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Hair and Beauty Matters? All People, All In?
132 Cumberland Street, Toronto, ON M5R 1A6 8
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Since 1968 the creative force of Raffaello Salon has crafted cutting-edge hair for thousands of Torontonians with the capacity to influence the ever changing needs of individuals, conservatives, eccentrics and the fashion conscious.
Artistic Creative Director, Christopher Marrello Colour Director, Mellissa Marrello Founder, Raffaello Marrello Welcome to Raffaello Salon and Spa where you will experience relaxation and restoration. Our first-class, quality services include: t Personalized Haircuts & Style for Women and Men t Colour Services: Hair Colour, Highlights, Body Waves, Thermo Straightening t Complete Skin Care: Advanced Services with Skin Care Specialists t Spa Services: Body Waxing, Manicure, Pedicure, Makeup Application, Lash Extensions
416-9 29 -00219 www.raffaellosalon.com S p e n c e r M a g a z i n e w Vo l u m e 5 , I s s u e 2 w 2 0 2 4
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Credits
C EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Therasa A. McLennan CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Jonathan Levy
Ivor Pinder Roger Lamoureux Mike McLennan Harlan Troost Chris Daly Blair Phillips, Davin De Kergommeaux Vesuvius Bay Productions
CULTURE & SOCIETY EDITOR STYLE & FASHION EDITOR DESIGN EDITOR ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR LIFESTYLE EDITOR SPIRITS EDITORS GRAPHIC DESIGN
PUBLISHER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Joseph Edward Schur ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Ivor Pinder
Hasnain Chhatriwala, CPA Nancy Schiff Andrew Torres Jennifer Tee Jiya Shah
CONTROLLER, CFO COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR SUBSCRIPTION & CIRCULATION MANAGER EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT to MR. PINDER EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT to MR. SCHUR
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS, CORRESPONDENTS, and EDITORS
Gleb Adamovych, Linda Adams, Katherine Basbaum, Laura Bilotta, Derek Bohne. Muriel Brunel, Cypress Chernik, Chris Daly, Peter Gross, Davin De Kergommeaux, Blair Phillips, Ivor Pinder, Laura Rincon, Joseph Edward Schur, Stephanie Pollard-Scott, Jiya Shah, Harlan Troost, Joan Kelley Walker
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Natali Ambrossiichuk, Gloria Cabellero, Chris Cheung, Jason Ellis, Ryan Emberley, Marino Favretto, Jack Hathaway, Oleg Hmelnits, Jonathan Levy, Brogan McNab , Tyrone Mitchell, Jim Orgill, John Ortner, Audrey Persaud, George Pimentel, Kennedy Pollard, Victor Ruso, Jaylyn Todd
©2024 the SPENCER PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC. | All Rights Reserved
Spencer Magazine is published Online, in Print + "Limited Edition" Hardcover Issues. ISSN 2563-5395 (Print) ISSN 2563-5409 (Online)
ADVERTISING & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP INQUIRIES
Acceptance of ad placement in Spencer and/or subsidiaries is at the discretion of the Publisher. To reach our sales department or one of our strategic partnership/sponsorship coordinators, call 416-342-3890 or email: ads@spencer-publishing.com SINGLE COPY SALES & SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES: subscribe@spencer-publishing.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
SPENCER welcomes your comments. Please send your "Letters to the Editor" to: Spencer Magazine, the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 33 Bloor Street East, 5th floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4W 3H1 or email: therasa.mclennan@spencer-publishing.com. The Publisher cannot be held responsible for loss of, or damage to, unsolicited material. All materials for editorial consideration must include a self-addressed envelope and return postage.
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Publisher’s LETTER “You are the sum total of everything you've ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot—it's all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive.”
Maya Angelou
M
aya's quote resonates with me. It's a reminder that we should all appreciate everything that life has to offer, including the struggles and challenges, along with those incredibly wonderful moments. As the publisher of Spencer, I enjoy the company of many amazing people who seem to share something in common: resilience, perseverance, and positivity. Spencer Magazine serves as a platform to promote Maya's ideals. It's increbibly rewarding to be a part of a publication which exists to create opportunities for people both on the pages and behind the scenes. I'm very proud of our Spencer team. I encourage you to read Yannick Bisson's inspiring feature article (page 32). He's the star of one of my favourite television series, "Murdoch Mysteries." Ivor Pinder captures Yannick both editorially and in our "Between the Margins" podcast series, along with his daughters Mikaela and Dominique. I'm also very excited that Spencer is producing the Podcast "Between the Margins" with host Ivor Pinder. We have an exciting lineup of people we are featuring in this new show. You'll notice that we've added a new section called "The Changemakers," featuring people in business, the arts and philanthropy. In this issue we have some very accomplished individuals: Jeffrey Han, Matthew Modine, Mike Pinball Clemons, Emily O'Brien, Dr. Rosemary Sadlier, Lori Harito, Christine Cruz-Clarke, Dr. Annie Liu, Susan Larkin, Harrison Amit and Muna Abdi, and Dr. Albert Selvaraj. Finally, I'd like to thank our loyal readers and advertisers for making this publication possible. It's hard to believe that we're celebrating our 5th year in print! I'm truly looking forward to the next five years as we continue to deliver Spencer Magazine as a luxury, glossy coffee table magazine. And that's a wrap, for now!
