PRODUCT Toronto Issue 1

the ultimate real estate experience.

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Letter from the Editor Kyle Kofsky photography alex browne Blazer & Pants - Nordem Hirst

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e are surrounded by amazing people and places in our city.

Let us put the spotlight where it should be and congratulate the cool – by thinking locally and acting locally, featuring the all-inspiring, and capturing the consummate that is Toronto.

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ur vision is that you will recognize us, and then come to identify with us and feel a mutual motivation for success. We will engage the storm and consequently reinvent the rainbow.

Not of merely seven colours. Rather, an infinite number of hues gathered and concentrated.

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n Toronto, it doesn’t matter what corner you carve out for yourself.

The city is abuzz and you are in it.

My senses are active. The team is conscious. And together, we can celebrate our achievements and storyboard our future. Inspiration is always welcome.

It is fantastic to have you with us.

Pretty damn excited.

the family food

the editor

06 heroes of

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five

the princess of tiff

coffee

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basics

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40

under cover

arteffect

13 rugby

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salvador 's darling

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the face of transfor mation

dj vs . dj

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agent freedom

editor in chief

creative director

director of photography

kyle kofsky

mai ismail

alex browne

deputy editor

lead designer

lead writer

isabelle savard

alex mathers

melissa allen

production manager

assistant director

senior photographer

reece mccrone

joe swallow

cristina arce

accounts & distribution

style director

senior photographer

nathan stevens

carolee custus

tara mcwatters

director of publicity

senior stylist

senior photographer

juan mendez

jill lerner

chantal ryanne

director of circulation

senior stylist

copy editor

david comrie

rebecca wengle

ana opulencia

contributing writers

hair & makeup

contributing photographer

jonathan broderick

boxx cosmetics

max power

joe clement

michelle dawn

elsa mack

jo primeau

alan osborne

keisha stewart

dr . jane goodall

james thompson

dat tran

sandra milligan

thank you

Premier Issue Published by Everyone Is An Artist, Printed by OP Media 104-302 Carlaw Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4M3L1 - 4167377688

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04 letter from

Heroes of Coffee Jonathan Broderick photography chantal ryanne

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ith coffee shops materializing on every corner of the city, it is never a challenge to get your caffeine fix. But where does one go to get a fresh cup of coffee? Quaintly tucked away in Toronto’s East End, Merchants of Green Coffee provide a truly unique perspective on the coffee house. They specialize in sourcing, importing, and marketing of the highest quality, certified green Arabica coffees. With sixteen plus years in the business, they are constantly working to mould the coffee industry as we know it by providing

quality green beans, a fresh roast, and by practicing proper brewing. We sat down with CoFounder of the company, Derek Zavislake. He presents a simple simile when describing his view on coffee by stating, “Coffee is like fine wine.” It is this admirable position that goes into each cup they serve.

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t all started with an adoration for the aroma of coffee, a keen interest in how it is made, and the bravery to question “why some coffees taste so bad.” It became extremely important to explore more traditional methods of brewing coffee and how this process could affect freshness and taste. The solution began with the use of green beans, in-house roasting over an open flame, and a steeping process that preserves a natural sweetness in coffee. Once roasted, the coffee beans have a shelf life of no more than five days. This ensures a fresher coffee and a more honest taste.

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his perfect solution is only part of the equation of the success of Merchants of Green Coffee. As Derek roasted Ethiopian coffee beans over an open flame, he commented on how easy the process actually is. At the shop, they run a “Home Roast Program” where coffee drinkers alike can learn a more traditional way of roasting their own beans, as well as product knowledge. “[Other coffee] shops have done a great job by providing quality coffee and a great experience, but our way is to bring the coffee experience back to the home by teaching the consumer how to roast their own beans. We teach the customer to not be afraid.” Derek proposes that their shop, above all, is a place for conversation and education - a philosophy that transcends from the origin of the coffee house.

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hen asked about his other interests, Derek coyly replied, “Nothing, it’s all coffee!”

