Event Culture

For my final post celebrating I would like to highlight my beautiful, close friend Frances D'Amato

Sometimes when you're not looking, life sends you little gifts along the way. I met Frances D'Amato when she owned a bridal gown boutique and I wanted to work with her. Fast forward some years later and I couldn't imagine life without her. She's been a saving grace during some of my most challenging moments, a word of reason, and a friend with complete loyalty, honesty, and one of my biggest cheerleaders. I've watched her hustle as she built a business, raises a beautiful family (surrounded by all boys), and remains present as a friend. I often tell her she's super woman because to this day, I don't know how she does all that she does, and with what comes across as effortless.

A little more about this badass woman:

"Frances D'Amato is a Registered Social Worker with the OCSWSSW (Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers) and OASW (Ontario Association of Social Workers). Frances holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree from York University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto. Frances has been providing psychotherapy and counselling services for over 5 years and has received education and training in various therapy modalities.
Frances has provided psychotherapy and counselling services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families for a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, sexual abuse, poor body image, eating disorders, addictions, low self-esteem, loss and grief and other mental health concerns."

Here at Event Culture, I'm still spreading love with strong, fearless women this week in honour of . The next incredible woman I'd like to highlight is Candice Cuthbert. Candice has been absolutely inspiring through her own personal strength, poise, eloquence, and her genuine kindness. This beautiful wife and mother is also a dedicated career woman with incredible resilience in the fashion world. She's truly a woman after my own heart with her love of details, meticulous eye, and entrepreneurial spirit.

"Candice has done a lot around body positivity through her work in the fashion industry for the last 16 years. All of her work is founded on the principles of inclusion and sustainability where she has helped to create an environment where all women regardless of colour, size, age or physical ability are seen and recognized for who they are."

With a new venture under her belt I’m excited to see what she will do next.

Continuing with posts, featuring fearless and badass women, I would like to introduce you to Wanita Plastich Kelava She is an incredibly welcoming, kind, extremely patient, funny woman; the type of person you feel very fortunate to know - quite frankly the person that makes me believe a woman can have it all. It was thanks to Wanita that I became involved within the Croatian community. Those who know Wanita Plastich Kelava know that she is very much an instrumental part of the Croatian community. She brings people together.

"Wanita manages the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce full-time and is an active, managing partner in her family business, alongside her brothers and parents. She is married with three amazing daughters and a 91 year old great-aunt who has lived with them for 25 years."

Here's to continuing in celebrating who are fearless and inspire others along the way.

As I continue with posts, this next spotlight is on a special little monster (sorry, "star of my life," lol), Nicole Correia.

There's a saying; "people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime," well, this one has been around since my teens. In fact, some of the little quirks that make me me, I've picked up from her.

This kind spirited momma is a constant strength, source of dedication and support. She's a giver and rarely asks for anything in return. Well, maybe some vodka, lol. She's a part of my advisory committee, the driving force behind me launching .in.culture and a bottomless pit of creativity and ideas. Here's to another fearless woman living her life's truth. 💕

Every so often there are moments that I'm met with that completely take my breath away. My incredibly wonderful clients Hasheel Lodhia and Parimal Gosai were recently featured in Toronto Life sharing a snippet of their inspiring love story, and a look inside of their intimate ceremony with family during a time where even obtaining a marriage license was nearly impossible.

Read the full article here:

Real Weddings: Inside a zero-waste same-sex backyard wedding The menu was all-vegan Indian street food