SeptemberSpencerFlipBook

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CreditsPUBLISHER and EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joseph Edward Schur ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Dev Ramsumair MANAGING EDITOR Rose Marie Bresolin CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dan Walsh PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Jonathan Levy SPECIAL EVENTS PHOTOGRAPHY Maggie Habieda SENIOR EDITOR Steve Pryce STYLE EDITOR Roger Lamoureux LIFESTYLE EDITOR Harlen Troost SPIRITS EDITORS Blair Phillips, Davin De Kergommeaux GRAPHIC DESIGN Vesuvius Bay Productions EDITORIAL [email protected] CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Therasa A. McLennan CSTRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS DIRECTOR Wanda L. Ryan COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Marcia Reid SUBSCRIPTION & CIRCULATION MANAGER Andrew Torres ADVERTISING SALES (PRINT) [email protected] ADVERTISING SALES (ONLINE) [email protected] CONTRIBUTORS Hannah Alper, Will Bartlett, Greg Benz, Rose Marie Bresolin, Travisha Budder, Camden, Steep Daniels, Logan Ford, Tara Giecko Giles, Sharon Hansen, Hozefa Hararwala, Maria Hatzis, Ranya Hatzis, Aaron Ignacio, Davin De Kergommeaux, Brittany Krystantos, Jonathan Levy, Todd Monk, Ori Ohayon, Heidi von Palleske, Blair Phillips, Vasili Prangikos, Steve Pryce, Dev Ramsumair, Marcia Reid, Fanny Rice, Jadyn Rylee, Wanda L. Ryan, Joseph Edward Schur, Sonny, Terry Tomlinson, Harlen Troost, Stephen Wallis, Dan Walsh ©2021 SPENCER MAGAZINE LIMITED All Rights Reserved Spencer Magazine is published four times a year in print: Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. Also published regularly online. ISSN 2563-5395 (Print) ISSN 2563-5409 (Online) CONTACT US SINGLE COPY SALES & SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES 1-800-719-2468 [email protected] LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SPENCER welcomes your comments. Please send your letters to the editor to: Spencer Magazine Limited, 60 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6K 1X9 or email us at: [email protected] The Publisher cannot be held responsible for loss of, or damage to, unsolicited material. All materials for editorial consideration must include a self-addressed envelope and return postage. ADVERTISING & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP INQUIRIES As an upscale, family lifestyle publication, Spencer welcomes the opportunity to consider advertisers who would be of interest and value to our audience. Acceptance of ad placement in Spencer, whether through print or online, is at the discretion of the Publisher. To reach our sales department or one of our strategic partnership coordinators, call (800) 719-2468 or email us at [email protected] The opinions expressed in Spencer Magazine are those of the Authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Publisher. Spencer Magazine Limited does not assume liability for omissions or errors contained within this publication. The ownership of registered trade- marks is duly acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of its content may be reproduced, digitally stored or transmitted in any format without the express and written permission of the Publisher. 4 www.spencer-magazine.com

Publisher’s LETTER A Coincidence that Words and Worlds are only separated by a lonely L? There's an old Irish proverb that I really like: \"A tune is more lasting than the song of the birds, and a word more lasting than the wealth of the world.\" Rather profound, yes? I like words, a lot. They are the building blocks of how we communicate to the world. I appreciate all of them immensely, and especially the ones that unlock an infinite number of possibilities. Imagine, just for a moment, our world... without words. Well, right off the top I'm thinking that Spencer would be a very pretty picture book. But would that be enough to quench the thirst of our audience? I don't think so. That's why I encourage you to read the articles in this issue, and not just look at the pictures. The articles are enlightening, exciting, and fun. I have my favourites, like Steve Pryce's articles on Divine Decadence and A.rtificial I.mmortality. And, of course, Heide von Palleske's article on \"Painting with Words.\" I've always been a BIG Burt Reynolds fan, so I'll be reading Stephen Wallis's story on \"Defining Moments\" many times. Alyssa Rubino, NFT BAZL, Broken Cage Gallery... and so many more! By now I'm hoping that you're curious about the letter \"L\" between word and world - does it represent Life? Love? Something else to you?! For all of my family and friends out there, you would realize (and I don't apologize for it!) that I'd be making this closing statement: We are Spencer, we are the Word/World. Joseph Edward Schur Publisher/Editor-in-Chief [email protected] 5 Spencer w Volume 2, Issue 2 w 2021

