Okoye Franklin aka Bad Friends is a record producer, sound engineer, DJ, musician & songwriter from Halifax.Bad Friends was recently nominated for "DJ OF THE YEAR", "ELECTRONIC ARTIST OF THE YEAR"  Awards - MUSIC NOVA SCOTIA and Emerging Artist of the Year - ANSMA.Supported by Spinnin' Records and recently signed to One Seven Music, distributed by Sony Music, Bad Friends mixes his Nigerian roots with his new Canadian home in a thunderous heartfelt track that lets EDM and Afrobeat mingle on the dance floor.Check him out @badfriends_music

Courage has 10+ years of experience in the corporate world in different continents and across sectors. She is currently a Business Development Manager at Futurpreneur and supports Young Entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia in launching their businesses through the organization's various program offerings.Courage has developed a number of skill sets in her career journey, and combined with her diverse experience, she is able to support and champion different causes across Africa - first in her home country, Nigeria and two Eastern African countries - Ethiopia and Kenya. Some of these causes include financial literacy training for women and tech education for children.A lover of art and entrepreneurship, Courage operates a digital media outfit in Halifax and spends her weekends photographing individuals, and helping professionals and small business owners create memorable brands through photography and storytelling.Courage holds a master’s degree in International Development from The New School, New York, a Bachelor's degree in Guidance and counselling from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria; and several certificates in finance, Web design, Marketing and Project Management.In her downtime, Courage enjoys photographing, designing, bead crafting, cooking, reading, volunteering and travelling.

Linda Espinosa Valencia is an equity, diversity and inclusion consultant and alongside Ana Maria Desmasion Cornejo co-founded Ventura Collective. Ventura Collective is a Latine women-owned equity, diversity, and inclusion consulting collective. Ventura utilizes the Diversity and Inclusion ISO 30415 standard to disrupt the current DEI status quo and enact systemic change in organizations.Linda holds a Marketing and International Business Degree, a Diversity and Inclusion Certification from Cornell University and a Diversity and Inclusion Service Management ISO 30415:2021 certification from the University of Georgia. Linda was the first DEI consultant in Canada to be certified to implement ISO 30415:2021 Diversity and Inclusion Framework in organizations. Linda has lived and worked in Mexico, Canada and the US. Living in these three different settings has taught her that differences are what make places and organizations thrive and diversity must be celebrated. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. Most recently, Linda joined the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), the national representative to the ISO (International Organization for Standardization). She has introduced the first DEI Certification in Canada, based on the International Standard ISO 30415, specifically for DEI professionals.Learn more @venturacollectiveltd

Deji Majekolagbe, born in 1996 in Lagos, Nigeria, currently resides as a photographer in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His portfolio encompasses a diverse spectrum of photography, including weddings, fashion, street, and portrait photography. Deji's passion lies in capturing the essence of individuals from various walks of life.In his creative process, Deji emphasizes the importance of simplicity, aiming to evoke emotions, stillness, and vulnerability through his work. His focus is on showcasing the genuine and best versions of his subjects. In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of photography, Deji is dedicated to finding his unique voice, embracing a journey of continual learning, overcoming failures, and persistent experimentation.Check him out @dejimajek

Lize, originally from South Africa, moved to Canada in 2022 to embark on new adventures and expand her horizons. A crime fighter at heart, Lize is passionate about justice and exploring the complexities of the human psyche. She combined her love for puzzles with her fascination for criminal behaviour, leading to the creation of "Puzzled by Crime" — a project that merges analytical thinking with the exploration of the darker sides of human nature. This creative endeavour aims to stimulate problem-solving skills while fostering conversations around crime, vulnerability, and prevention, encouraging others to find colour and light amidst the darkness.In addition to her crime-related pursuits, Lize is a dedicated philanthropist, always looking for opportunities to bring positive change to others' lives. Together with a friend, she started a fundraiser "Love and Smile SA" aimed at providing toothbrushes and toothpaste to underprivileged children in South Africa, with the goal of "brightening and broadening smiles one by one." To date, they have raised enough funds to supply oral hygiene products to 650 children, creating lasting, positive effects on the health, confidence, and social interactions of these young individuals. Lize's dedication to uplifting others is at the core of everything she does.Lize is also an avid traveller, believing that exposure to diverse cultures and experiences enriches personal growth and shapes one's worldview. She values learning from different perspectives and incorporates these lessons into her work, ultimately striving to be a positive influence wherever she goes. Her motto is simple yet powerful: live life to the fullest, find the light in dark places, and make a few people smile along the way. Through her creative endeavours, philanthropy, and enthusiasm for exploration, Lize is committed to leaving the world a little safer and a little happier.Find out more @lizemels@loveandsmilesahttps://www.puzzled-by-crime.com/https://www.gofundme.com/f/love-and-smile-sa/