It is this dedication to the betterment of the coffee industry that allows Merchants of Green Coffee to promote and focus on sustainable practices and act as an incubator for other coffee businesses in Toronto. They continue to share their knowledge at various events around the city in hopes of reaching a wide audience of coffee drinkers and artisan roasters. Their effort to be a driving force in the evolution of Toronto’s coffee market is to be applauded. As we clap our hands in praise, our taste buds accept a new standard for the taste of the beverage we know and love so well.

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erchants of Green Coffee is demonstrating their commitment to ethically-sourced coffee every day. On one such day, Sunday, September 16th, to be exact, at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens Loblaws, Dr. Jane Goodall launched The Jane Goodall Institute Blend coffee, which is certified organic, locally roasted, and ethically sourced from regions across Africa. The Jane Goodall Institute Blend can be found at Loblaws, through the Fresh Coffee Network and, of course, at Merchants of Green Coffee. When asked what she hopes to achieve with this new product, Dr. Goodall responded, "What we are looking to achieve is improving the lives of farmers who are growing the coffee and had a very bad deal for a very long time, so that in time, they will support our conservation efforts, conserving the forests. This how we work to conserve the chimpanzees - by improving the lives of the farmers."

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Arteffect James Thompson photography tara mcwatters

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urrounded by strange sculptures that melt away or grow out of nowhere and canvases with odd textures that appear to continue moving, Callum Schuster describes his vision. “[I’m] exploring our understanding of contemporary artwork.”

The OCAD University graduate is investigating the relationship between the two-dimensional and three-dimensional, as well as the effect that surroundings have on human beings.

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allum says he’s most interested in understanding the “ability of our environment to affect our physical, emotional, and mental well-being.” When asked why positive responses are so important, he explains, “I feel that the integrity of contemporary art is called into question; and if we can give something back, all the better.”

Callum goes on to explain that certain environments and pieces of contemporary art can put its audience into a state similar to one brought about by meditation. However, not every piece will achieve this effect. He once put up a “cave wall-style” piece for a show but the space was too small and the piece quickly turned from being comforting to overwhelming. Callum admits, “It was just too large. It became intimidating.”

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nspiration comes to Callum from almost everywhere. Museums inspire Callum, “[I’m] looking at the way people have looked at themselves before, to get a better understanding of us now.” Yes, he also loves walking outdoors, looking for ideas, and constantly trying to find new uses for leftover materials. “I have to keep making recipes for new materials,” he explains, “so I will know how long things will take to dry.” He is continually testing and mixing new materials, trying to achieve new effects. “This is my latest experiment!” he exclaims, as he holds up a glass jar with a rich blue inside. He shakes the jar; and the blue appears to glow.

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any of Callum’s works begin with what he calls “happy accidents.” He states reassuringly, “There’s always room for more accidents. There’s no real failure.”

He explains that some of his works originated from caked paint that dried and then was peeled away, revealing a beautiful underside. “I’ve also been experimenting with mirrors and LEDs…” He picks up a box and flicks on a light inside. On one side of the box, a one-way mirror looks onto another mirror, creating an endless reflection. “I built this eight inches deep, six feet tall, and three and a half feet wide - just a little bigger than a door - to try to make it as inviting as possible.”

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allum Schuster’s bold artwork is fresh, creative, and has a very real effect on its audience. His mixture of painting and sculpture is an intriguing and instantly recognizable style. Definitely an artist to keep an eye on in Toronto.

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hen asked about Toronto, Callum described the city as “a diamond in the rough.” He says that local artists should be focused on staying and building the

city’s reputation as a cultural hub. He points out that there is just as much talent in Toronto as in any other city. “You just have to look that much harder.” His plan for the next five years is to continue creating in the city. “Bigger studio, same thing.”

Toronto has also given Callum a sense of community. He shares his studio with several other artists and describes their relationship as one of family. “It’s the best. We can always throw ideas off each other.”

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ugby is a fast, fluid, and dynamic game of skill with few stoppages in play. It may seem like a simple game of catching, passing, running, and kicking but it’s not. The scrum, ruck, and maul are complex elements of the game, requiring added skill and strategy. What happens when the scrum packs down?

Will the referee whistle a ruck or maul and award a penalty? A lot will depend on the referee’s analysis of the play. The game is played for over 80 minutes, under the control of a referee and two touch judges.

