This week on AVD Inspire, I’m joined by the inspiring and grounded TJ Edmondson — President & Owner of Windsor Workshop and Co-Founder of Local Made Market. His story is a masterclass in following your gut, taking the leap, and building a life with your hands, your heart, and a whole lot of sawdust.
TJ’s journey began in the world of management consulting, racking up hotel loyalty points and living out of airport lounges. But when the pandemic hit, he swapped boardrooms for the woodshop, taking over one of North America’s most iconic furniture makers and carrying forward its legacy of handcrafted Windsor chairs.
His work has been featured in Country Living Magazine, House & Home, Style at Home, The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Muskoka Life, Parks Canada, and Kabin Magazine — but beyond the press, it’s his commitment to preserving fine woodworking in Canada, mentoring the next generation of makers, and collaborating with other artisans that makes this conversation so special.
In this heart-to-heart filled with craft, community, and real talk, we get into:
– The leap from a secure corporate career to owning a heritage woodworking business
– How TJ found Windsor Workshop (yes, it involves a “business for sale” listing)
– Keeping 300-year-old joinery techniques alive in a modern market
– The realities of manufacturing high-quality furniture in Canada
– Building community among makers and why collaboration beats competition
– Launching Local Made Market and celebrating Canadian craftsmanship
– Balancing tradition with innovation to reach new audiences
– TJ’s personal grounding rituals (spoiler: sawdust and yoga)
Whether you’re a maker, a dreamer, or someone craving the courage to rewrite your story, this episode will remind you that your “one day” can start the moment you decide to build it.
Connect with TJ Edmondson
Want more of TJ’s world of craftsmanship, collaboration, and Canadian-made design? Follow him here:
Sponsored by Lux Windows
Lux Windows and Doors offers a complete line of Canadian crafted windows and doors designed to meet the highest standards of durability, reliability, and aesthetic appeal. We continually strive to manufacture the best windows and doors possible, and service our clients with unparalleled care and commitment to quality. Crafted specifically for your home and style, every window and door bears our hallmark attention to detail.
Media Sponsor: Western Living Magazine
A huge thank you to our media sponsor, Western Living Magazine.
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Website: alyveljidesigns.com
This week on AVD Inspire, I’m joined by the brilliant and bold Simone Elizabeth Saunders, one of Canada’s most celebrated contemporary textile artists. Her hand-tufted portraits are more than art — they’re powerful statements rooted in Black womanhood, visual storytelling, and ancestral connection.
Simone's rise from a decade-long career in theatre to becoming a globally recognized fiber artist is nothing short of inspiring. Her work has been exhibited in major galleries from Toronto to Miami, featured in Forbes, CBC, and Colossal, and now lives inside her stunning new book, Encompass the Galaxy.
In this heart-to-heart full of vibes and real talk, we talk about:– The transition from performing arts to contemporary textile art– Centering Black identity, feminine strength, and history in visual work– Tufting, punch needle, and the tactile power of fiber-based storytelling– How Simone curated Noir Nouveau for Contemporary Calgary’s LOOK Gala– Trusting your voice (even when the world doesn’t get it yet)– Creative rituals, spiritual practice, and the role of ancestral wisdom in her art– The reality of being a Black female artist navigating today’s art world
Whether you're an artist, a dreamer, or someone seeking creative courage, this episode will remind you that your story is your superpower — and that art is a revolutionary act.
Connect with Simone Elizabeth Saunders
Want more of Simone’s vibrant, powerful world? Follow her here:
Website: simoneelizabethsaunders.com
Instagram: @simoneelizabethsaunders
YouTube: Simone Elizabeth Saunders
Sponsored by Bow Valley College
Bow Valley College is Calgary's College. In 2025, we are celebrating 60 years of launching professional journeys and providing students with opportunities to advance and evolve their careers. As Calgary's largest downtown post-secondary campus, we are a catalyst for change through our students and graduates.
Website: bowvalleycollege.ca
Instagram : @bowvalley
Linkedin : Bow Valley College on LinkedIn
Media Sponsor: Western Living Magazine
A huge thank you to our media sponsor, Western Living Magazine.
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Website: alyveljidesigns.com
This week on AVD Inspire, Aly sits down with lighting designer and creative entrepreneur Kate MacNeill, founder of Concord Custom Lighting — the all-female Canadian studio known for crafting bespoke light fixtures for luxury residential and high-end hospitality interiors.
In this episode, we dive into:
How Kate built a women-led lighting design studio from scratch
The behind-the-scenes process of custom lighting manufacturing
How to turn a design vision into a functional, code-compliant product
What it really takes to thrive as a female founder in the design industry
How to overcome imposter syndrome and trust your creative instincts
Kate opens up about leaving behind a commerce degree and stepping into the world of industrial design, fabrication, and creative business ownership. Her lighting work has been featured in Architectural Digest, House & Home, The Globe and Mail, Dezeen, and The Local Project (Australia) — and we get into the raw, real moments that shaped her journey.