  Yangsta is a hip-hop artist and radio/podcast personality from Dartmouth Nova Scotia. He is an avid supporter of the local NS hip-hop scene and has been releasing music for over a decade. Yangsta’s musical style is inspired by the likes of Will Smith, 2Pac, Jay-Z, Notorious BIG and other notable figures of old school 90s rap era. A lyrical perfectionist, Yangsta prefers to write bars on a pen and a pad vs. freestyling songs. The polished and to-the-point song structure in all of his music serves as a testament to his effort towards creating the best music. Yangsta co-hosted a popular radio show on 88.1fm CKDU called “Pyrate Radio”, a one-hour-long local hip hop show alongside Vadell Gabriel. Over the eight years of the show being active, the duo brought on countless guests from the local music community to showcase their content and talents, including the Blackout Podcast’s host. Yangsta & Vadell also performed and DJ’d at various venues across the city such as the Gottingen 250 festival, “Family Over Fame” day, The Coast’s “Food Truck party” and “Multi-cultural night” at MSVU. Yangsta’s latest project “Tales From the Dark Side” #TFDS is a testament to his lyricism and life experiences as a resident of Dartmouth. The gritty yet energetic sounds of the project is an accurate reflection of life in the Dark Side and the unique vibe the city has. A must listen. Check him out @theyangsta7

Simone Chia is a transformational coach who helps growth-minded individuals step into their purpose and overcome the obstacles holding them back. Using an integrated mind-body approach, she guides clients to develop deeper self-awareness, gain clarity on their goals, and break free from self-limiting beliefs.Simone empowers people to stop putting off their dreams and start creating meaningful lifestyle changes that lead to greater contentment, purpose, and joy. Whether you're looking to improve relationships, develop healthy habits, or simply feel more alive, Simone provides the strategies and support to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.She helps growth-minded individuals step into their purpose, whether that’s feeling more content, developing healthy habits, or improving their relationships. Using an integrated mind-body approach, she supports her clients in bridging the gap between where they are now and where they want to be, helping them experience greater life satisfaction and joy. Working with her, clients gain clarity and self-awareness, while developing strategies to move towards their goals in a way that feels realistic and exciting.Her work centres around helping clients:Develop deeper self-awareness about what truly matters to them, so they can move through life with intention, not on autopilot.Gain clarity on their goals and what makes them feel truly alive, and take purposeful action towards those goals.Identify self-limiting beliefs and behaviour patterns that keep them stuck.Develop strategies to work towards their lifestyle goals in ways that feel manageable, realistic, and exciting.Stop putting off their dreams and start creating lifestyle changes that move them towards a greater sense of purpose, contentment, and joy.Find out more about the retreat hereLearn more about Simone @simone_by_the_sea

Scarlett Rose is a multidisciplinary artist from Kjipuktuk/Halifax, Nova Scotia.With just under a decade in the local entertainment industry, she has developed and performed hundreds of acts with numerous agencies across five provinces. From sold-out stages to small community events, Scarlett highlights the importance of play and the joy it can bring to audiences young and old.Making the best of her background in dance and theatre, Scarlett's first forays into circus arts have since expanded to include multiple circus disciplines, fire, Burlesque, GoGo dance and character work. Known for her dynamic and energetic style, Scarlett transports her audience to new worlds regardless of context and apparatus.Check her out @scarlettrose.performanceart

Ayodele Okundalaiye is a dynamic professional Master of Ceremony/Compere with a sense of humour - he is popularly known as the Senior Advocate of Comedy (SACO).As a Compere, he has consistently delivered outstanding value to clients across several industries and sectors. This has made SACO the choice MC by Multinational companies, financial institutions, Telecom giants, FMCG companies, Non-profits, political, educational and Faith-based organizations as well as high-net-worth individuals in Nigeria and abroad. Some companies/organizations that have engaged his professional Compere service for events include MTN, KPMG, Lagos Business School, Rainoil, and Pretoria Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists.SACO has hosted events in the US, Canada, UK, France, South Africa, Ghana, Dubai, Turkey and even Israel to mention a few. He has also hosted about 2000 social events (weddings and birthday parties) at home and abroad. His style can be described as a blend of humour - rib cracking, clean ethical and family-friendly jokes, wit and an abundance of courtesy for clients and guests alike. He deploys class and panache in the management of programs and also brings to the table the ability to adapt and customize programs to suit the needs of specific and unique audiences. Event Planners often find his input priceless and vital to the overall success of their events. He is also an alumnus of Lagos Business School’s Enterprise Development Centre.He is married to Aghogho and together they have 3 amazing children.SACO holds LEGACY above all achievements - he is passionate about building capacity for the next generations. This led to the establishment of the Strategic Mentorship Programme – a vehicle that aims to provide strategic mentorship to young entertainment entrepreneurs.Find out more @spiritofsaco

