Running a small business is no easy job Lately, Jan and I have been working with a lot of small businesses in Toronto to learn about their stories. Our most recent visit was with Jessye Grundlingh, the founder and owner of Make This Universe, a brand that offers DIY skincare kits based on your personal preference. When we first met Jessye through Facebook, her energy was palpable. She was excited to discuss what we do, how she can help our project, and the next steps. We arrived at her studio in the Yonge and Eglinton area, pitched a couple of lights, and here’s our conversation. Like many humble startups, Jessye is a one-person team that does ev.ver.ry.thing. From packaging design to website to marketing strategy, she’s at the helm. One striking thing about Jessye is that she’s refreshingly candid about the challenges, or like I say, she doesn’t shit sandwich bad news and the real struggles of owning a small business in Toronto. Insights in running a small business Here are a few of her insights that didn’t make it into the video, but I think you’ll love as much as I do: Jiali: So, how did you get this started financially? Jessye: Selling the shares of my previous business. So, this is a self-funded business, which created this really interesting dynamic, totally different from the previous business. For my previous business, I was waitressing and I was in school so I was working after hours, and the side hustle turned full time when I felt like I had enough clients. Whereas for this business, I needed to start making immediately. All of my startup cash went into branding, inventory, and product development. A great side effect of not having money is the DIY skincare workshops… so (this business) is currently funded through my workshops. Jiali: How are the workshops

There’s one very good reason to visit Roselle in Corktown. Ready for a head-spinning, blood-surging, spirit-warming sugar rush? Here we go.

There’s one very good reason to visit Roselle in Corktown. Ready for a head-spinning, blood-surging, spirit-warming sugar rush? Here we go.

We wanted to make the interviewing experience funner (I know, I know, not a real word but made up words are funner. Angie’s cringing off camera right now), so Jan and I created a game inspired by one of our favourite Youtube series, Hot Ones.

We wanted to make the interviewing experience funner (I know, I know, not a real word but made up words are funner. Angie’s cringing off camera right now), so Jan and I created a game inspired by one of our favourite Youtube series, Hot Ones.

When I was in school, I don’t remember studying Toronto’s history at all. None! Can’t even tell you when Toronto became Toronto. What’s a curious Torontonian to do? Visit Fort York, for starters.

The Toronto Waterfront. It has gone through So. Much. Change and hot-damn, does it look good!

Watt, watt! If you’ve loved the Happy Place pop up or Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors, the annual Toronto Light Festival is definitely for you! The Toronto Light Festival brightens up your nights through the darkest hours of the month.

On the corner Augusta and Oxford, Kensington Market BIA presented by Red Pepper Spectacle Arts held their 29th annual Winter Solstice Parade. Here’s a glimpse of what happened.

Who knew crumbly bricks could be so enticing? Toronto’s Distillery District draws a lot of people. Last year, the Christmas Market alone brought in over half a million visitors. So, what’s the big deal?