Rugby Basics Wolverines

canadarugbyleague.com

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he players are aligned as forwards or backs, with the forwards having jersey numbers from 1 to 8. The backs are the fast speedsters of the team who attack the opposition when the forwards provide them with the ball. Backs are numbered 9 through 15.

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he hooker’s responsibility is to throw the ball into the lineout and to strike for the ball in the front row of the scrum between the props. The locks are the tall players (some are way over 6 foot 3 inches tall) who soar for the line-out ball. They also join the scrum behind the front row.

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lankers play a scavenger role. They go after the breakdown ball while the no. 8 position is a power tackler and runner.

he scrum-half is the link between the forwards and the backs. A scrum-half must be a good passer, have good vision, and instantly decide whether to give the ball to the backs or feed it back into the forwards.

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he fly-half is the playmaker, having to decide very quickly whether he should pass the ball, run, or kick it.

entres are big individuals with lots of pace and are adept at being able to beat or break a tackle, change the angle of attack and to keep the backs able to push forward.

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loosehead prop hooker tighthead prop left lock (or second row) right lock (or second row) blindside flanker open -side flanker

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scrum - half fly- half left wing inside- centre outside- centre right wing fullback

eight man

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points are awarded for a try, and this is obtained when the ball is grounded over the opposition’s tryline. A successful conversion kick after a try is awarded an additional two points. A penalty goal is worth three points - as is a drop-goal - when a player dropkicks a goal from general play.

photography alex browne, mai ismail

Reprinted with permission by our friends the Wolverines at Canadarugbyleague.com

& tara mcwatters

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The Family Food

Alan Osborne photography alex browne

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aught up with owners, Nick Laliberté and Andrew Mistry, at Hawker Bar - a small and sexy new addition to the Ossington strip. Upon arrival, I was greeted by smiling faces, a great vibe, Bob Dylan playing in the background, and a décor that’s earthy and warm. We sat down to some delicious homemade ginger tea, Hawkers’ famed Singapore chicken wings, and chili salt tofu with homemade BBQ sauce.

From left to right: Fred Laliberté, Casimir Alyea, Nick Laliberté, Andrew Mistry, Victoria Laliberté, Brian Whyte, Alec Martin and Julius Bahizi

Singapore Chicken Wings

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he two young gentlemen restaurateurs are well-dressed, smart, and humble.

Nick’s niche is Southeast Asian street food.

Andrew’s fare is fun and easy to consume.

Their mutual passion for and love of food and family, has led to a diverse base of Torontonians filling the house nightly. When asked about solving the day-to-day challenges, Andrew replies, “looking at the big picture… not getting bogged down… how to have fun with things.” Nick says that when stressed, they often draw on the feel-good vibes of Vampire Weekend. Andrew adds, “if there’s any album that exemplifies the whole family that we have, that would be it.”

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ssington is changing fast and many living there are reluctant to accept it, creating challenges for Nick and Andrew.

However, both feel that the spot is great.

Nick says Hawker Bar “fits into this neighbourhood… yet for the community to be truly at its best, there needs to be more conversation among the new businesses and the neighbours that are already here.” Andrew adds, “some of the neighbours were concerned that we’d turn into a club.” Nick said it was difficult at first; “[but] we knew what we were building. We knew we’d come to a win-win.”

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Chili Salt Tofu

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oth gents are fairly new to the Ossi/ Queen ’hood. However, Nick’s aunt and uncle, Gigi and Paulo (who built both Hawker Bar and Poutini’s) have lived in the West Queen West neighbourhood for over 20 years. Nick asserts, “I love the city.

I really love the city; and I feel at home here now.” According to Andrew, “Toronto offers a different opportunity than more established cities do, because things are happening so quickly here. You can help define what this side of the city will be [like] in a few years.”

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he venture has been a very family-driven project. From Poutini’s three years ago, now a West Queen West landmark, to the Southeast Asian street food of Hawker Bar, T-dot foodies are anything but bored.