Marja is an artist who has recently reignited her passion for painting after taking a break from her craft. Her first mural, a bold and colourful statement, marks her exciting return to the art world. With fresh enthusiasm, Marja has dedicated herself to celebrating the unique beauty she sees in the everyday world, capturing moments and details that might otherwise go unnoticed. Her approach is all about highlighting what makes each subject special, often in ways you might not expect. In addition to celebrating beauty, Marja’s art is deeply personal, reflecting her cultural heritage and experiences. She thoughtfully incorporates elements of her background into her pieces, creating a rich tapestry of meaning and connection. Through her art, Marja not only shares her perspective but also honours the influences that have shaped her creative journey.Check her out @marja.sanni

Karen Dean is a powerhouse of wisdom—real, gritty, hard-earned wisdom that you can’t learn from a book but only through surviving life's toughest battles.  She is an incredible motivational speaker, lifelong entrepreneur, and bestselling author who shares her own personal stories of resilience and proven tools for success while inspiring audiences with an amazing sense of positivity.  With over 25 years of entrepreneurial success across multiple industries, she helps build stronger people and workforces with easy-to-implement tools to foster resilience, boost performance, and enhance workplace culture.Recognized as a four-time nominee for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards, Karen’s leadership is matched by her commitment to the community. She has raised over $130,000 for families in need in Nova Scotia and launched a bursary program for young women from rural areas to pursue higher education.Karen has published two influential books: We Are Unbreakable, a Canadian bestseller, and Fierce & Fabulous: A Self-Love Journal. Her mission is to empower individuals and organizations to not just survive but to thrive with resilience, purpose, and positivity.Learn more @karendeanspeaks 

Jacquelyn Miccolis is a social entrepreneur committed to using creativity to drive positive change. In 2019, she founded Sparkles n' Sawdust Studio, an award-winning venture recognized for its significant community impact. After navigating the challenges of the pandemic, Jacquelyn launched Supernova Events to support the creative economy in Atlantic Canada, including key initiatives like the Supernova Market and Conference. With diplomas in community development and office administration and a psychology background from MSVU, she has refined her skills as a leader and community builder. This summer, Jacquelyn will release her debut book, Unfiltered Wisdom: A How-To Guide for Creative Entrepreneurs, offering practical insights for innovators and available exclusively on Amazon. Jacquelyn eagerly welcomes opportunities for new creative projects, speaking engagements, and initiatives that foster community-building efforts. Learn more @thesupernovamarket

A chat with F$rgo at the ECMAsCheck him out @fsrgoo

A chat with aRENYE at the ECMAsCheck him out @rennygramm

On the way to the forefront of Afrobeats in Canada, aRENYE continues to deliver extraordinary performances around the country and release undiluted, free-spirited music.Check him out @rennygramm

Scott Ellis is a proud Nova Scotian who currently lives in rural Nova Scotia with his partner Brogan Regier.Scott is set on making Nova Scotia the best place it can be. He has dedicated efforts to improving our environment, supporting small businesses, and enhancing our mental health system, all with the goal of creating a better place for Bluenosers.Scott Ellis is a community-oriented leader from Nova Scotia with extensive experience in advocating for mental health and supporting individuals with eating disorders. He currently serves as the Clinical and Operations Manager at Eating Disorders Nova Scotia. Ellis is a survivor of anorexia nervosa and uses his personal experience to help others in similar situations. Ellis is also an author; his book "Chasing Numbers: Sleep, Starve, Repeat" details his personal journey with an eating disorder.In addition to his work in mental health, Ellis has been involved in politics, having run for the Progressive Conservative Party in Nova Scotia in 2021. His campaign focused on understanding and addressing the struggles faced by his community, particularly regarding mental health issues.

Loïc is a Rwandan barsmith from The Umbrella Collective based in P.E.I Canada, his main style is hip-hop, but he has also worked on Afrobeat, Dancehall and RnB-themed instrumentals.His delivery is effortless and groovy while providing the listeners with an insight into his life, he describes his music as therapy sessions where he shares his ambitions, fears, hopes and achievements.Loïc grew up in a musical house, with his grandmother playing a major influence on his musical taste. She had a cultural dance troop that helped him navigate music and dance as one and the same. He started rapping at the age of 13 after three friends dared him to write a rap, and he fell in love with the craft. 15 years later, he is still striving to better himself.Find out more @theumbrellacollective_

Tamara Steele is a long-time arts administrator and non-profit director by day but has always been an artist at heart.Her musical talent was fostered from a young age as she grew up learning from her grandmother to play piano and watching her father sing in calypso/soca bands in Halifax, Nova Scotia. After high school, Tamara moved to Prince Edward Island to study classical music at UPEI.A singer for as long as she can remember, Tamara has sung both lead and backing vocals in many bands over the years covering many genres including R&B, Soul, Rock, Reggae, and Salsa Fusion.Currently, Tamara plays bass and sings backing vocals with the Charlottetown-based Hip-Hop band, The Umbrella Collective.Find out more @theumbrellacollective_

