GRIT - Ed.05 - Magazine - Page 28
We chatted with some of our alumni to learn about the local brands they’re supporting, Canadians
they look up to, how they celebrate company wins and more!
LOCAL BRANDS YOU’RE SUPPORTING
I frequent local farmers and fish markets here in Halifax.
BEST PART OF BEING CANADIAN
Balance of freedom and authentic community.
FAVOURITE WAY TO CELEBRATE A COMPANY WIN
Cycling along the ocean together.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE KNOWN FOR
Helping foster talent and initiative among troubled
youth (as others have done for me).
SHEA BALISH
Co-founder & CEO, Curv Health; Next AI - Toronto, 2017
Nova Scotia
A CANADIAN THAT INSPIRES YOU
I've always admired Chris Hadfield for his advocacy for science, engineering, and
space exploration. I still haven't completely given up the dream of someday being
an astronaut and would love to follow in his footsteps.
LOCAL BRANDS YOU’RE SUPPORTING
I've been doing my best to keep a lot of local breweries and
restaurants afloat during these difficult times!
BEST PART OF BEING CANADIAN
Affordable health care is nice, but having such diverse cultures
and landscapes across the country is probably my favourite part.
I love exploring the different regions of Canada and being able
to make new friends wherever I go!
A CANADIAN THAT INSPIRES YOU
As a Chinese-Cambodian, I feel the need to highlight
Simu Liu who is casted as the first-ever Asian Marvel hero
in Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. He tweeted Marvel back in 2014 (while struggling to break into
acting): “Hey @Marvel, great job with Cpt America and
Thor. Now how about an Asian American hero?”. He followed-up through the years, and it
is now becoming a reality. Any Asian kid can speak as to how crazy it is to tell your Asian
parents you want to get into arts, and the same goes for telling them you want to quit your
high paying and stable career for the very low probability that your startup can turn into a
massive success. Simu is showing us we should all dream big and push forward no matter
how impossible it seems as long as we have the force of conviction and the patience to
follow-through.
LOCAL BRANDS YOU’RE SUPPORTING
Oh my, so many! In August 2020, we pivoted our business model towards serving small
business and emerging designers, and since then, I have been discovering hundreds of
great local brands and incredible entrepreneurs that we showcase at
shop.calixa.co.
BEST PART OF BEING CANADIAN
Having 4 seasons. I used to think that it would be so much better to live in a place where it’s just warm all year long, but after
5 years of perpetual summer in Singapore, I have developed an
appreciation for seasons.
FAVOURITE WAY TO CELEBRATE A COMPANY WIN
Does happily jumping around count? Over the past year,
that’s all we got, along with virtual team lunches, but we
can’t wait for this to change!
SOKMEAN NOU
Founder & CEO, Calixa; Next AI - Montreal, 2020
Quebec
Bad data sells.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE KNOWN FOR
Helping create technologies that have a positive
impact on the environment and/or food security.
RICK CASSON
Product Design Lead, FarmTRX; Next 36, 2018
Saskatchewan
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GRIT
Better data serves.
GRIT
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