Plus, we chat about our recent commercial design collab, why Canadian-made design matters, and the beauty of building a brand that empowers creativity, collaboration, and craftsmanship.
“Sometimes you just need to take the leap… because the pain of living out of alignment becomes too heavy to carry.”
Connect with Kate MacNeill & Concord Custom Lighting
Website: thisisconcord.com
Instagram: @concordlights
Presented in Partnership With Napoleon FireplacesNapoleon Fireplaces, a Canadian owned and operated manufacturer, combines smart design with standout style, offering gas and electric fireplaces in a wide range of sizes, styles, and price points. Built for easy installation and long-term performance, their innovative portfolio gives designers flexible, customizable options for any space, from traditional to contemporary and everything in between.
Website: napoleon.com
Instagram: @napoleonfireplace
Facebook: Napoleon Products
Media Sponsor: Western Living Magazine
A huge thank you to our media sponsor, Western Living Magazine.
Get your free subscription at westernliving.ca/subscribe
Follow: @westernliving
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This week on AVD Inspire, I’m sitting down with one of my oldest (and most fabulous) friends — Stanley Sun, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Mason Studio.
Before he was designing hotels, restaurants, exhibitions, and retail spaces around the world, Stanley was deep in the world of neuroscience. That’s right…he almost became a doctor! But thankfully for all of us, he followed his heart (and his talent) straight into the world of design.
In this episode, we’re talking about what it really means to bring your whole self into your creative work — your background, your culture, your quirks, all of it. Stanley opens up about discovering your true identity, working with intention, and how community-building is at the center of everything Mason Studio does.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Connect with Stanley & Mason Studio:
Presented in Partnership With:
BRIZO® – Fashion Forward. Lifestyle Focused.BRIZO® is a luxury fittings brand for people who understand that fashion isn’t just about the clothes they wear—but their entire lifestyle. The high-end brand has a strong emphasis on refined style, design and trend, with a large variety of finishes and customization options. Full artistic collections that tell a story.
Get inspired and explore: brizofaucet.ca
Subscribe for design inspiration: brizofaucet.ca/newsletter
Media Sponsor: Western Living Magazine
A huge thank you to our media sponsor, Western Living Magazine.
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Follow: @westernliving
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This week on AVD Inspire, Aly Velji sits down with Jonathan Sotto — Director of Business Development at the Global Creative Design Studio Yabu Pushelberg — for a conversation that’s equal parts style, soul, and show-stopping resilience.
From cold-calling firms straight out of school to now leading business across Asia and the Americas, Jonathan shares the behind-the-scenes story of how grit, good timing, and knowing when to pivot shaped his two-decade journey in the world of design. The two dive into everything from imposter syndrome to the importance of feedback, what it's like to make bold career decisions, and why giving back to yourself matters just as much as giving your all.
Also on the table? RuPaul’s Drag Race, Beyoncé and how childhood experiences totally shape who you are today
Whether you’re in design or just designing your life, this one’s for you.
What We Cover:
The Beyoncé tee moment and a designer friendship born in Vegas
Growing up Filipino and dreaming of overcoming stereotypes
Discovering design through Lego, grid paper, and career pivots
Cold-calling firms in 2005 — and the hustle before LinkedIn
Facing rejection and finally landing a job at Yabu Pushelberg
Leaving a dream job to move abroad and grow personally
What it means to “promote” design instead of “doing” design
Navigating imposter syndrome and finding your voice
About Jonathan Sotto:
By day, he’s pushing boundaries as the Director of Business Development at Yabu Pushelberg. By night? He's a Karaoke king and full-time Drag Race aficionado. With over 20 years of creative experience in interior design and building relationships with people, Jonathan brings equal parts heart and hustle to everything he does.
Instagram: @yesitsjonathan
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jonathansotto
Special Thanks to Our Partner:
ROBINSON Lighting & Bath — Bringing Homes to Life.
ROBINSON Lighting & Bath is Canada’s largest retailer of lighting and plumbing. Operating from 34 showroom and warehouse locations, we offer a wide selection of the industry’s best brands to design-conscious homeowners, designers and trades in Canada.
Media Sponsor: Western Living Magazine
A huge thanks to our Media Sponsor, Western Living Magazine!
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What happens when you step away from something safe to pursue something soulful? In this inspiring episode of AVD Inspire, Aly Velji sits down with Toronto-based contemporary artist Murray Duncan to talk about creativity, courage, and the choice to start again—this time with purpose.