DJ Hotcue is a DJ / Producer from Weymouth, Nova Scotia who, in a few short years, has grown his career from humble beginnings in a small rural Nova Scotian town to DJing at major events and opening for renowned hip-hop artists.DJ Hotcue developed a love for DJing in high school when he was a part of an eight-week DJ course called Rhythm that was taught by Gerald Wheatley and Craig Muise. From there, he gained some of his first performance opportunities at high school dances.He made his official debut at a wedding & later a Family Reunion. In recent years, DJ Hotcue performed at events such as NBA Canada Tours: Campus Pass, All-Star Skills Challenge,  NBA Nation Tour  NSMW 2022 & 2023 and has opened for acts like Ice Cube, DJ Yella of NWA, Fetty Wap, Sean Kingston, Ace Hood, Joyner Lucas & many more.He’s also started producing and releasing music since the pandemic.Check him out @djhotcue

For over a dozen years, Caitlyn Hamblin turned a passion for supporting others into a dynamic career.This journey led to the launch of Cait Collabs, a project dedicated to fostering collaboration.Evolving further, she founded Cait Creative, where she now thrives as a Creative Consultant, supporting clients with their online presence and marketing goals.Find out more @cait_collabs

Anna is a 25-year-old adventurer who found herself in Halifax back in 2018 to explore something new, something different, and unknown.These last 6 years have been a rollercoaster of challenges and self-discovery.In January 2024 after years of wandering and trying to find her place, she travelled back home to Moscow, feeling drained and exhausted from life in Halifax. Being away from home for over 3 years took its toll, and she was desperate for peace and healing. That's when her Mom stepped in; first by sending her to a retreat and secondly by believing in her to lead/guide AUM practice in Halifax.Now, about AUM practice itself.It's an incredible release. It's like a washing machine for your soul, a beautiful spring cleansing. It's about releasing all the baggage you've been carrying inside, the stuff that's been weighing you down for months, weeks, years. The screaming part? Well, you can be angry, mad, scream, shout, cry, laugh, love, hug, dance like crazy – it's all about being your true self.AUM practice, while recognized in Europe, remains relatively unknown in Halifax and across Canada. Recognizing its transformative power and the importance of emotional release, Anna felt compelled to introduce the practice in Halifax. She truly believes that if this practice has helped her, it can undoubtedly benefit others as well.It's time for Halifax to experience the deep serenity and empowerment that AUM practice offers firsthand.Learn more @aumhalifax

Kayo describes his sound as ‘Future meets Fugees’ - A lush blend of hip-hop, R&B and Afrobeats mixed with a raspy delivery, unique cadence, catchy melodies and a certain vibration that could only stem from his island upbringing.He is the 2023 ANSMA Artist of the Year, 2023 Music Nova Scotia Music Awards, DJ of the Year, and was also recently awarded the 2023 R&B/Soul Recording of the Year for his album, TRIP.He has toured with the likes of Classified, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, Chali 2na of Jurassic 5 Kes the Band, Teddyson John & Jimmy October and has worked with heavyweights like Kardinal Offishall, JRDN & Quake Matthews.Check him out @kayomusic_

As a producer, composer, and mentor, Stak wears different hats in the music Industry.He co-founded Million Vibes with aRENYe to unite diverse communities through music. He guides three artists in music composition and activities, fostering talent and artistic growth.Through Million Vibes and its SNAXX platform, Stak is creating a comprehensive hub for underground artists to thrive, positively impacting the growing music scene in Canada, especially on the East Coast, and expanding into a broader platform for artistic expression and community building.Stak's mission is to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem where creativity, collaboration, and community come together to shape the future of music and entertainmentCheck him out @stak_01

Ashley is the owner of Happily Hitched Halifax, an all-inclusive wedding chapel in Downtown Halifax specializing in elopements and minimonies. She is also a full-time Event Specialist at the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.Her event planning journey began in theatre with stage management and production in Toronto.Following her family's roots in Cape Breton, Ashley moved to beautiful Nova Scotia with her partner Jay Fisher (Capture It Photography) in 2020, and is thrilled to be building a life here! Find out more @happilyhitchedhfx

Queensley Chidera is a customer service expert, experienced administrative assistant and Certified Scrum master. She is originally from eastern Nigeria and currently resides in Halifax Novascotia with her husband. Queensley has over 8 years banking experience in Nigeria and 2 years of administrative experience in Canada. Queensley has a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and a master’s degree in food Microbiology from the Federal University of Technology Minna and the University of Nigeria Nsukka respectively. She is an advocate for inclusivity and equality in the workplace and has volunteered in programs that promote these. Outside of her career, Queensley loves trying new foods, loves cooking, hiking and hanging out with friends. Find out more @ajibo_queensley

