VERIFIED

For our final episode, we thought it would be fitting to introduce the people that made VERIFIED happen! Our executive team speaks on their personal experiences during the production process while we answer some of your questions asked over Instagram. Thank you so much to everyone that has supported and kept up with each episode. Good luck to all with your future endeavors.

This week we sit down with couple Reynold and Alyestal. Together they have created a dynamic artistic “family business”. Reynold, known as @renzzzart on instagram, is a visual artist, educator and innovator here in Toronto. Reynold’s work is a mix of exquisite beauty and strength, paining pieces that represent beautiful raw bodies. Alyestal is a speaker, facilitator, and spoken word poetess, bringing a relatable and emotional element when speaking to her audience. She is the creator of digital series, Momo’s Mama Monday. They share advice on the importance of individualization and struggles they have faced as artists during the current pandemic. They enlighten us with motivational advice about relationships, side businesses and how to grow your passion into work.

This week we were able to sit down with twin sisters Maia Jae and Keana Lyn, 21. They are emerging film and television actors from Toronto. They have both been acting since they were six years old. Maia Jae has recently completed a role in Ransom, a Canadian crime series. While Keana Lyn is expected to star in The Hardy Boys, premiering later this year. Join our conversation as we discuss the importance of ethnic diversity within the business of producing and the many layers necessary when creating a Canadian television series. They share advice on their experiences with casting calls and to never stop looking for acting opportunities when faced with hurdles along the way.

This week we were able to sit down with three young local artists, Brianna Clarke, Kahvontay Slaughter and Vania Raquel. We came together to discuss the pathway of taking a hobby and recognizing it as a passion to then translate into a sophisticated career, especially here within the city. We spoke to the current financial and artistic challenges many young emerging artists are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Join our conversation as we discuss the importance of staying connected, recognizing the power and value of our artistic freedom, inspiring one another, and making light of our current situation.

Alyssa is the CEO and Founder of Easy Period, a service that delivers 100% organic cotton feminine hygiene products right to your doorsteps while donating a portion of profits to delivering sanitary pads to Kenyan girls. Alyssa supports the movement to end the menstrual shame and promote access to safe products for all girls and women. Follow along as we explore the notion of “un-shaming” feminine menstrual health, women empowerment and helping others fulfill their dreams.

Saidat is a children’s entertainer, speaker, author and singer who travels across Canada visiting schools empowering and educating the youth. Saidat’s programs have reached over 500,000 students across the nation, as she leads a very strong message, from the heart, that one person can make a difference and together we can change the world! Listen to our conversation as we centre on in inclusivity, importance of listening, self-appreciation and becoming a changemaker.

Keosha Love is a multi-disciplinary artist, activist and educator whom intersects arts and wellness to empower women and promote positive health in BIPOC communities. Keosha’s passion for writing and storytelling has also led her to directing, where she creatively explores the identities and diverse narratives of peoples through film. Keosha is the founder of Our Women’s Voices which is a platform to empower and amplify women’s voices through community, arts and education. Listen into our discussion as we explore the intersection between art and wellness, the importance of fostering community, family healing and storytelling.

This week we had the opportunity to sit down with Mike Regis, an African-Caribbean Canadian film director, producer and writer based here in Toronto. Mike is also a Ryerson alumni who is very passionate about bringing the voices of marginalized individuals to life. Follow along as we were able to speak more on topics centring around creating opportunities, the importance of representation, and defining personal success.

Craig Pike is the business owner of Toronto’s favourite ‘Craig’s Cookies’ which uniquely combines a family secret chocolate chip recipe with various crazy popular treats. Craig is also an actor and Founding Conductor of ‘That Choir’ here in Downtown Toronto. Follow our conversation as we explore both the successes and challenges of being a local entrepreneur, the importance of being true to yourself and building community.

In this episode, we were lucky to have the opportunity to sit down with two guests, Bella and Leche. Bella is a Fashion Communications student here at Ryerson who also writes fashion editorials for Style Circle Magazine. While Leche is a Professional Communications student who is also the Founder and Creative Director of a pearl-based jewellery company designed to empower women, centred here in Toronto. Listen along as we explore various topics speaking to the importance of diversity, self-love and acceptance, body positivity and sustainable fashion coupled with the idea of redefining the true meaning both inner and outer beauty.