After years of running his beloved retail store Hardware in Toronto, Canada, Murray followed an inner pull toward art. That leap turned into a career rooted in storytelling, emotion, and deep personal alignment. His work often described as an emotional visual diary—has now been featured in top publications and homes across North America.
From his upcoming paperwork collection to collaborations with leading designers and galleries, Murray shares the mindset shift that made it all possible, and the unexpected joy of building a life that finally feels like home.
In This Episode:
Connect with Murray Duncan:
SPONSORED BY: Divine FlooringDivine Flooring is a design-forward flooring brand known for curating premium surfaces that elevate spaces with style and soul. From luxury hardwood to innovative vinyl, they partner with designers, builders, and homeowners to craft interiors that leave a lasting impression.
Aly’s own home features Divine Flooring’s “Cosmopolitan Naked” hardwood in a stunning chevron pattern—because real transformation starts from the ground up.
MEDIA SPONSOR: Western Living Magazine
A huge thanks to our Media Sponsor, Western Living Magazine!Get your free subscription at westernliving.ca/subscribe
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What is style, really? In this vibrant, heartfelt and hilarious conversation, Aly Velji sits down with legendary stylist and creative force Peter Papapetrou to talk about how fashion, identity, and creativity evolve across decades, cities, and life chapters.
From the basement fashion shows of his youth to styling for The Marilyn Denis Show and working with couture houses like Giambattista Valli, Peter opens up about the hustle and the joy behind his colorful career.
Now splitting his time between Toronto and Miami, Peter shares how marriage, moving abroad, vintage fashion in Amsterdam, and reconnecting with silence reshaped his creative vision—and why he’s finally turning the lens on himself.
In This Episode:
Peter’s incredible journey including his humble beginnings as a kid to becoming a Canadian style icon
Fashion vs. Style: The soul of how we show up
His favourite memories from being on The Marilyn Denis Show
Vintage shopping in Amsterdam & rediscovering personal style
What TV taught him about storytelling, humility, and impact
Grounding rituals, creative freedom, and what’s next
Connect with Peter Papapetrou:
SPONSORED BY: TONIC LIVINGCreate a home that’s as stylish and soulful as Peter’s wardrobe.
Tonic Living offers high-quality, handcrafted home textiles—for upholstery, window treatments and accessories plus a robust collection of decorative throw pillows—designed and handcrafted in Toronto headquarters (made in Canada).
Media Sponsor: Western Living Magazine
A huge thanks to our Media Sponsor, Western Living Magazine! Get your free subscription at westernliving.ca/subscribe
Follow on Instagram: @westernliving
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To launch the AVD INSPIRE Podcast, Aly Velji sits down with none other than Canadian media legend Marilyn Denis — in a heartfelt, full-circle moment that’s as personal as it is powerful.
From her 49-year reign across Canadian radio and television to her timeless wisdom on reinvention, legacy, and self-worth, Marilyn opens up like never before. The two dive into everything from therapy and personal check-ins to career pivots, iconic interviews, and their shared Calgary connection — with a few surprises along the way (Stevie Nicks, Beyoncé, and a very memorable birch tree wallpaper).
Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering the magic of Marilyn Denis, this warm, funny, and deeply inspiring conversation will leave you feeling like you just had breakfast with your bestie.
Follow Marilyn Denis
Stay connected and tune in to The Marilyn Denis Show on CHUM 104.5 (iHeartRadio):
Presented in Partnership With:
Bow Valley College
Celebrating 60 years as Calgary's largest downtown post-secondary campus. We are a catalyst for change through our students and graduates.
Learn more about the City Maker campaign: inspire.bowvalleycollege.ca/city-maker
Media Sponsor: Western Living Magazine
A huge thanks to our Media Sponsor, Western Living Magazine!
Get your free subscription at westernliving.ca/subscribe
Follow on Instagram: @westernliving
Follow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD Podcast
This is where creativity gets lit.
Interior designer and creative director Aly Velji invites you into the vibrant, real, and sometimes messy world of artistry, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.
In this AVD Inspire teaser, Aly shares what sparked this passion project, what’s in store for Season One, and why launching this podcast on his birthday (June 24th) means more than ever.
Whether you're in a creative funk, plotting your next big pivot, or just craving real talk with purpose-driven people — this podcast is your new go-to.
Expect intimate convos with Aly’s closest friends and creative muses — artists, makers, and icons who are making bold moves, navigating real-life ups and downs, and sharing the rituals that keep them grounded.
Hit SUBSCRIBE and get ready to be inspired.
Official launch drops June 24th.
Want to know about Interior Designer Aly Velji? Click here to discover his award-winning Calgary design firm.
