have to be, Colette, Geraldine, and Smith.
- || Where to Find Stephanie? Follow her darling Instagram feed and visit her delightful blog, Beau Mondes.
How are you inspired by creativity at work? I want to hear all about it. Leave a comment on the blog & share this post to inspire others in their creativity too. I am always inspired by creative people doing what they love. Thank you ladies for sharing your inspiration with me & I couldn't be happier to share what you do on Art in the Find. xx, Conni