The decision to open a second food spot had everyone excited. Nick admits that it’s nice to provide the ’hood with more for the palate. Try a whole sea bream, laksa, or Hainanese-poached chicken and rice dish.

Add Toronto’s yummiest poutine at Poutini’s, and you have another amazing fill for your taste buds.

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he Hawker Bar duo have created an atmosphere and menu where your girlfriend can stuff her mouth and get messy doing it. Nick and Andrew agree that if Head Chef Alec Martin’s dishes could talk, they’d say “I’m sexy and you’re not going to find me anywhere else.” The Hawker family-driven business is comparable to a perfect bowl of Lemak - filled with enjoyment and steeped in flavour. For new, fun, and easily consumed Southeast Asian street food, Hawker Bar has the product.

Hawker Laksa Lemak

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The Princess of TIFF Melissa Allen photography alex browne Front cover: Dress - Greta Constantine Jewlery - Bonnie Yam for ROXX Shoes - Town Shoes

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f one person were to capture the spirit of everything that the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) represents, it would have to be their Senior Manager, Donor and Member Relations - Paula Whitmore. At the launch of Toronto’s world-class film festival, we at PRODUCT were granted the opportunity to sit down with Paula to talk about her role, TIFF, its membership programs, and its inaugural gala, due to take place on October 25th.

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aula Whitmore and her husband Darren Johnstone are the epitome of the contemporary Toronto couple: cosmopolitan, driven, and at the centre of cultural forces that put Toronto on the map. Armed with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University, Paula relocated from her native province Nova Scotia five years ago, following opportunity and excitement. After completing her Graduate Certificate in Public Relations from Humber College, she focused on developing a career in the arts that also used her formal education. When an opportunity to intern at the Art Gallery of Ontario came up, she took the chance and remained there for three years, moving her way up to the Development and Special Events department.

Jacket - MAGPIE

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ne arm of TIFF that Paula oversees is the Patron’s Circle, a members program for devoted film supporters. The Patron’s Circle is all about building a stronger relationship between Toronto’s film enthusiasts and filmmaking community. The Patron’s Circle provides members with a forum for interaction among experts in the film industry - from actors to directors - and the opportunity to learn about the process of filmmaking. Another of the many programs that Paula is passionate about is TIFF Nextwave, a festival that provides teenage filmmakers a voice of their own.

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hen asked about her favourite members’ event of this past year, Paula highlights the event hosted by TIFF Senior Programmer, Steve Gravestock, where members were treated to a discussion about the Lars Von Trier film Breaking the Waves. Gravestock spoke about process and creative vision for the film. The talk was followed by a private screening, which allowed members to watch the film with a deeper understanding of the work.

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Dress - MAGPIE Jewlery - Made You Look Shoes - Town Shoes Suit & Shoes - GOTSTYLE

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s for what’s coming up for TIFF, after the red carpets roll up and star-struck Torontonians snap back to reality, Paula talks enthusiastically about the gala taking place on October 25th. The gala will be James Bond-themed, launching the TIFF Bell Lightbox’s newest exhibit, Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style. “This is an opportunity to have a large-scale event that everyone can access,” says Paula. The exhibit will then run from October 26 to January 20, 2013 and will examine Bond’s influence on popular culture. With Paula at the helm, this event is poised to become one of the hottest tickets in Toronto’s gala circuit, further cementing TIFF’s role as Toronto’s cultural pulse here at home, and around the world.

FRESHCOFFEENETWORK.COM

PRODUCT magazine took a field trip to Underpass Park. Located between River Street and St. Lawrence Street, in the midst of an urban renewal sector, it’s an oasis for those looking to escape the downtown hustle.

Under Cover photography alex browne

& chantel ryanne Toronto’s Corktown is undergoing a major facelift - even if you do need to peak under a bridge to find it. For residents, the park is a hopeful sign of the future to come.

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The Face of Transformation Elsa Mack photography alex browne

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haker Khazaal is a busy man. While this interview is taking place, he’s in his car, going from one meeting to the next, the whir of the traffic clouding his volume a bit. But luckily, the passion in his voice more than compensates for any traffic distractions. At this current moment in time, he’s launching the latest season of his reality show, running his not-for-profit organization, Nations United (NU), and putting the finishing touches on his manuscript.

