Festif is hand-crafted by David Bly, a Montreal native whose dedication to crafting cocktails spans nearly two decades in New York and LA’s vibrant bar scenes where he developed a deep appreciation for amaro, often experimenting with the bitter digestifs collecting dust on the back bars. 

Born in Ottawa, Tyler Ham Pong first appeared onstage as Lorenzo in “The Merchant of Venice” at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. He would later move to New York City to further his acting career where he wrote and starred in “Moony Mercury” Off-Off-Broadway. He also wrote and produced “Two Days ’til Dawn” at the Gene Frankel Theatre, NYC. 

In the beginning, there was VHS. Aisles of possibility. Rows of scares, adventure and mystery. A mom-and-pop video rental shop where you could find young Andrew seeking other worlds in rectangular archives.

I moved to Toronto from Sault Ste. Marie when I was 18 and began my Retail career at Holt Renfrew and continued working in the luxury sector for 14 years where I was a Regional Manager for Max Mara. As a result of Covid I was unable to travel in my role and was working from home.

Kristian Bruun was born in Toronto, Canada and has been seen on stages and screens around the world. The classically trained actor was recently seen as a series regular in “The Recruit” (Netflix), as well as “Carter” (Hallmark Channel), “Departure” (Peacock), and “Avocado Toast” (Out TV).

Jennifer Staton was born in Pointe-Claire, QC and eventually ended up in Burlington, ON. She graduated from Sheridan College where she earned her Marketing Degree and was awarded the Sheridan Scholar designation.

A curator, gallerist, producer, and art management consultant with nearly two decades of experience, Margot Ross is based in Los Angeles. She works internationally with galleries, contemporary art spaces, museums, and governmental organizations.

When I was at the University Of Windsor studying for a BFA, I was fortunate to be picked up by the Pollack Gallery. At the time there were only two contemporary galleries in Toronto and not many women artists in them.

A first generation Canadian, born to Italian parents, Chef Rob Gentile’s earliest memories are from his grandmother’s garden and kitchen. As a boy he learned that food was sacred within his family who for generations grew their own produce, raised animals, cured meat, fermented grapes and preserved anything possible.