Spencer Contents 44 4 MASTHEAD Spencer's World 5 PUBLISHER'S LETTER 22 FEATURE ARTICLES 13 AROUND THE WORLD 36 31 w Spencer Spotlight 44 DIOGO SNOW w Flag Day at Cannes with Jadyn Rylee & Sean Penn 54 It's a WHOLE New World (inc.) w NFT BAZL: NFT Exhibition in South Beach, Miami 60 w Diogo Snow Cover Feature 74 SUMMER STYLING TIPS 79 With King & Bay SPENCER VOICES 86 97 DIVINE DECADENCE Everyone has a Voice, right? With Carmelita Blondet But how many people have an applebox to stand on so they 120 can speak to the world?! From celebrities to philanthropists, JARAGON Spencer is that applebox! In this issue we feature Hannah With Juan Sebastian Aragon Alper, Camden, Vasili Prangiko and Brittany Krystantos DIRECTOR ANN SHIN ON THE COVER A.rtificial I.mmortality Documentary ALYSSA RUBINO: MUTUAL DIOGO SNOW, Gun Metal Raw Silk Canadian Singer/Songwriter Crocodile Jacquard Smoking Jacket with a formal white shirt, black mohair NFTS: ART & MONEY formal trousers, black satin self tie bow GDA Capital and Elitium tie and a formal white pocket round by KING & BAY THE BROKEN CAGE GALLERY Creative Directors: Dan Walsh With Eric McKinnon and Joseph Edward Schur Photographer: Jonathan Levy TRANSFORM EXHIBIT Stylists: Dev Ramsumair and Marcia Reid Painting The Way Forward Make-up: Travisha Budder Shot on Location at King & Bay's PLUS Exclusive Lounge in Toronto, Canada DreamDrive Vacations in beautiful Nova Scotia, Canada. Featuring curated tours for the luxury car enthusiast. 6 www.spencer-magazine.com

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Arts & Culture 36 69 DEFINING MOMENTS 72 The Feature Film Spencer Style 74 A comedic film about that one single moment in 79 time that changes you from who you were to who 36 SUMMER STYLING TIPS FOR MEN 86 you'll be. By Stephen Wallis With King & Bay 97 ROSITA STONE Sharing Love to the World You'll appreciate the 11 styling tips that these The universal appeal of this brilliant artist. fashion pros have to offer. By Wanda L. Ryan By Hozefa Hararwala and Aaron Ignacio ALYSSA RUBINO 44 DIVINE DECADENCE ORIGINALS Canadian Singer/Songwriter Alyssa shares with us her experience as a Pop/ With Carmelita Pulgar-Vidal Blondet R&B recording artist, leading up to her current success. By Joseph Edward Schur Celebrating 50 years in Yorkville. Featuring three generations of fashionistas. NFT BAZL By Steve Pryce, with Dan Walsh The Miami Event and the Story of NFTs Featuring the \"first-of-its-kind\" NFT Exhibition in 54 JARAGON South Beach, Miami, Florida. By Will Bartlett Introducing Juan Sebastian Aragon THE BROKEN CAGE GALLERY The first and only International Trophy Footwear With Eric McKinnon Design Maison. By Harlen Troost In the heart of Toronto's Entertainment District, gallery owner and curator Eric introduces us to Arts & Culture several of his outstanding exhibitors. By Joseph Edward Schur TRANSFORM EXHIBIT Painting the Way Forward Evilisa Natasha Genova's exciting exhibit, show- casing how mutually respectful and beneficial relationships with tribal nations across cultural and economic sectors benefit everyone. By Rose Marie Bresolin 60 60 DIRECTOR ANN SHIN The Documentary A.rtificial Immortality Exploring the possibility of transcending human mortality. By Steve Pryce 67 ACTING & WRITING 86 Painting With Words Heidi shares with us her life-changing epiphany of painting with words. By Heidi von Palleske 8 www.spencer-magazine.com

Analucia Beltran Real Diamonds For Real Women ™ DIAMONDS 9 Spencer w Volume 2, Issue 2 w 2021

Spencer Lifestyle 104 SUMMER SPIRITS: SHAKEN OR STIRRED 116 Summer Passes Quickly! Canadian distilleries have been working hard 116 to ensure that your bar cast is well stocked with spirits that translate your cold summer drinks into liquid deliciousness. By Blair Phillips and Davin De Kergommeaux VOYAGER STATION, 2027 The \"Out-of-this-World\" Travel Destination If you're ready to venture into space, then you absolutely must make reservations right now, or at least read this exciting introduction to the opportunities ahead for space tourism. By Joseph Edward Schur 104 120 DREAM DRIVE VACATIONS Zoom into Nova Scotia 126 Imagine tackling the winding roads in Canada's Ocean Playground in your Lotus, Ferrari, Lambo 129 or Bentley. This luxury tour will fire you up! 130 By Spencer Editorial Team EXPLORE IRELAND SERIES The Emerald Isle: Part I Imagine being treated like royalty at one of Ireland's historic castles! By Harlen Troost SPENCER RESOURCE DIRECTORY BEHIND THE SCENES Exclusive Pictures of Spencer's Shoots! From Diogo Snow to Divine Decadence and the Broken Cage Gallery, Spencer takes you behind the scenes. By Spencer Editorial Team 120 10 www.spencer-magazine.com