Everything he does - the reality show, Nations United, and his book - all circle around one central cause: tackling global issues to make the world a better place.

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ations United (www.nationsunited. org) is an organization dedicated to raising funds for relief efforts around the world. But this isn’t just any NGO. NU is bring sexy back… to humanitarian work.

In the past, NU has had celebrities such as Eva Longoria attached to projects featuring fun, splashy events. Its cornerstone project is a reality web series, The NU Faces, in which charities around the world compete to see who can rally people to raise the most money and generate the most awareness.

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hen one thinks of volunteerism and charity work, one doesn’t usually-

associate it with the glitz and glamour of over-the-top reality TV. But its first season, which ran last year, proved to be anything but bland. “There’s lots of drama,” says Chaker, “the whole purpose [of the show] is to create an experience.” And it certainly does, with groups vying for the monetary prize for effort - often boiling down to extreme competitiveness, fighting, and trash-talking, all of which finds its way onto social media for the whole world to watch. “People have drama in their lives, and other people relate to it,” says Chaker of the show’s popularity. It’s currently a hit in countries all over the world. In fact, the show was recently picked up for television broadcast on Canada’s OMNI network.

Air-date to be announced.

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haker’s innovation in bringing humanitarianism to the masses is not just limited to events and TV. He’s just finished writing and editing his new book, tentatively titled Confessions Of A War Child, which is set for release in 2013. Confessions Of A War Child is the real story of a young man who was murdered in the Middle East because of war. The book is about “how war affects everyone’s lives,” says Chaker, “it’s a fusion of stories about one man and other victims of war.” Chaker likens the style of the book to Paulo Coehlo’s The Alchemist. “It’s about a journey, but it’s a true story,” he explains.

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haker’s own journey with Nations United has taken him far, and he is a bright star, lighting the road ahead for the rest of the world to follow.

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Salvador's Darling Alan Osborne

photography max power

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anya Grossi - wardrobe stylist, business owner, and kickboxer - grew up in Toronto. Twelve years ago, she bought a house in Parkdale. Six and half years ago, she opened a vintage clothing store around the corner. Over the years, it evolved into a bistro café. And now, it’s Salvador Darling, a bar. It was one of the few bars back when it first opened, apart from Rhino and Cadillac Lounge. Tanya isn’t shy to say, “I was Parkdale before it was Parkdale. I loved the rawness and edginess. At first, no one wanted to

be here. Now everyone does.” Back then, Tanya used to leave the ’hood to shop and go out. Today, between Gwynne and Brock, she shops, eats, and drinks locally at spots like Wrongbar, Kanji, Grand Electric, a couple of vintage shops (Butter Republic and House of Vintage), Capital, and Boreal Gelato.

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n designing Salvador Darling, Tanya says that the concept was simple. “If Salvador Dali had a bar, what would it look like?” Using Dali as inspiration, she came up with an interior suited to its name - dreamlike and playful. She wanted it to be “like walking into someone’s really cool living room.” Many strange and original pieces of art, objects, and furniture adorn every nook and cranny. Her favorite three pieces are the “Alice in Wonderland” chair, the South African python skin bar top, and the hanging bubble chair by Eero Aarnio. “Everything in here has a story, and it’s all me.”

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ometimes a bar can get out of hand. Shocker. For a girl who likes to sip wine by the fireplace and warm up in the hot tub on a quiet Monday night, how does she deal with the surly at 2:00 a.m.? “I go about it in a very delicate nature; and honestly, I’ve never had any problems, ever.” When push comes to shove, Tanya Grossi can handle herself.

“I’m a female bar owner. I wear dresses. I wear heels. But I’m also a kickboxer. But if you cause problems, I’m delicate about it.”

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n the past, present and future of Salvador Darling, Tanya maintains, “I loved every moment of the store. I loved every moment of the café. And I love every moment of the bar.” Sometime in the next five or six years she may have other plans to pursue. Tanya shares, “my next business venture will be a Bed and Breakfast - somewhere overseas, on the water, with five or six rooms to rent out.” Born in the Year of the Tiger, she believes that “people need to be a little bit more adventurous.”