Coming up in the Open Mic & Karaoke Community, Deves Matwawana has a strong love for pop music which shines through with his catchy hooks and his deceptively heartfelt lyrics. A Dartmouth Native and self-professed comic book geek, he’s the lead singer of the ANSMA Award Nominated, Halifax pop-rock band, CASUAL CRIES FOR HELP.Deves wants to use his platform to show a different side of black masculinity and black mental health through his art and the way he carries himself.Described as a mix between Michael Jackson and BareNaked Ladies, Casual Cries For HELP is a fun and vibrant pop-rock band with songs about anxiety, toxic relationships, intruding thoughts and nostalgia.Check him out @devesinprogress

Dwayne Marcial, a dynamic serial entrepreneur, thrives at the intersection of business and the arts.As an accomplished artist manager in the Canadian music industry, he navigates the complexities of the entertainment world with finesse. Dwayne's entrepreneurial spirit led him to be a founder of a groundbreaking music streaming app, revolutionizing the way audiences engage with indie music artists. Beyond his commercial ventures, Dwayne is dedicated to fostering a global appreciation for Canadian music.As the owner of a nonprofit organization, he champions initiatives that export the rich diversity of Canadian musical talent on the world stage. He is a respected client of the Trade Commission of Canada. Dwayne's influence reaches international heights, having actively participated in numerous export missions with Heritage Canada and working with music festivals in Singapore, Australia, and France, a testament to his invaluable contributions to both the artistic and economic landscapes.Find out more @realdjslim

Trevor Murphy contains multitudes. Whether as the founder of the boutique record label Acadian Embassy, the leader of bands such as Sluice and Quiet Parade, an award-winning publicist, a radio host, or a respected behind-the-scenes player throughout Nova Scotia's culture sector, he acts as a consistent champion for the outsider. Leaning on almost 20 years of experience in the music industry, Murphy strives to promote artists (particularly those from the East Coast) with a dedicated DIY attitude and a staunch alternative spirit. Check him out @hfxisburning

Blanche Israël is the CEO of the East Coast Music Association. A multilingual Moroccan-French Canadian cultural strategist and accomplished professional cellist, she has called Dartmouth, Nova Scotia her home since 2019. Before joining ECMA, Blanche was the founder and lead consultant at proScenium Services, a consulting firm excelling in transformative strategy which helped secure over $10 million in grants and funding for arts organizations.As a versatile cellist, Blanche collaborates with Indigenous artist Jeremy Dutcher, and in recent years her talents have graced over 60 Canadian stages and have been showcased in a Tiny Desk Concert and at the JUNO Awards. Her advocacy efforts span various arts service organizations, demonstrating her commitment to cultural storytelling and representation.Blanche has presented at esteemed conferences and platforms including Folk Alliance International, Music Nova Scotia, and the PHI Centre's Digital Literacy Incubator. With a polymathic range, a rich background in arts management, an impressive funding track record, and a profound artistic presence, Blanche Israël is poised to lead the East Coast Music Association towards a future characterized by innovation, inclusivity, and unparalleled cultural impact.

Fatu Kaba is an award-winning human rights activist, high-fashion model, and the founder and CEO of HEARTS, a platform dedicated to building an epistemic community where every individual has a platform to learn, share their story, and access tools to create a positive social impact.She is also a novelist with both published and unpublished manuscripts, including "Fiona Sallami" and "Harder Choices," and has contributed articles to platforms such as Manchester University Peace Studies, UNICEF Voices of Youth, and Sleepless in Monrovia. Fatu is currently working on turning some of her manuscripts into screenplays, including "Crippled Affection," "Unholy Deal," and "Echoes of the Guardians."Originally from Liberia, Fatu survived the civil war before moving to the USA to pursue her Bachelor's in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from Manchester University. She then relocated to Canada in 2022 to pursue a Master's in Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation at SMU.Find out more @fatumkaba

 Hilary MacCormick (she/her) is an obstetric anesthesiologist practising in Kjipuktuk/Halifax. Her academic research focuses on improving perioperative care for LGBTQIA+ communities. She is a volunteer with @CASIEF, which takes her to Rwanda every couple of years to help teach the anaesthesia residents at the University of Rwanda. Hilary began pole dancing 15 years ago for exercise but quickly fell in love with the community and mental health benefits. She has competed regionally and internationally, winning gold at the Pole Sport Organization Northeast L3 Senior Championship (Boston, 2019) and Halifax Theatrix (2020). In addition to pole dance, she also trains partner acrobatics (Halifax Circus) and lollipop lyra. Hilary began performing burlesque as Lola Pop in 2021 and is incredibly grateful to the supportive burlesque community for welcoming her with open arms. As a self-titled “collector of hobbies”, she also rides horses and has started learning West Coast swing dance. Hilary loves marvelling at the capabilities of the human body and creating meaningful connections with people - whether that is through relieving someone’s pain and anxiety during labour, collaborating with colleagues providing care in low resource settings, or cheering someone on when they nail a new skill in pole or circus. Learn more @hilarykate

