I normally write a “Year in Review” post where I recount the highlights of the past year, as well as share with you a few pop cultural events that affected me (psst…..gotta quickly mention the Raptors’ win because that was MONUMENTAL). But I thought to change it up and do something different. For this last…
Tag: arts
Ruby Ibarra: Brown Girls Rap Too!
What do you get when you add a dash of Filipino flavour, a taste of the Bay area, and some thought provoking lyrics? You get hip hop emcee, Ruby Ibarra. Ruby Ibarra is a young rap artist that hails from the Philippines, and who currently resides in California. Real talk – one of…
Featured Blogger: Jamila Kyari
As a writer and blogger who relishes in discovering new things as well as exposing local talent, I was happy when an email from Jamila Kyari reached my inbox. Jamila contacted me to tell me that she’s a fellow Canadian blogger who works in the Communication industry, and who also enjoys reading Words With…
Nneka Elliott: From News Reporter to Lifestyle Entrepreneur
As you can tell by the number of phenomenal people that have graced my 4-year-old blog (Yes, Words With Michelle turns 4 tomorrow – woo hoo!), I am genuinely in awe of people who fearlessly follow their dreams and path – no matter what. In 2016, Nneka Elliott, a well-known media personality and news…
Karen M. Lowe: Wants You To Go After Your Dreams!
Have you ever wanted to start your own business but felt scared? Overwhelmed? Confused? Or, are you a budding entrepreneur who would like to take your business to the next level? I suggest you to talk with Karen M. Lowe! Karen M. Lowe is the CEO of Epigram Consulting – a business consulting…
Like TrapSoul? Like Yoga? Read This
I have never taken a yoga class in my life. I’m serious…..I have done some stretching exercises via YouTube videos, but I haven’t taken a formal class. I’m not opposed to it or anything; I just found it a little too slow paced for me. But when I heard of TrapSoul yoga (trap music…
Zahra Siddiqui: Spotlights The Invisible Majority
After a long day at work and surviving on almost no sleep for 2 days, I made my way to The Common – a Bloor street café in Toronto, to meet the infinitely talented photographer, Zahra Siddiqui. Truth be told, I was legit nervous to meet her. I’ve been a fan for a while;…
Toronto Events: Afrodelik Comic Book Launch
Desiree Marshall (aka Dezi) and I go way back. Okay, not way, way back, but I’ve known her for at a little over 10 years. I met the diminutive entrepreneur over a decade ago at a natural hair show where she debuted her clothing line Afrodelik. Taken by her unique and funky pieces, I did…
#HerstoryinBlack: A Document Of 150 Phenomenal Black Women – Part 1
When Emily Mills – founder and CEO of #HowSheHustles, contacted me early on this year and asked if I would assist her with a project she was organizing…ummm, I didn’t really need to think twice about it. All I asked was, “when and where?” When I received her email, Ms. Mills shared with me that she…
Black History Month Pop Up Market
Throughout the year, I like to attend events that are in support of black contributions, but I make an extra special effort to attend during Black History month. It was suggested that I attend the Black Owned: Black History Month Pop Up Market by Justice Achampong – Founder of Ananse Clothing, and I took him…
Raoul Juneja: Social Activist & Anti-Bullying Advocate
I want to say a big THANK YOU to Raoul Juneja. Over the years, he has generously connected me with numerous talented people in and out of the city. To say thank you, I wanted to feature him on the blog and speak about the charitable work that he is involved in. If Raoul…
Joan Saldanha: Delivering Creative Wellness Programs to Children & Youth Through Eternal Springtime
I’m really excited to have this interview as my first blog entry for 2017. My soul feels good knowing that I am giving a platform to a cause that we sometimes don’t speak enough about – mental wellness and mental health. In early December, I received a message via LinkedIn from Joan Saldanha asking…
Events: Connecting With Writers, Authors & Bloggers
November has been creativity overload for me. I was fortunate enough to attend two fantastic events that allowed me to connect with writers, authors and bloggers. Here’s a bit about what they were about. Black Bloggers United Power Hour, November 19, 2016 Although this event took place on a cold, windy, rainy Saturday…
5 quick questions with media expert Camille Dundas
Being a person of colour, it’s really important for me to be able to see the contributions made by people that look just like me in the media. Be it in the world of business, medicine, or arts and entertainment – I want the opportunity to see positive images of black people. Lord knows we…
Inside His Head
On June 11, 2016, I attended #InsideHisHead (interesting title, eh?!) hosted by the bubbly and entertaining Rachael-Lea Rickards. What is Inside His Head? Inside His Head is a salacious event where men answer truthfully questions on love, relationships and SEX! Being a female, I know the way I feel about those subjects,…
Madison Shockley III Asks, “Where is the Love?”
A couple of years ago, I became overly consumed with the web series Awkward Black Girl. All it took was watching one episode and it was a done deal – I was an instant fan. The series followed the awkward life of J, played by comedic super genius Issa Rae. I enjoyed the quirkiness…
Lisa Michelle: Singer, Songwriter & Stage Performer
* My interview with Lisa Michelle was previously posted in 2013. I first met Lisa Michelle when she sat in on my interview with rapper and producer Solitar. She seemed more than willing join in on our “off the record” discussions. I knew from then that she deserved an actual sit down interview. She…
Chivon John: Shares Secrets of a Side Hustler
Can’t really tell you how I found out about Secrets of a Side Hustler #girlboss, Chivon John. I just remember being on Twitter and stumbling on the hashtag #sidehustlechat. I clicked on the hashtag and discovered that Chivon shares tips on how to be a happy, healthy, and productive entrepreneur. I looooved the…
Justice Achampong: Representing African Designs
I met Justice Achampong at the Youth Entrepreneurship Fair on October 1, 2015. But we almost didn’t meet. A week before the event, my boss asked me if I wanted to attend a youth entrepreneurial fair that would take place after work hours. I really wasn’t overly psyched about attending because I…
A Quick Chat With Tonya Williams- ReelWorld Film Festival Founder
Serendipity noun ser·en·dip·i·ty \ˌser-ən-ˈdi-pə-tē\ Coincidence, luck, fate. My latest interview happened through a serious case of serendipity. I didn’t have a scheduled interview, and I had no idea who I was going to feature next on the blog. While fanatically checking my phone the morning of February 10th (no reason in particular, just slightly attached…
Ardean Peters: Photographer& Light Chaser
As I meet new people and widen my circle, I’ve come to realize how much we are all connected. #Sixdegrees is real! I know I sound like some new age guru, but it seems that every time I talk to someone new, they know someone I know or are somehow connected to someone that I’ve…
Andrea Lewis: Actress, Singer & My Latest Hair Crush
First off, I really need to say this: Andrea Lewis is amazing. I’m not just saying that because I watched her back in the day on Degrassi (she acted alongside Drake – LUCKY!!), or because I am a total fangirl of her web series Black Actress, or because I’m crushing hard on her hair (seriously,…
Shi Wisdom: Outspoken, Talented, Unapologetic
It’s not often that when I first meet someone I instantly feel that I am in the presence of a huge a star. I’m serious. When I met soulful singer/songwriter Shi Wisdom on February 4th, 2014, I came this close to asking for her autograph because she just seemed like a big star. Don’t get…
Words With Michelle 