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uring an excursion to the Caribbean, she met actor Geoffrey Rush, who invited both Tanya and sister Dayna, to the closed set of Pirates of the Caribbean. They met Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightley, then had drinks in Geoffrey’s trailer. Rush has forever since been a fan of the Grossi girls and Salvador Darling, making frequent stops on visits to Toronto. Tanya laughs, “I have a photo of him on that horse!” as she points to a toy spring-suspended horse, barely large enough for a four year old. “I’ve had a real Academy Award winner in this bar.”

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hen Tanya isn’t behind the bar, she’s near a large body of water – deep sea fishing, or at a beach reading a book under the sun. “I spend two months of the year going away, being by myself. I take a bunch of books and read.” The time she can get away helps Tanya “get back in focus, and be inspired again.” Tanya says she’s glad she opened the bar and that if you visit, “you will be visually stimulated, and you will smile.”

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Elsa Mack photography chantel ryanne

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fter showing for five years, shooting straight to Canadian fashion stardom, designer Evan Biddell has never slowed down. Now, he can be found doing private fashion consulting, working on personal projects and most recently has perfected a new and exciting garment. “I have this dress I’ve been making for years, and I’ve been cutting it slightly different here and there for all sorts of different people, any size any shape, any age. It’s just this dress that I feel like there’s something magical

about. It just works. So I’m focusing on that to be my product, and turning myself into a product.”

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iddell’s “magic dress” can be worn many different ways. “Versatility within the garment is important to me. It’s important for people to have options. People don’t necessarily want to buy something special and then only get to wear it once.

You can wear it eight different times and it will look like a completely different thing,” he says. “It’s my most successful design. I’ve cut it and worked it for years now, and gotten it to a point where it’s a simple design.

And I think that’s the beauty in it.”

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he magic dress, an accompanying video, and new website will all be launched simultaneously, at a yet-to-be-announced date.

Model - Star Martin

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n the industry as whole, not even Biddell can ignore how fast the Canadian fashion industry is changing, signaled by IMG’s buyout of Toronto’s Fashion Week from the Fashion Design Council of Canada (FDCC). “There are a lot of things changing right now.

I don’t know what the outcome is going to be in five years but I’m excited about it,” he says.

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In five years, “who knows where I’ll be, I don’t know where I’ll be in five months. I’m just focused on today.” says Biddell. Today, Evan has his plate full with planning his show for fashion week, launching his commercial line and producing fashion films.

With his cutting edge, signature style, he continues to capture our attention as his newest endeavours are set in motion, keeping the Canadian fashion industry on its toes, as only he can do.

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DJ vs. DJ photography alex browne

James Lippins is TIGERBLOOD. The 29year old Mod Club resident DJ sat down with fellow DJ, DĂœzi, in a one-on-one for PRODUCT Magazine.

So what type of music do you spin and what were your early influences?

I spin house, electro, indie, dance, and progressive. In terms of my early influences, I definitely come from a rock background - ’90s rock: Smashing Pumpkins, Mathew Good [and] I Mother Earth.

How long have you been a DJ? I’d start doing house parties where anyone would take me. That was about two and a half to three years ago. I only started playing in public about a year and a half ago.

It’s only been a short amount of time, and you’ve already racked up a few residencies. Did you have to go through a bedroom DJ period or did it happen pretty quickly?

I would have to say “yes” to both questions. Like I said, I was doing house parties playing for free where anyone would take me, and yes, in a short amount of time I have been relatively successful in the Toronto scene. I’d definitely consider myself lucky in that sense.

You have been collaborating with Mikey Dato to produce some solid remixes Foster The People, Beyoncé, and Gotye.

Do you plan to do more producing in the future?

Definitely. I’m in the process of building my own modest home studio. Working with Mikey Dato has been great. Basically, I see production as both its own end, in terms enjoying music, and as a means towards an end - in terms of being able to play for larger crowds and tour outside of Toronto. That’s definitely part of the plan.

Who in dance music is doing something completely new and innovative?