Jay Fisher is the Headshot Photographer for people who hate having their photo taken.He's been fortunate enough to work with many different people from different parts of the arts world. As a former actor and performer, Jay has spent a lot of time on both sides of the camera and uses that insight and experience to make personality come alive in his clients' images. He has garnered the trust of HRM's Business Community and is the go-to headshot photographers for some of the regions best known companies and business leaders.Jay's photo philosophy is simple: The person in the photo needs to be the person walking in the room. And so he wholeheartedly celebrates the people he has the pleasure of working with! Jay strives to create a fun and empowering environment, and welcomes people of all age, sex, gender identity, orientation, physical ability, ethnicity and body type.When he's not working in the studio, Jay enjoys music, movies, cooking, and other geeky pursuits. And yes, still enjoys photography as a hobby, as a medium for creating art and storytelling.Jay lives in Dartmouth with his partner Ashley and their dog Bleu.Check his work out @captureit.photog

Oliver Twisted is a theatrical neo-boylesquer with a passion for the absurd, creative costume design and fully immersive theatre.He has been active in the Halifax burlesque scene for almost 4 years and is thrilled to contribute to the further development of our community. He is on the board of the Atlantic Burlesque Co-operative, and he’s the producer and co-founder of Atlantic Boylesque.Oliver is profoundly appreciative to have the opportunity to live and work in Mi’kma’ki because of its beautiful coastal environments, wild interiors, rich artistic culture and supportive community vibes.Check him out @atlanticboylesque

Tiffani Young is the CEO of Natural Butter Bar, a multi-award-winning company based in Dartmouth, N.S. that launched in December 2020.Natural Butter Bar offers 100% plant-based products that help different types of hair and skin look their best. Their diverse product line includes Butters, Oils, Essential Oils, Gel, Soap, Shampoos, Conditioners and Accessories. Their products help with a variety of challenges such as eczema, psoriasis, dryness, breakage and itchy scalp to name a few.Tiffani started Butter Bar because she wanted to offer high-quality all-natural products that are inclusive and accessible. She offers products that focus on black hair and skin care needs but are still universal and also offers Braille labels upon request.The aim is to help people, regardless of their texture or complexion, to fall more in love with the skin they’re in and the kink of their hair.Learn more @naturalbutterbar

Veronica Post is an award-winning graphic novelist based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Author ofLangosh and Peppi: Fugitive Days, and Langosh, Peppi and Yeva: Hot to Trot. Following a brief and disillusioning attempt at university for Philosophy and Fine Arts, respectively, Veronica moved to Montreal where she completed a diploma in fine cabinetry, which suited her much better. She played drums in punk bands, ate poutine, worked in factories and joined a local zine distro that encouraged her to self-publish and distribute her mini-comics. This encouragement turned a lifelong love for comic books into a passion for creating auto-biographical work in graphic novel form. She left Montreal for the allure of Eastern Europe, where she created the characters Langosh and Peppi and began working on what would become “Fugitive Days”, published by Conundrum Press and awarded with the Doug Wright “Nipper” award in 2020. She continues to create work based on these characters and looks forward to creating more work exploring their world, and her own. Check out her work @veronica.post.comics

Janice Landry has won three national awards for her books and mental health advocacy work. Janice is a proud Haligonian and is currently working on her seventh non-fiction title which will be published by Pottersfield Press in spring 2025. Her most recent book, Eye of the Ocean, (2022), was a bestseller. Janice’s biggest inspiration is her family; husband, Rob, and daughter, Laura. She also honours her late parents, Baz and Theresa, with her books, and began writing long form to tell the gripping story of her father’s National Medal of Bravery for rescuing an infant from a harrowing house fire. Check her out @jthecanadian

Canadian by birth, Ethiopian by ethnicity, traveller by choice.Dinah is from Halifax, Nova Scotia. She grew up travelling back home to Ethiopia quite often as a kid and it has continued to stay with her till this day. She has a huge passion for travelling and doing things outside of her comfort zone as she feels like you learn so much about yourself and the world.Dinah is mostly into budget travelling and backpacking, her favourite part of travelling is meeting and making new friends from all over the world during her travels. Travelling has given her such a unique outlook on the world and she cannot wait to travel to many more countries that are misinterpreted by the media and the Western world.Find out more @dinah_ejigu

Schuyler Vromans is a partner aerial circus artist, osteopath, massage therapist, and acupuncturist.His life revolves around elevating others' health and wellness and pushing the boundaries of physical artistry. In his free time, he's either defying gravity with dynamic aerial routines or finding new ways to blend movement and healing.Every performance, every treatment, is a step towards a holistic approach to well-being, and exploring the limits of human potential together.Find out more @schuylervromans