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WorldSpencer's Spencer Spotlight, Cannes: Sean Penn's \"Flag Day\" with Jadyn Rylee, NFT BAZL in Miami, Diogo Snow: It's a Whole New World, Spencer \"Voices\" with Hannah Alper, Camden, Vasili Prangiko, Brittany Krystantos We are Spencer, we are the World 13 Spencer w Volume 2, Issue 2 w 2021

Spencer Spotlight \"Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.\" Albert Einstein That's why at Spencer Magazine, we embrace the imagination... leading to new ideas, inventions, great products, design and so much more. We encourage creativity! Here's our curated collection of cool: 2021 NARKE GTA95 Family adventures await! The Narke offers oversized proportions that are ideal for a family day out. At over 4m long, this electric watercraft has a large swim platform perfect for towing delighted children on a wakeboard or an inflatable ring, alongside an ex t rem ely comfort- able seating area. Prepare to make memories together. So what makes this craft so special? Check out the specs: eDriVE - Zero emission; Electric motor power: 95 hp (71kW); Electronic brake and reverse system; Smart navigation modes: eco/cruise/sport; Range: up to 2 hours depending on driving mode. For more information: www.narke.com Bot™ Handy by SAMSUNG Need a personal assistant? How about someone (or in this case, something!) to pour you a glass of wine, deal with the dirty dishes and even clean your house! As Samsumng states: \"Our innovations are designed to provide more personal and more intuitive experiences that express your personality. We're hard at work to bring you next-generation inno- vation, with AI as the core enabler, for your better tomorrow.\" Learn more:: news.samsung.com/us/tag/samsung-bot-handy 14 www.spencer-magazine.com

AEW E-SPORTS STADIUM in TORONTO: 2025 Check out the above renderings of a new entertainment complex, slated for construction soon on Toronto, Canada's Exhibition grounds. The sweeping curves of the modern clamshell design are exciting, to say the least. This outstanding facility will offer 7,200 seats as a multiuse venue. Toronto-based company OverActive Media, the owners of a number of esports franchises, is planning to break ground in early 2022, with a completion date of 2025. There will also be a luxury hotel complex adjacent to the facility. ABii - The Smart Robot Tutor For kids in grade K-5. ABii (pronounced “ahh-bee”) delivers fun lessons created by certified teachers. ABii adapts to performance and attention to keep kids on track. It personalizes every interaction, adapting to individual learning habits and encouraging students to stay engaged, to ultimately build confidence and core skills mastery. This amazing robot guides students through each lesson, breaking down problems and leading students through brain breaks, when necessary. To learn more, visit: www.smartrobottutor.com TRU EARTH - The Eco-friendly Laundry Detergent Based in Vancouver, Canada, Tru Earth provides global consumers with eco-friendly zero waste laundry detergent strips. Their goal is to reduce the environmental impact we have on our planet, with one small change at a time. This truly revolutionizes the hassle of doing laundry. Tru Earth's 2\" x 4\" strips, weighing about 3 grams, completely eliminates the need for heavy plastic detergent jugs. Even the packaging is simple to dispose of and is bio-degradeable! No wonder they are on a trajectory to dominate the laundry detergent market. Don't take our word for it; check out all of the great reviews from customers. If you are responsible for doing laundry, which is pretty much everyone, then you MUST vist their site: www.tru.earth 15 Spencer w Volume 2, Issue 2 w 2021

Spencer Spotlight HEDGEHOG Umbrella Now here's something: This could be the very LAST umbrella that you will EVER need to buy, or lose! How is that possible?! First of all, the engineers behind this remarkable umbrella really worked out the kinks. Carbon fiber construction, ballistic grade polycarbonate joints, patented Umbrella Rib Suspension System, embedded enclosure, able to withstand wind speeds of over 70 MPH. That's very Spencer cool, right? But there's more: This unbreakable and unflippable umbrella is now fully trackable. Powered by Pebblebee, you can now pair your umbrella with the leading Bluetooth tracker to prevent ever losing your umbrella! To learn more about this revolutionary umbrella (which, by the way, is super stylish too!): www. hedgehogumbrella.com DS-1 Chrome Home Planetarium This is the world's first home planetarium! Beyond the obvious joy of seeing the night sky that has been lost to nighttime light pollution, the DS-1 makes the perfect learning tool for understanding and exploring the celestial heavens. The soft glow of the projected view or the nightlight feature has a wonderful calming effect on newborns and young children alike. The DS-1 offers a gateway to learning that will last a lifetime. Astronomers, amateurs and professionals alike will delight in viewing the night sky in the comfort, convenience, and security of their home. Romantics: It is fair and effective to use the DS-1 to create a romantic evening. Just add dinner, and soft music. To learn more about this cool home planetarium, visit www. dark-skys.com FUN FACTS ABOUT CANADIAN INVENTIONS Here's a bit of trivia for our Spencer readers. Over the years, Canadian ingenuity has shone brightly on the world stage. Let's start with Peanut Butter, created in 1884 by Canadian pharmacist Marcellus Gilmore Edson. And how about basketball? Yes, invented by Canadian James Naismith in 1891. Imagine the world without telephones! Scottish-born and immigrant to Canada, Alexander Graham Bell imagined it first by inventing a practical telephone in 1875 while working in Boston. Think about this the next time you paint your house: Norman Breakey invented the paint roller around 1940 in Toronto, Ontario. And we bet that you didn't know this: the ugly, yet indispensible green polyethylene garbage bag was invented by Harry Wasylyk and Larry Hansen in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1950! Are you old enough to remember pagers? Invented by Alfred J. Gross, a wireless communications pioneer in Toronto, Ontario in 1949. He also invented the CB radio, the cordless telephone and shares credit for inventing the walkie-talkie with fellow Canadian Donald Hings in 1939. Of course, there are so many more inventions, but we'll cover those in more detail in future issues of Spencer Magazine! 16 www.spencer-magazine.com

