Sylvine, better known as The Artiiist, of Central African origin, was born in France and has now been living in Canada for 12 years. From an early age, art has always played a central role in her life: singing, dancing and then painting. This passion has gradually turned into a real career: she is the founder of Smard Art.

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It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that Sylvine launched her artistic enterprise: Smard Art. Her talent and vision quickly attracted attention, propelling her work onto the international scene. This dazzling success has enabled her to make a living from her art and develop her business internationally, although she still harbors even greater ambitions.

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Through her work, she celebrates the identity, culture and beauty of black people, themes that are close to her heart. Combining traditional and digital art, she draws her inspiration from realism, which she considers a form of expression of great intensity, while exploring mixed media techniques and abstraction.

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Despite this recognition, she remains driven by the desire to push her own boundaries and reach an even wider audience.

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Afoali Ngwakum Akisa is a Montreal-based creative mind, storyteller, and founder of 9:16 Stories, a video production company specializing in emotionally resonant, goal-driven narratives. Inspired by her father’s love for capturing family memories, Afoali turned her passion for storytelling into a thriving career, helping businesses and creators cut through the digital noise with content that connects and drives results.

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Her work has delivered measurable impact across industries. Afoali’s expertise helped Swab the World raise over $232,000 through social media campaigns, secured $614,000 in funding for Sayaspora’s mission to empower African women, and supported Juno in raising $300,000 to innovate menstrual health solutions. Known for blending creativity and strategy, Afoali ensures that her clients’ stories resonate and inspire action.

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In her workshops, Afoali empowers participants to create engaging content that not only captures attention but delivers real results. By sharing practical techniques, creative insights, and actionable strategies, she equips business owners, marketers, and creators with the tools to stand out in today’s crowded content landscape.

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A dynamic and versatile entrepreneur, Mahaya brings a wealth of experience to the worlds of business and entertainment. Coming from a family with deep jazz and blues roots, she has nurtured a passion for creativity, innovation, and communication. With over two decades of experience, she has honed her expertise in customer service, sales, networking, and business development.

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Her entrepreneurial journey reflects her strategic vision and adaptability. She has worked closely with emerging artists, supporting their creative and professional growth while building a vibrant network in the entertainment industry. At the same time, she has navigated the tech sector, particularly in Blockchain, and has invested in tech-focused startups and fashion merchandise ventures, showcasing her innovative mindset and ability to seize growth opportunities.

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Passionate about health, wellness, and personal development, Mahaya seamlessly combines her business acumen with a deep commitment to enhancing quality of life. As the owner of a franchise for over six years, she has demonstrated strong business management skills while successfully balancing her roles as both a mother and an entrepreneur.

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Resilient and driven, Mahaya embodies excellence in all her ventures, inspiring those around her by shaping the business landscape while prioritizing well-being and success for those she supports.

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