Jasmin Jasko Razic is the dynamic President and owner of True North Events, a company renowned for revolutionizing the DJ & Event services landscape on the East Coast. Born from a legacy established in 2013, True North Events, originally known as True North DJ Services, quickly became a cornerstone in the entertainment industry, renowned for its top-notch DJ services. Jasko's entrepreneurial spirit and vision led him to acquire True North amidst the challenging times of COVID-19 in December 2021, a bold move that marked the beginning of a new era for the company.With a diverse background that intriguingly blends music and law enforcement, Jasko's journey is anything but ordinary. Before his venture into the business world, he served as a dedicated police officer for a decade, a career that honed his sense of community and service. However, his heart always beat for music, a passion deeply rooted in his childhood years in Bosnia, where he played piano and drums before immigrating to Canada at the age of 10. Settling in Halifax at a young age, Jasko's transition into a new culture was marked by his unwavering love for music, which remained a constant as he navigated through high school and beyond.Jasko's transition from law enforcement to full-time entrepreneurship was fueled by his entrepreneurial spirit and an innate drive to innovate within the entertainment industry. Under his leadership, True North Events has experienced exponential growth, expanding its team from seven to twenty-two DJs and broadening its services to include photo booths and the highly sought-after 360 video booth, a first of its kind on the East Coast. His pragmatic approach to business, combined with a deep understanding of market needs, has positioned True North Events as a leading entertainment provider, renowned for its quality, innovation, and comprehensive service offerings.Jasko's story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and adaptability. From the war-torn streets of Bosnia to the bustling business landscape of Canada, his journey reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep commitment to enriching the entertainment experience. As True North Events continues to thrive under his stewardship, Jasko remains a beacon of innovation, continuously seeking new ways to elevate the event experience and leave a lasting impact on the industry.Check him out @truenorthevents.hfx

Mariah has supported small to large businesses locally and internationally for almost a decade. Her expertise is in the overlap of embodying branding with the natural evolution of business. Her support ranges vastly from grounding the strategy, messaging, and visual components of a business; to understanding micro-movements for sustainable success.She is currently the Executive Director of Mariah International Business & Vitality Inc., owner of Embodied Clothing, as well as Co-Founder/ Chief Brand Director of a new international project called Weev (app).Mariah is also fluent in other creative pursuits, as a recognized Poet, Sound Therapist, Fashion Designer & Event Coordinator.She has worked with Businesses/ Nonprofits/ Corporate Structures such as Youth Art Connection, Place-Making 4G, The Bus Stop Theatre, Halifax Chambers of Commerce, Black Business Initiative, Common Good Solutions, Delmore Buddy Day Learning Institute, Cluster, FlexTime & others.As a business owner who has previously benefited from the support of INOVA, Mariah can be a voice and a bridge for other BIPOC businesses to regain trust in the banking institutions.With her wealth of knowledge and natural intuitive understanding of business, she has been asked to consult for government programs, the creation of new building developments for minority groups as well as create programming for the youth in business.

Hailie Tattrie (she/her) is a sociologist, a white settler,  a communist, and a lifelong learner. She is currently working towards finishing her PhD in educational studies at Mount Saint Vincent University. She works as a part-time professor at Saint Mary's University & is hoping to become a full-time professor at one of Halifax's universities when she is done with her schooling. Hailie grew up in rural Nova Scotia, after graduating high school she went to Mount Allison University where she fell in love with sociology and academia. After her undergrad she travelled Europe and the UK and was a nanny in Scotland, she then went to Dalhousie University where she completed her Masters in Sociology in 2020. When not in school Hailie likes to volunteer her time to worthy causes like Justice for Workers or going to local rallies and protests. She lives in Halifax (K'jipuktuk) with her partner Jacob and their two kitties- Michael and Dexter. Learn more @hailiemtattrie

Anita Kirkbride UNDERcomplicates social media marketing for smart, successful small businesses.She encourages her clients to ditch perfectionism, embrace authenticity and #BeFlawsome in their social media.She started Twirp Communications Inc., a boutique social media consulting business, in 2011 and the Social Media Day Halifax conference in 2018. She has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs leverage social media through her consulting, BeFlawsome podcast, educational blog, and a variety of webinars and online courses.The anti-hero Spicy Anita arrived in 2023 and is known for her red leather jacket, busting myths about the online marketing industry and encouraging her followers to #UnleashTheAntiHero.Check her out @twirpcommunications