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74 FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DU FILM CANNES JADYN RYLEE By Joseph Edward Schur And yet again, Canada is home to another rising star: JADYN RYLEE. This humble teen, hailing from Toronto Canada, has exploded on the scene with her debut feature film role in Sean Penn's \"Flag Day.\" So how did a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity happen, working alongside a highly-respected, Academy Award winner such as the brilliant Sean Penn? First of all, Jadyn isn't new to the world of entertainment, more specifically, music. Within the past few years, she has acquired a loyal following of fans from around the world with both her cover and original songs on YouTube. At the age of 13, she produced her first album \"Voice of Change\" recorded in Nashville, Tennessee. Her parents, Tara and Colin, have supported Jadyn throughout her journey as a young artist. We need to mention here that her Mom and Dad don't fit the stereotype of \"Stage Parents\" at all. In fact, when Wanda Ryan of DOC Entertainment and I first met the family at TKFW years ago, where Jadyn was performing, my first question was: \"Is Jadyn having fun? She looks like she's having a blast.\" Colin's response, as a protective father: 'The moment that she stops having fun, we'll move on.\" I really respect that. This is a family adapting well to celebrity, and all that comes with it. Her parents are total GOATS managing her career - not to be confused with farm animals, doh! \"Greatest of all Time.\" So there's Sean Penn, getting ready to helm another feature film, and he's drifting through the internet, just like all of us, and he discovers Jadyn trending on YouTube. And next? Right out of the blue, Penn's Casting Director contacts Tara, her Mom. The rest? Well, here we go Cannes, and the RED CARPET! I'm so happy for this incredible family. Especially considering that you never know... you may have a daughter or son considering a career in the arts. Well, this proves that dreams can (and will with a ton of work) come true. 1. Jadyn & Tara Giles 2. Tara Giles & Sean Penn 3. Jadyn & Beckam Crawford 1 2 3 www.spencer-magazine.com 18

SPENCER'S WORLD FLAG DAY was selected for competition and premiered at Cannes 2021. Following the screening, the film earned a four minute standing ovation. Sean Penn takes on a double role as both director and actor in this movie, based on the true story from Jennifer Vogel's novel 'Flim Flam Man.' Penn plays the role of John Vogel, one of the most notorious counterfeiters in United States history. The cast includes Dylan Frances Penn, Hopper Penn, Katheryn Winnick, Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Megan Best, Jadyn Rylee. Rating:R (Language|Violent Content|Some Drug Use) Genre: drama, mystery & thriller Original Language: English Director: Sean Penn Producers: William Horberg, Jon Kilik, Fernando Sulichin Writers: Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth 19 Spencer w Volume 2, Issue 2 w 2021

NFT BAZL NFT Exhibition in Miami Beach, Florida 20 www.spencer-magazine.com

This outstanding event, hosted by Elitium and GDA Capital, was the world's first physical NFT Gallery. Held at the Temple House, in June 2021. Next up are NFT BAZL events planned for Switzerland, Dubai and New York City. Read more about NFTs on page 80. Photo Credits: Alexey Olivenko 21 Spencer w Volume 2, Issue 2 w 2021

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Spencer Cover Feature DIOGO SNOW it's a WHOLE new world (inc.) for DIOGO SNOW By Joseph Edward Schur Sophisticated. Classy. Exuding confidence, yet down to earth. A real man's man. That was my first impression of Diogo Snow when I met up with him during our Spencer photo shoot at Toronto's luxurious, private King & Bay lounge. I have so much respect for this guy, beyond the indisputable fact that he's an incredibly talented contemporary artist. He's making serious waves in the international art world, with the launch of his company \"New World Inc.,\" an NFT platform creating an exclusive world-scale augmented reality experience. Opposite: Diogo Snow, wrapped in luxurious fabrics from King & Bay 23 Spencer w Volume 2, Issue 2 w 2021

