This week on AVD Inspire, Aly Velji sits down with Jonathan Sotto — Director of Business Development at the Global Creative Design Studio Yabu Pushelberg — for a conversation that’s equal parts style, soul, and show-stopping resilience.

From cold-calling firms straight out of school to now leading business across Asia and the Americas, Jonathan shares the behind-the-scenes story of how grit, good timing, and knowing when to pivot shaped his two-decade journey in the world of design. The two dive into everything from imposter syndrome to the importance of feedback, what it's like to make bold career decisions, and why giving back to yourself matters just as much as giving your all.

Also on the table? RuPaul’s Drag Race, Beyoncé and how childhood experiences totally shape who you are today

Whether you’re in design or just designing your life, this one’s for you.

What We Cover:

• The Beyoncé tee moment and a designer friendship born in Vegas

• Growing up Filipino and dreaming of overcoming stereotypes

• Discovering design through Lego, grid paper, and career pivots

• Cold-calling firms in 2005 — and the hustle before LinkedIn

• Facing rejection and finally landing a job at Yabu Pushelberg

• Leaving a dream job to move abroad and grow personally

• What it means to “promote” design instead of “doing” design

• Navigating imposter syndrome and finding your voice

What happens when you step away from something safe to pursue something soulful? In this inspiring episode of AVD Inspire, Aly Velji sits down with Toronto-based contemporary artist Murray Duncan to talk about creativity, courage, and the choice to start again—this time with purpose.

After years of running his beloved retail store Hardware in Toronto, Canada, Murray followed an inner pull toward art. That leap turned into a career rooted in storytelling, emotion, and deep personal alignment. His work often described as an emotional visual diary—has now been featured in top publications and homes across North America.

From his upcoming paperwork collection to collaborations with leading designers and galleries, Murray shares the mindset shift that made it all possible, and the unexpected joy of building a life that finally feels like home.

In This Episode:

• Murray’s journey from retail entrepreneur to full-time working artist
• How vulnerability became his most powerful creative tool
• Working with designers and architects to tell visual stories through art
• His upcoming paperwork collection and what it represents
• The shift that happened when he started creating from alignment
• Why leaving something good is sometimes the only way to find something great

Connect with Murray Duncan:

• Website: murrayduncanstudio.com
• Instagram: @murray_duncan_studio

SPONSORED BY: Divine FlooringDivine Flooring is a design-forward flooring brand known for curating premium surfaces that elevate spaces with style and soul. From luxury hardwood to innovative vinyl, they partner with designers, builders, and homeowners to craft interiors that leave a lasting impression.

Aly’s own home features Divine Flooring’s “Cosmopolitan Naked” hardwood in a stunning chevron pattern—because real transformation starts from the ground up.

• Explore more at divinefloor.com
• Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/divineflooring/⁠

MEDIA SPONSOR: Western Living Magazine

A huge thanks to our Media Sponsor, Western Living Magazine!Get your free subscription at⁠ westernliving.ca/subscribe⁠

• Follow on Instagram:⁠ @westernliving⁠

Follow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD Podcast

• Instagram: @designs_av
• YouTube: Aly Velji Designs Podcasts
• Website: alyveljidesigns.com

What is style, really? In this vibrant, heartfelt and hilarious conversation, Aly Velji sits down with legendary stylist and creative force Peter Papapetrou to talk about how fashion, identity, and creativity evolve across decades, cities, and life chapters.

From the basement fashion shows of his youth to styling for The Marilyn Denis Show and working with couture houses like Giambattista Valli, Peter opens up about the hustle and the joy behind his colorful career.

Now splitting his time between Toronto and Miami, Peter shares how marriage, moving abroad, vintage fashion in Amsterdam, and reconnecting with silence reshaped his creative vision—and why he’s finally turning the lens on himself.

In This Episode:

• Peter’s incredible journey including his humble beginnings as a kid to becoming a Canadian style icon

• Fashion vs. Style: The soul of how we show up

• His favourite memories from being on The Marilyn Denis Show

• Vintage shopping in Amsterdam & rediscovering personal style

• What TV taught him about storytelling, humility, and impact

To launch the AVD INSPIRE Podcast, Aly Velji sits down with none other than Canadian media legend Marilyn Denis — in a heartfelt, full-circle moment that’s as personal as it is powerful.

From her 49-year reign across Canadian radio and television to her timeless wisdom on reinvention, legacy, and self-worth, Marilyn opens up like never before. The two dive into everything from therapy and personal check-ins to career pivots, iconic interviews, and their shared Calgary connection — with a few surprises along the way (Stevie Nicks, Beyoncé, and a very memorable birch tree wallpaper).

Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering the magic of Marilyn Denis, this warm, funny, and deeply inspiring conversation will leave you feeling like you just had breakfast with your bestie. 

Follow Marilyn Denis

Stay connected and tune in to The Marilyn Denis Show on CHUM 104.5 (iHeartRadio):

• Listen live: https://www.iheartradio.ca/chum
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marilyndenis
• Website: https://www.marilyndenis.ca

Presented in Partnership With:

Bow Valley College

Celebrating 60 years as Calgary's largest downtown post-secondary campus. We are a catalyst for change through our students and graduates.

Learn more about the City Maker campaign: inspire.bowvalleycollege.ca/city-maker

• Website: https://bowvalleycollege.ca
• LinkedIn: Bow Valley College on LinkedIn

• Instagram: @bowvalley

Media Sponsor: Western Living Magazine

A huge thanks to our Media Sponsor, Western Living Magazine!

Get your free subscription at westernliving.ca/subscribe

Follow on Instagram: @westernliving

Follow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD Podcast

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designs_av
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlykhanVeljiDesigns/podcasts
• Website: https://www.alyveljidesigns.com

This is where creativity gets lit.
Interior designer and creative director Aly Velji invites you into the vibrant, real, and sometimes messy world of artistry, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

In this AVD Inspire teaser, Aly shares what sparked this passion project, what’s in store for Season One, and why launching this podcast on his birthday (June 24th) means more than ever.

Whether you're in a creative funk, plotting your next big pivot, or just craving real talk with purpose-driven people — this podcast is your new go-to.

Expect intimate convos with Aly’s closest friends and creative muses — artists, makers, and icons who are making bold moves, navigating real-life ups and downs, and sharing the rituals that keep them grounded.

Hit SUBSCRIBE and get ready to be inspired.

Official launch drops June 24th.

Want to know about Interior Designer Aly Velji? Click here to discover his award-winning Calgary design firm.