 Vaishali Sachdeva aka V is an international student from a country rich in culture and diversity, India. She created history by being crowned as the first Miss South Asian Gem Nova Scotia 2023 and is dedicated to achieving more milestones in the future as well. Since childhood Acting has been her passion and she started her journey as a professional Actor with the Newcomer’s Project last year for which she toured across schools in Nova Scotia to amplify the voices of immigrants and refugees in Canada and was a performer in the Halifax Fringe festival as well for the show called "The Object at Trash Beach". She made her screen debut in January 2024 with a Punjabi song titled "Ik Chehra" which got over 306K views. She has also been a background Actor in award-winning films like "The Queen of My Dreams" and has worked as a catalogue model for Ela Stories. From Acting, dancing, pageant, and modelling to being a pitch presenter for Enactus or being involved with Entrepreneurship, sales, and Psychology, she is a multifaceted individual driven by a relentless pursuit of diverse passions. She believes in creating impact through her art and likes to give back to the community. She has participated as a speaker at events organized by the World University Service of Canada(WUSC) and United Way Canada(UWC) to raise awareness about student refugees, poverty, social issues and international development. Additionally, she did a show in Halifax on her birthday in collaboration with an NGO called Adsum for Women for charity which was a great success. V is like an unstoppable force passionate about whatever she does. She will achieve all her dreams through her strong will to never give up and hard work and she wants to become a renowned name in the world, especially in the Entertainment industry. Find out more @vaishali__sachdeva

Iyiola AKA Gafar, a shortened form of the name "Abdulgafar" which means “Servant of the All Forgiving”.He is an artist, Architecture student, and general creative. He has always loved design and aesthetics, and visual art is his preferred way of expressing himself. Born in Canada but lived most of his life in Lagos, Nigeria, Iyiola believes Lagos is a wonderful place, and it has influenced his art and his identity greatly.He moved to Halifax in 2019 for school, and he has learned to appreciate what he used to think was a boring city.He believes there is a lot to discover in Halifax, and he hopes to explore more of its art scene and connect with other creatives like him.Check him out @gafar_the_great

Josh Creighton is a lifelong resident of Nova Scotia.He works for the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, as the Corporate Partnership Specialist. He also sits on CBC's African Nova Scotian community advisory board.Josh enjoys exploring various entrepreneur efforts, reading, cooking, hiking, and practising martial arts in his spare time.Check him out @joshcreighton2

Tanya McHarg is a registered social worker, coach and facilitator with over 20 years of experience in the field. She is the owner and operator of Healing on Purpose Therapeutic Services, currently offering coaching services, facilitation and individual therapy under the mentorship of a clinical social worker. She uses an intersectional, anti-oppressive and holistic lens to support the health and healing for people of African descent. She completed her Sociology Degree at St. Thomas University with a research focus on systemic anti-Black racism within law enforcement. She completed her Social Work degree at the University of Calgary and her Master's of Social Work at Dalhousie University (graduation spring 2024). Tanya began her career within the non-profit sector supporting people experiencing homelessness, addiction and mental health issues. She spent 17 years with the Government of Alberta in areas such as child intervention investigations, training, and facilitation, and worked as Team Lead of the PSECA Team (Protection of Sexually Exploited Children's Act) to address child sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Tanya is passionate about mindfulness, self-compassion and somatic bodywork as ways toward healing and thriving not just surviving. Originally from New Brunswick, Tanya’s paternal grandmother (Peters) was an African Nova Scotian from Annapolis Royal.In 2022, Tanya resigned from the Government of Alberta and followed her dreams to move back to the East Coast making Nova Scotia her forever home. Find out more @blkexcellencehealing

A small red Sepal on a Peduncle attached to the deep roots of the flower in a garden full of colorful flowers feeling the scent of nature could be: Basam Murtaza Tahoor. He feeds from the sprinkles of nature, inhales the fragrance of the air, and lives under the rays of the luminous sun.Basam Murtaza Tahoor is the Founder and Managing Director of iClick Agency, a full-service marketing agency. A results-driven professional with 9 years of diverse experience and adept in Digital Marketing, WordPress Development, Graphic Design, Translation, Content Writing, Branding, and Business Writing. I hold a bachelor in English Language and Literature and a vocational degree in Civil EngineeringHe is obsessed with nature, literature, philosophy, beauty and humanity.The short stories and poems he writes are some of the seeds he planted in nature and he is elated to have them.Find out more on his LinkedIn Profile

Noémie (pronounced No-Emmy) is a Québecer of Haitian ancestry who has resided, worked and lived in Mi'kma'ki (Nova Scotia) since 2016. She received an undergraduate degree (honours) in Psychology from Mount Saint Vincent University in 2021 and is set to receive a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology from Acadia University in 2024.Noémie has a passion for Health Equity research, and for sharing scientific knowledge in ways that can be understood and accessed by everyone.She is particularly sensitive to issues of Black mental health and the lack of services for folks of African ancestry. Noémie embraces opportunities to educate the public on mental health topics, and to advocate for the cultural diversification of mental health care practitioners and scholars.Find out more @almost_a_shrink