SPENCER'S WORLD Diogo Neves, known by his nickname \"D-Snow,\" is Not one to rest on his laurels, Diogo collaborated with an accompished artist. His signature style of mixing Woodpecker Coats, a high-fashion vegan brand. His urban art with a modern twist has gained him notori- current gig? Creating 100 custom spray-painted ety, having made pieces for celebrities such as Drake, one-of-a-kind coats, to match the Woodpeckercoats Justin and Hailey Bieber, Thee Stallion, Sean Paul, Bad Porsche. Bunny, Fetty Wap among others. Stardom. Yes, that's where Diogo is headed... actually, by my Of course, this didn't just happen overnight. definition, that's where he's at. Deserved? Absolutely. But wait! There's a lot more... Diogo's journey began in Brazil, as a young boy playing the drums, piano, guitar and singing. By the Scarlet Raw Silk Abstract Jacquard Smoking Jacket with a age of 14 he was already creating graffiti art, tagging on white formal shirt, black velvet bow tie & the streets of São Paulo. His passion for both art and black formal mohair trousers, music was established. King & Bay When he arrived in Toronto, Canada at the age of 21, Diogo joined his brother, Thiago, and began working in the construction trades while playing music on the side. After some touring across Ontario, he released his first solo CD featuring hip-hop/pop at The Mod Club. He continued performing solo for several years before returning to his first passion: art. Diogo switched from walls to canvass, attracting a lot of fans when he posted his works on Instagram. It wasn't long before offers came in to buy his artwork. And then, the big turning point in Diogo's life: He made a very special piece for Neymar, Jr., the Brazilian footballer. When the superstar placed the painting in his Parisian home, celebrities visiting him posed in front of the painting taking selfies, posting on social media, and... BOOM! This was the catalyst that propelled Diogo into the stratosphere of the art world. Between spray painting a Ferrari (a first!) and painting a giant mural in the Picasso Mansion in Miami, he was gaining attention from curators at various galleries. Now, he's a house- hold name for celebrity art collectors. As if that wasn't enough, Diogo was chosen by Universal Music to create a mural, posthumously in tribute to the chart-topping rapper JuiceWrld. Then came the Justin Bieber connection. Taking the iniative, like all good entrepreneurs, Diogo reached out to Justin Bieber's dad, Jeremy. As a result, he created pieces for both Justin and Hailey, and Jeremy. From there, a partnership was born. Bieber Industries signed on Diogo to design their logo, and now he works with them. As a lifestyle brand, they are committed to making a difference when it comes to encouraging growth by highlighting talent, regardless of social status, gender, race or beliefs. 24 www.spencer-magazine.com

His most impressive accomplishment? SPENCER'S WORLD Diogo is leading the charge with his New World NFT His latest achievement, through his innate ability platform. Recently acquired by Graph Blockchain Inc. to connect with people is with acquiring an exclusive for $20M, yes, that's right: $20,000,000 - a lot of zeroes. rolodex of artists, including musicians and other ce- This takes Snow into a whole new world of opportunities, lebrities from around the world. His roster includes beyond graffiti on Brazilian walls. Max Jamali, Daniel Mazzone, Karl Wolf, Supper Buddha, Ariane Lipski, Peter Triantos, Mia Martina So, not just a multidisciplinary artist, necessarily Anthoni Ricciardi, to name a few. struggling for his next bowl of soup, he's tackling the way that we think about the creative arts. WATCH. That is all. 25 Spencer w Volume 2, Issue 2 w 2021

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SPENCER'S WORLD Flint Grey Exploded Floral Shirt, Oxblood Ostrich Leather Tassel Loafers, Oxblood Hand Patina Travel Duffle, King & Bay Fedora, 100% Australian Merino Wool Sebastian Styles 27 Spencer w Volume 2, Issue 2 w 2021

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SPENCER'S WORLD Teal Floral Havana Shirt, Blue Summer Tropical Stretch Trousers, Walnut Flannel & Caramel French Calf Leather Two Tone Travel Duffle, King & Bay Fedora, 100% Australian Merino Wool Sebastian Styles 29 Spencer w Volume 2, Issue 2 w 2021

SPENCER'S WORLD Teal Floral Havana Shirt, Blue Summer Tropical Stretch Trousers, Cyan Weekender Duffle, King & Bay Fedora, 100% Australian Merino Wool Sebastian Styles 30 www.spencer-magazine.com