Diplo, right off the bat. He’s been around for a long time, but he just put out another EP called Express Yourself. I’ve been consistently impressed over the last... I couldn’t say exactly how long he’s been doing his thing.

He’s consistently unafraid to take risks. So yeah, I would have to say Diplo is a guy that I have huge amount of respect for because he’s been around for awhile; and every single time, he’s doing something new.

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Do “real” DJs only play on vinyl?

I would say “No,” but it really depends on what your definition of what a real DJ is. To me there are only two fundamental facts that go into making a “good,” “real” DJ. To get a room filled with people dancing, and secondly, I do feel that there’s some amount of responsibility as a steward of good music or good taste of music and expose people to good new music. Beyond that, it’s totally up to you whether you use vinyl [or] cd software. Whatever you use, as long as you can accomplish those two things, it’s entirely up to you.

Do you play requests?

I do. Whenever you have someone coming up to you, asking you if you take requests, I always do it (kind of cringing in my mind), but on the basis that it can fit in to the set that I have and that I like it. If it meets those things, I’m more than happy to do it. It’s always nice when someone comes up and requests something good and you’re like, “Hey, that’s an awesome one! Absolutely I’d like to play that!” So yeah, I do. I do.

What time is bedtime?

I love what I do but when you’re doing it as your career, the importance of making an individual night massive becomes less so. You need your rest so once I finish up my sets, normally about 2:45-3am, I might have a bite to eat with some friends, and then yeah, I head home. To be perfectly honest, with rare exception, 3:30am is pretty reasonable.

You have fabulous hair. Discuss.

I think that statement speaks for itself!

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Agent Freedom Melissa Allen photography chantal ryanne

Dress - MAGPIE

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ne of the city’s top real estate agents, selling multi-million dollar luxury homes all across the GTA, a member the Toronto Board of Trade, the recipient of the 2011 YMCA Peace Medallion, nominated as Chatelaine Canada’s Woman of the Year 2011, and awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, Shae Invidiata is one of the most influential women in Toronto and Canada. Did I mention that she’s only 27 years old?

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hae is a natural leader – talented and effervescent, who’s part of the team that RE/MAX has ranked the #1 Team in Canada year after year and was the #2 RE/ MAX Team Worldwide in 2010. All of these accomplishments under her belt and the young mogul still has time to head up the not-for-profit, anti-human trafficking foundation, Free Them.

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here are currently 27 million people in slavery, more than at any other time in history – a tragic, jaw-dropping statistic that I mull over as Shae, her PR manager, and I sit down together on a warm evening after her photo shoot for our magazine. When asked about what prompted her to start Free Them, she recounts the story of going to university in Hawaii and often seeing sex workers parading up and down the beach strip, looking for their next john, some of them as young as 14 years old. “The idea of choice intrigued me,” she says, emphasizing the clear distinction between “prostitution” and “prostituted.” Many of those sex workers had no choice in their situation.

But what if they were given the opportunity, the choice, to leave? “I was sitting on the beach and thought, who is helping them? If I don’t go, who will?”

S

hortly after asking herself these tough questions, Shae found her opportunity to help. Three years ago, she had heard about a walk to raise funds for child trafficking that started at U of T and she rallied her friends to join her. In total, 14 people showed up – more than half of them, Shae’s friends. The next year, she was asked to organize the walk and 300 people attended. Freedom Walk was born. The year after that, 500 people came out and raised $35,000 for the cause. This year’s walk, which took place on Saturday, September 15th, with the Fairmont Royal York as the presenting sponsor, raised the bar with over 800 people in attendance.

H

aving worked with MP Joy Smith on amending the anti-human trafficking Bill C-268 and Bill C-310 of the Criminal Code, Shae’s efforts have also been recognized by MP Terence Young and the Mayor of Toronto’s office.

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hen asked what Invidiata sees in Free Them’s future, she imagines a “purple blanket all over Canada and the world.” Purple is Free Them’s official colour. She sees Free Them as a leader in justice, with its national and international campaigns, and its cause integrated into school curriculums, focusing on bringing awareness to youth and inspiring them to take action. With what Shae has already achieved, there’s no doubt that she’ll reach that goal, and then some.

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