Jongkol Sringern — Head Chef

Chef Sringern came to Toronto from the northern Thailand city of Chiang Rai, known for its intricate temples and dramatic mountain setting. Celebrated for his painstakingly prepared Royal Thai cuisine, Jongkol’s work alongside Executive Chef Nuit Regular is turning Kiin into a Toronto landmark. Among his favourite spots in the city, Chef Sringern gathers inspiration and local ingredients from the St. Lawrence Market.

Michelle Epstein — Fitness Studio Co-Owner

Michelle always felt the pull towards the bright lights of the entertainment district. With the opportunity to pursue a career that fit her passion, she came to Toronto. Along with her partner, she’s created a safe and inspiring place for women to achieve their personal fitness goals. When she’s not at Elle Fitness and Social, Michelle stops by neighbourhood faves Jimmy’s Coffee and Portland Variety to refuel and refresh.

Natasha Dichpan — Illustrator

Born in Russia before immigrating to Toronto from Israel, Natasha was immediately impressed by the vibrantly different neighbourhoods that make up our urban mosaic. As she says, there is always a new corner to discover and rediscover, as the city expands, grows and reinvents itself. Having made her passion her career, she finds never-ending inspiration in the city’s art and theatre communities that surround Peter & Adelaide, walks along the lakeshore, as well as live jazz and blues at the Rex Hotel.

Christopher Galaz — Musician

As drummer for local rock band Last Bullet, Chris quite literally marches to the beat of his own drum. Moving close to the entertainment district so he can follow his dreams, he and his band have travelled across the country touring and sharing the stage with some of the world’s biggest bands like Aerosmith, Soundgarden, Jane’s Addiction, Monster Truck and more. Self-managed, self-distributed and self-marketed, Chris and his bandmates truly exemplify what it means to be self-made in Toronto.