SPENCER'S WORLD Voices Everyone has a voice, right? But how many people have an applebox to stand on so they can speak to the world?! From celebrities to philanthropists... Spencer is that applebox! Do you know someone with a special voice? Let us know at [email protected] HANNAH ALPER Hey Spencer readers! I am here as an 18-year-old activist, blogger, motivational speaker, author, to tell you that you have a voice and have the power, capacity, and responsibility to change the world. I am passionate about many local and global issues from education to clean water, from homelessness to women's rights, from mental health to anti-bullying and many more. But perhaps the issue I'm most passionate about is activism itself - motivating people to see that they can be activists in their own life, home, school, office, and world. From the age of nine, I have been sharing what I have learned and taken action on in hopes of inspiring others so that people say \"if she can do it, I can do it too.\" I have this formula - that even for those among us (myself included) that are not so great at math – can understand and use. Issue + Gift = Change First, you find your issue. That's when you ask yourself, \"what do you love? What do you deeply care about? What do you want to tell the world?\" It's your spark, your passion. Then, you find your gift. We need to find something that we're good at and use that to make a difference - it can be math, science, writing, communication, and even your time and compassion. Especially in these weird times, we need changemakers now more than ever. Scratch that, we need helpers - people that are willing to find their community and come together for a better world. That reminds me of one of my favourite quotes by Mr. Rogers: \"Find the helpers. Join the helpers. Be the helpers.\" 31 Spencer w Volume 2, Issue 2 w 2021

SPENCER'S WORLD Voices BRITTANY KRYSTANTOS Everything we know about \"I Am Not Your Average Teen” author Brittany Krystantos- from her journey of battling with mental health, and depression in her teens, to turning her pain into her strength to give back, inspire and shed some light onto our youth struggling with mental illness. “Life is about the journey, not the destination” is a powerful statement that Brittany lives by. At 23 years of age, Brittany followed a journey of self-discovery after battling with mental health in her teens, which led to writing her bestselling book and using her platform to help the younger generation. From being muted for seven years, to now changing the world one teenager at a time, Brittany has been committed to helping young people through the program she teaches in high schools, based on the principles found in her book. Not many of us know what it’s like to live with Selective Mutism, let alone what it is: when a child, fully capable of speaking, chooses not to. Can you imagine the thoughts going through the peers, teachers, family, and friends (if there are any) of such a child, and the treatment that she/he is subsequently subjugated to? Brittany not only survived the first seven years of her life in the silence of Selective Mutism, but thrived through it! She has converted that experience to her purpose in life. Sharing about her triumph over the past, made her an author at the age of 15, and now a youth advocate at 23. She has had many life-changing encounters from an early age, which have had a major influ- ence on her teachings and way of living. Brittany teaches primarily from her own experience and years of studying methods to help with her mental health, teaching a practical application of a program called “Beneath And Beyond” in which she emphasizes self-love, mental health, teaching kids to cultivate positive thoughts and helping find solutions to their struggles with a holistic approach to spirituality and self-care. Some tips and lessons that Brittany has learnt from being not your average teen and young adult: 1) You can never lose, you always win 2) If you can survive the covid-19 pandemic, you can survive anything! 3) Be yourself, don’t try to be like others, watching people's lives on social media and wanting to be like them isn’t going to make you better, it will just fill you will jealousy and unhappiness 4) Take time for yourself 5) Save save save your money 6) What you think, will come back to you, if you think positive then positivity will find you. 7) Enjoy life to the fullest, even if it means you’re stuck at home, you can still bring fun into your home by being joyful and finding things to do that makes you smile, and fill you with joy! 8) True love finds you, don’t go seeking it! 9) Any idea or dream you have, go after it and take the right steps to making it come true; entrepreneurship is about being brave, and the other half is taking the right steps to making your dream successful!! Brittany is a young voice changing the world one teenager at a time, and if you can learn anything from her, you should learn to not give up on life! 32 www.spencer-magazine.com

