Celebrating the Launch of NAYLA with WOC-Owned Businesses

It is a surreal experience having a dream you've held for so long coming to fruition, a dream you never quite thought would become a reality, but somehow it exceeds your perception of yourself.

I had always struggled with using my voice, feeling that my voice mattered and that me, as I was, was enough to take the leap and to lead.

Through a continuous journey of working through weeding through those deeply held limiting beliefs, I took the leap.

I had always wanted to work for a publication that focused on women, all women, that was also led by women. Unfortunately, an opportunity to do so was scarce, so I decided to take it upon myself to create such a space.

Throughout my journey as a journalist, as I began finding my voice, I slowly began to write human interest stories, often about minorities.

Working in white-dominated spaces, however, I was sometimes met with a lack of understanding where my ideas were changed, watered down, over-explained or sensationalised.

This is how NAYLA began, a platform for all women of colour to share their work in a space dedicated to hearing and celebrating their voices and talents.

On launch day, I wanted to reflect this. I began working on goody bags for the guests celebrating this milestone with me, and each contained items created or owned by a WOC.

Every bag was unique, each with its' own flavour, scent, and package.

The businesses we supported included: JOMO, Re-Tea, What's Poppin By Elle and a different piece of literature or art created by Asian, Middle Eastern, Black or Indigenous women.

For me, the launch of NAYLA was a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate my growth, career and personal journey, something I have struggled to do. Though I wished to do so, I never quite thought I could come this far and create something like this.

I am so grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate the launch. I was surrounded by people who inspire me with their work, presence and being.

I am especially thankful to my mentor at NYU and my boyfriend. With their support I have felt safe to take so many leaps, and am inspired by their character and spirit.

I also could not write this without thanking Kiin, the host of our launch brunch.

I chose Kiin because of Chef Nuit, the co-owner and an immigrant from Northern Thailand who left her nursing career to pursue her dreams of food and restaurant entrepreneurship in Canada.

The staff's support and care blew me away. They offered a complimentary dessert and a cocktail to celebrate, and the food was incredible. I highly recommend a Thai brunch if you have not had it yet.

I also had the opportunity to meet Chef Nuit, and she was incredible, classic ol' me; my hands were sopping wet from just having gone to wash my hands, but overall, such an amazing experience that made a special day truly more special thanks to the Kiin team!

On the day, I was far too shy to make a speech, mostly because I was overcome with a deep set of appreciation and emotion; a genuinely surreal moment in my life and a day of celebrating so many women in their journeys of art and storytelling.

I have barely any photos from the actual launch, a positive sign, I've heard, to mean it was a success, I am just at the start of this journey, and I cannot wait to see where it takes me.