Joseph Edward Schur Publisher & CEO the Spencer Publishing Company, Inc. 416-342-3890 joseph.schur@spencer-publishing.com
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"BETWEEN THE MARGINS" with IVOR PINDER PODCAST SERIES
Dear Readers, I am thrilled to introduce two exciting new initiatives from Spencer Magazine that continue our mission to bring you engaging stories and meaningful explorations of people's journeys. First, our new podcast, "Between the Margins," dives deep into captivating stories based here in Toronto. As the Cultural & Society Editor of Spencer Magazine, I will bring you insightful interviews and inspiring narratives from our vibrant community. In Season 1, we will feature guests such as Rosemary Sadlier, Emily O'Brien, Doug Vermeeren and Rathika Sitsabiansan to name a few. "Between the Margins" is available on Spotify. Additionally, we are excited to launch our interview series, "Let’s Talk," available on the Spencer Magazine website. This series will feature exclusive conversations with remarkable individuals, including Yannick Bisson, Reetu Gupta, and Florian Heriard Dubreuil. Both "Between the Margins" and "Let’s Talk" represent our commitment to exploring the fascinating journeys and achievements of our guests in new, dynamic ways. Stay tuned for future episodes and interviews as we continue to tell great stories and delve into the depths of our community's experience.
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"BETWEEN THE MARGINS" with IVOR PINDER PODCAST SERIES
Introducing Spencer's New Podcast Series "Between The Margins" YANNICK BISSON The charismatic star of the popular television series "Murdoch Mysteries," has a fascinating journey that underscores his resilience and dedication to his craft. Bisson's rise to fame is not just a tale of success but also one of unwavering perseverance and the support of his loved ones.
REETU GUPTA Reetu Gupta is the Ambassadoress and Principal of The Gupta Group and Easton's Group of Hotels. She co-founded Rogue Insight Capital, which invests in women-led and minority-led startups. Reetu also leads philanthropic efforts through The Gupta Family Foundation, focusing on education and empowerment initiatives. Additionally, she is a published author of the book "Auspicious."
FLORIAN HERIARD DUBREUIL The 10th generation heir and ambassador for Rémy Martin, Florian Heriard Dubreuil carries forward the legacy of one of the most prestigious cognac houses. His dedication to preserving tradition while embracing innovation makes him a distinguished representative of Rémy Martin.
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Spencer Contents
Spencer's World
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YANNICK BISSON
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A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE VILLAGE OF YORKVILLE
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THE SPENCER VIP COVER REVEAL EVENT
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SPENCER SPOTLIGHT!
Feature Cover Story: "On Humility, Family and Fame" By Ivor Pinder Spencer takes a look at this thriving community By Joseph Edward Schur At GOTSTYLE at the Well in Toronto, Canada By Team Spencer Our curated collection featuring: Hublot's Spirit of Big Bang King Gold Rainbow Watch; Sauvage Dior by the House of Baccarat Cologne; Ray-Ban's Aviator Sunglasses with solid gold frame; Stay on Track with MyFitnessPal; Mandy's Gourmet Salads at The Well; HEXCLAD's Canadian Market Debut - A Culinary Revolution; ACAIA Orbit Grinder; Luminara - The Ritz Carlton's new Cruise Ship; Dream Drive Vacations; JETSON ONE - Flying Car; Devils and Diamonds; BARK - the New Luxury Airline just for dogs; Hermès Paris - Natural Dog Conditioner, Carrying bag for dogs, Patapouf Dog Bed
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ON THE COVER YANNICK BISSON,on Humility, Family and Fame (Page 32)
Creative Director: Jonathan Levy Stylist: Melissa Austria Photographer: Jonathan Levy Make-up: Paola Ortiz With Joseph Edward Schur
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SPENCER CONTENTS
Changemakers 58
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JEFFREY HAN: SPENCER FEATURE INTERVIEW
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MATTHEW MODINE and THE MARTINI SHOT
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THE JOURNEY of MIKE "PINBALL" CLEMONS
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A SECOND CHANCE
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DR. ROSEMARY SADLIER:
Disrupting the digital marketplace. By Joseph Edward Schur
The first great movie of 2024 is here and guess what? It's Canadian. By Muriel Brunel From gridiron great to philanthropic force. By Ivor Pinder
The inspiring journey of Emily O'Brien & Comeback Snacks. By Ivor Pinder
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A beacon of black Canadian history. By Ivor Pinder
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LORI HARITO'S JOURNEY
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BREWING JOY AND EMPOWERMENT
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THE IMPACT OF DERMCAFE