VASILI PRANGIKOS As far back as I can remember, I have always been the happiest performing for my family and friends. As I grew older, my love for the stage has pulled me even closer and towards a career in the performing arts - dancer, singer, songwriter, and actor. Throughout the years, I was often told that dancing was not for boys. I found myself repeatedly rejected, criticized, or worse, laughed at when I would tell others my vision and dreams of becoming a singer and actor. It was disheartening to have people around me try to discourage me, yet I learned to follow my heart. I quickly realized that people's discouragements may have everything to do with them and nothing to do with myself! I'm blessed to be raised by parents who always encourage me to do what I love. My parents believed in me and helped me to believe in myself. My commitment, dedi- cation and hard work continue to be fuelled by what I love most. I want to inspire others to be their authentic selves simply by being themselves and never to let anyone diminish their light. I always say, \"Hold on to that light because, in the end, you're the one who controls how bright you shine!\" Vasili's confidence is captivating. He is a fun-loving artist on-the-rise who is poised to make a major impact in the entertainment industry. He is currently a member of Canada's #1 music brand the Mini Pop Kids (MPK), representing the brand in commercials, music videos, album recordings, live touring shows/press appearances, Walmart materials, and so much more! In his free time, Vasili can be found in a dance studio studying with top dance professionals or in a music studio writing and recording original music to be released on all streaming platforms. You will also be able to see Vasili on television as a supporting lead in an NBCU family musical comedy series in the near future. CAMDEN Hey Spencer Magazine Readers! My name is Camden. I am a 13-year-old musician from Ontario, Canada and I was a Mini Pop Kid for 2020/2021 MPK 18 and now I'm an alumni. Our goal as Mini Pop Kids is to provide people of all ages with family-friendly versions of today's top pop hits. I have loved music and theatre since I could walk and talk and have always been enthusiastic about things I am truly passionate about! Whether it’s singing, dancing, acting, or writing, I have always strived to achieve my goals! As I’ve always been taught, do what makes you happy, and the rest will fall into place. I find happiness in performing and writing, and that’s where I have been my whole life. One of my favourite quotes states, “Your dream doesn’t have an expiration date.” - Mel Robbins. I wish to continue pursuing my dreams into high school next year, as I love school, especially English class and all of the extracurriculars. The point of all of this? Dreams are limitless. Go and fulfill many! I am currently working on writing and making my own original music. I am excited for what the future holds and hope that you may be singing along to my original song on the radio in the very near future! 33 Spencer w Volume 2, Issue 2 w 2021

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Spencer Style Summer Styling Tips for Men with King & Bay, Divine Decadence Originals with Carmelita Blondet, Jaragon Summer Styling Tips with King & Bay 35 Spencer w Volume 2, Issue 2 w 2021

summerSPENCER STYLE STYLING 11 Tips for Men's Summer Dressing with King & Bay By Aaron Ignacio & Hozefa Hararwala Now is the time to express yourself with first-class 3 FLORAL SHIRTS - one of our favourite prints style. We encourage you to use these tips to promote the best that you can be. for the summer time is floral. They are bold, unique designs that can incorporate a fresh new take on your 1 EMBRACE COLOUR - Summer is the time summer style. Rather than simple check or striped shirts, floral shirts don't require much else when coor- when bright, natural sunlight enhances the colours dinating them with the rest of your outfit. Simply pick a we see. We encourage everyone to embrace bolder and trouser in a colour that you see in the print and choose brighter colours for the summer season to take advan- a casual sneaker or loafer. tage of the longer days. This can be in the form of a bright coloured jacket or suit or something as simple as coordinating a bold-coloured tie. 2 LILACS & LAVENDERS - While blues and 4 HAVANA SHIRT - One of the latest styles we greys dominate the menswear world as basic tones, are seeing for the summer is the return of the short summer is the time to inject lighter tones into your sleeve casual shirt. However, rather than a tradition- outfits. Lilac and lavender tones are a fantastic option al collar, the short sleeve shirt has been modernized for colours as they are pastel tones. This means they with the addition of a Havana collar, a flatter, more are softer hues, allowing them to be paired with other unique and casual design. These Havana shirts truly tones easily. shine when made using a floral pattern. 36 www.spencer-magazine.com

FASHION 37 Spencer w Volume 2, Issue 2 w 2021

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FASHION 5 EVERGREEN - Green is a fantastic tone that many men have started to embrace. It is a unique tone that can be worn any time of the year from summer to winter. However, the true beauty behind green is that it can be paired with virtually any tone that you already pair your blue suits with. 6 WHITE SNEAKERS - with the rise in loungewear and the demand for comfort in the last year, many men had tucked the dress shoes in their closets aside. Sneakers have been a large part of menswear for decades now; however, we have been seeing them incorporated more and more into sartorial clothing. A clean and simple pair of minimalist white sneakers can be paired with virtually any suit or sport jacket in your wardrobe for a smart casual look. 7 RETURN OF THE POWER SUIT - With people slowly returning to the office, many men have had a renewed interest in dressing their best. You can only wear t-shirts and joggers for so long. For that eventual return to the office, we have been seeing a rise in proper business attire with powerful stripes and bold checks. 8 LOAFERS - One of the best shoes to invest in for the summer is a go to pair of loafers. While lace ups and monk straps are fantastic shoes, nothing is more practical and versatile than a great pair of slip-ons. Pair them with anything from a dressy suit, to a casual shirt and jeans seamlessly. 9 BREAKAWAY SUIT - Versatility has always been a key factor in deciding the right suit for somebody. Men want to know that they have multiple uses for a garment they purchase. One of our favourite concepts is the break- away suit. A bolder patterned suit in which the jacket is styled and crafted casually so it can be separated and worn with a different pair of trousers. This means that the same jacket from the suit you wear on one day of the week can be reworn as more casually a sport jacket with jeans or a cotton trouser. 10 JERSEY - The demand for comfortable clothing has shot up, especially in the past year. Our answer is unique. Imagine a suit that looks as classic as the next navy or grey suit you pass by, but it feels like your most comfortable hoodie and pair of joggers. A jersey suit is a suit that is crafted using a unique blend of cotton that allows for maxi- mum comfort. Wear it to the office with a shirt, tie and pair of loafers or wear it on the weekends to the patio with a clean t shirt and pair of white sneakers. 11 CUSTOM - If there is one trend that men need to hear, it is the return of custom clothing. While stores may have racks and racks of ready to wear clothing for instant gratification, there is a unique experience associated with creating your own design from scratch. Men are rediscovering the beauty of custom and the freedom of choice and individuality that comes from it. 39 Spencer w Volume 2, Issue 2 w 2021