Navigating the PR landscape. By Ivor Pinder Christine Cruz-Clarke's vision at Balzak's Coffee. By Ivor Pinder Transforming dermatological care with Dr. Annie Liu. By Ivor Pinder
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EMPOWERING LIVES with SUSAN LARKIN
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HOVR HITS THE GROUND RUNNING
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DR. ALBERT SELVARAJ
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Look Good, Feel Better's Mission. By Ivor Pinder Revving up the rideshare revolution with Harrison Amit and Muna Abdi. By Ivor Pinder The next generation of farming... today. By Derek Bohne
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Spencer Culture & Society
SPENCER CONTENTS
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FLORIAN HERIARD DUBREUIL
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HOPE ADMIDST TRAGEDY
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SOLE STORIES: THE BATA SHOW MUSEUM'S UNVEILS "EXHIBIT A"
Celebrating 300 years of this iconic cognac. By Ivor Pinder The story of Roxy Zapala and the SickKids Fired-Up Gala IP
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Exhibit A: Investigating Crime and Footwear. IP
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A NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS Motionball Toronto Gala 2024 shines bright. IP
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CELEBRATING WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
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ETIKET EXPAND'S TO TORONTO'S THE WELL
At the 9th annual "Meet the Motivators" Symposium. IP A new hub for luxury, beauty and wellness. By Ivor Pinder
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MELISSA AUSTRIA'S "GOT STYLE" Entrepreneur Melissa Austria talks us through some ups and downs of being a businesswoman, menswear specialist and problem-solver. By Cypress Chernik
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L'ORO'S "GRAND OPENING" in YORKVILLE Right in the heart of Yorkville, Bloor and Avenue Road at the Park Hyatt. This luxury boutique, with Haigo Derian at the helm, features luxury brands such as Roger Dubuis, IWC, Panerai and more. By Joseph Edward Schur
THE INDIGENOUS FASHION ARTS FESTIVAL
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THE VANGUARD
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LUXE FUSION
A night of Avant-Garde fashion and unparalleled creativity. By Ivor Pinder A celebration of design and fashion. By Ivor Pinder
A celebration of culture. By Ivor Pinder
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SPENCER CONTENTS
Spencer Arts 136
RUSSELL YOUNG'S "DREAMLAND"
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YUNTING LI'S "IMPERFECT PERFECTION"
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UNMASKING BANKSY:
An incredible artist with an even more incredible story. Spencer attended his art exhibit at Yorkville's Taglialatella Gallery. By Jiya Shah
Yunting Li's artistic journey is a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the transformative power of artistic expression. By Jiya Shah
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Toronto's must-see exhibit. By Ivor Pinder
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Spencer Lifestyle 154
IT'S A DOG'S LIFE
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DITCH THE TYPE
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RARE BEAUTY
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SIP, SAVOR. and SPRING
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BLUE BOVINE OPENING NIGHT
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CELEBRATING CANADIAN WHISKY
CNIB's Guide Dog program is driving achievement and equality across Canada by training and matching dogs exclusively for people with sight loss. By Joan Kelley Walker
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The risk of reducing people to superficial qualities. By Laura Bilotta
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Created by Selena Gomez. By Linda Adams
A perfect day in Toronto. By Stephsnie Pollard-Scott
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A culinary masterpiece unveiled in Toronto's Union Station. By Ivor Pinder
With the essential portable expert, Davin de Kergommeaux. Highlighting Wayne Gretzky Estates Signature Rye, Diony Distillery, The Newfoundland Distillery Co., and Alberta Distillers Reifel Rye. By Blair Phillips
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PARIS: THE "CITY OF LIGHT"
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ETTORE BUGATTI
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SPENCER RESOURCE PAGE
What an extraordinary city! From the luxurious hotels, to the museums and galleries and even the croissants... Paris is a wonderful place to visit! By Jiya Shah
We take a look at the legendary automobile created by Ettore Bugatti, examining his journey. By Gleb Adamovych
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Spencer's
World
The Yannick Bisson Story | A Brief History of Yorkville | The Spencer VIP Reveal Event | Spencer Spotlight
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