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FASHION 41 Spencer w Volume 2, Issue 2 w 2021

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FASHION 43 Spencer w Volume 2, Issue 2 w 2021

Carmelita's DeDciavdinenece Celebrating 50 Years in Yorkville, Canada By Steve Pryce I don’t know anything about fashion. any real idea of what to write about the It didn’t make any sense at all to unique store Carmelita has helmed assign this article to me. But since for over thirty years. no one else was available, I felt it my duty to do something better than run It’s difficult to describe what is so away. By the fourth visit, I started to special about Divine Decadence. There have some idea of what to talk about with can’t be many stores in the world with the owner of Divine Decadence, Carmelita a $35,000 dress on display, or stock Blondet. First came the planning for the sourced over the course of thirty photo shoot, then the photo shoot, years, from all around the world, each then the follow up, then the realization item on an individual basis. Divine that neither myself nor anyone else had Decadence knows of none. My guess www.spencer-magazine.com 44

is that there are, perhaps, five such stores around the world; it’s interesting to speculate on just how small the number of competitors might be, and pertinent to suggest they might be better perceived as colleagues rather than competitors. If you know of anyplace like this, we’d like to know about it. In search of an adequate moniker, we settled briefly on “Vintage Couture Boutique,” and then decided that would normally be interpreted as the opposite of what is to be found on the second floor of Cumberland Street, in the heart of Yorkville, Toronto. Then we brought in the possibility of “Bielleza Eterno,” translating roughly as ‘eternal, elegant 45 Spencer w Volume 2, Issue 2 w 2021

SPENCER STYLE Initially located on Toronto’s Charles Street, Car- melita relocated the store into the Manulife Centre beauty’ and then agreed we just couldn’t put our fin- shortly after she purchased the business. A few years gers on a solution in any of the languages familiar to later, the management of said building lost their minds us. Divine Decadence is a very long way from what has and actively sought to displace the electric diaspora of become known as a vintage store, or as a boutique. For small and specialist store then resident. Since she’s no now, I’m going to label the store a gallery of sartorial art, and Carmelita its curator. 46 www.spencer-magazine.com

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SPENCER STYLE Carmelita’s approach to life, she maintains, is down to a decision to be her true self and pursue her vision of a business in timeless, classic clothing. fool, Carmelita relocated to Yorkville’s Cumberland Street, where her boutique is still to be found. Looking down from her second-story window, you can tell the business has found a comfortable home. Carmelita’s children grew up at the store as much as home. Fond, rich memories abound across the generations, and Carmelita assures me that she was absolutely right to pursue her dream, and content she has achieved it. Arriving in Canada as a newlywed, nineteen year old, she worked for a number of businesses before buying Divine Decadence to make into her own, largely on the advice of a sympathetic employer who understood what she shared of her ambition. Thirty or so years later, she has the business she wanted, the memories she sought, and a family who grew up with the business, usually present in the store. She laughs at the suggestion that compromises were necessary to achieve her happiness… If more could have been had financially, it wasn’t missed. The freedom and self-actualization her path brought were far more valuable, and in the end, passion always survives, far beyond the duration of avarice. Carmelita’s approach to life, she maintains, is down to a decision to be her true self and pursue her vision of a business in timeless, classic clothing. A product of Peruvian intelligentsia, the impressive breadth of her perspective on the world impresses. 48 www.spencer-magazine.com

FASHION Some mementoes of celebrities adorn the walls, more are hidden away in scrapbooks kept in the store. 49 Spencer w Volume 2, Issue 2 w 2021

Some mementoes of celebrities adorn the walls, more are hidden away in scrapbooks kept in the store. I have to ask whether Lady Gaga is her favourite cus- tomer. The answer indicates just how much she adored the creative force who came to visit one day, and as I expected, that she’s just one of the favourites; it’s clearly close competition, in particular with the young ladies who have come in for their first couture dress. 50 www.spencer-magazine.com