The Sanctuary

Colleen is a multidisciplinary artist based in Kjipuktuk/Halifax. The Artistic Producer of  The Villains Theatre , they have worked as a performer, producer, and graphic designer with theatre companies such as Onelight, 2b, Matchstick, Lion's Den, Zuppa, Xara, Terra Novella, and Workshirt Opera. A past board chair of the Bus Stop Theatre and the current co-chair of Theatre Nova Scotia, they h...

Ashley is a mom first and a lot of other things second. She's worked in communications for a decade in roles ranging from traditional PR in the non-profit space to global manager for a SaaS company. When she's not working or driving her son to hockey, Ashley is an avid runner, loves to write for her personal blog, overshares on Facebook, and enjoys spending time with her friends and fami...

The two, having met at 16 years old, practically grew up together and decided to pursue their wildest dreams in the middle of the pandemic. Having always worked in retail and fashion, Mackenzie had always felt like the black sheep of the industry, never finding a place where she truly fit in. It was then that she decided to create a store that felt like a safe space for all walks of life. A store...

Chantal Caissie is a musician by day and event & communications specialist also by day. She has worked for non-profit organizations in both the arts and the education sector for the past decade including the East Coast Music Association and Symphony Nova Scotia. Originally from Moncton, NB, she moved to Halifax, NS in 2007 to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in English & French at Saint Mary's Un...

Munyaradzi (Munya) has dedicated his professional life to the business of music and entertainment. He is the founder of Kreeyate Africa and is also currently employed as A&R Manager: Africa for Sony ATV Music Publishing South Africa. With over 10 years experience in the music and entertainment space, he also has vast experience in the sourcing, licensing, curation, creation, monetization, and...

Sharon began reading about the paranormal and cryptozoology during childhood and had a fascination with the strange and unusual for as long as she can remember. Her Bigfoot research began in 2001 when she and her family were camping near Radium Springs, NM and her son and nephew had a Bigfoot encounter. She jumped into research with both feet in 2003 after an article in the El Paso Times mentioned...

Abady is an artist, entrepreneur, and dance educator in Halifax, Nova Scotia, committed to serving underrepresented communities of dancers, dance educators, and creators. He is the owner of House of Eights Dance Studio, a drop-in dance studio in downtown Halifax.  Abady has been a dance instructor for over 7 years...

Infectious melodies, power vocals and confessional songwriting make up the musical stylings of Kjipuktuk-based artist, Jade Bennett. A two-time MNS award nominee, she’s been writing and performing music for over 12 years. In her musings, you’ll find anything from haunting ballads to vengeful pop/R&B. Her new single ‘Damned’ is out now on all streaming platforms. Learn more about Jade @bennettj...

Quentrel Provo is a singer, songwriter and an award-winning anti-violence activist as the Founder/ CEO of Stop the Violence Brand and Movement which he started after the tragic killing death of his close cousin Kaylin Diggs in August 2012. He took his hurt, pain, anger and frustration and turned it into something positive to create change and make a difference. In this episode we talk about ways t...

Eleanor Beaton is the founder of  Safi Media , an education & coaching company for women entrepreneurs. SafiMedia is committed to advancing global gender equity one woman-owned business at a time. Together with her colleagues, Eleanor is on a mission is to double the number of women entrepreneurs who scale past $1M in revenue by 2030. Eleanor hosts the Power + Presence + Position podc...

Beth moved from south of Ottawa to Halifax initially to attend NSCAD but ultimately decided to make it her home after falling in love not only with a man from here, but also with the rugged coastline, lakes, and forests. She started Poison Pear in 2010, creating hand screen printed accessories and clothing that aim to be bold, wild, fun, and sometimes edgy while remaining comfortable and...

Laurie has been a Jersey Girl, a Yukon Sourdough, and now is what some Nova Scotians refer to as a CFA (come-from-away).  She's the owner of Hook, Line & Tinker Embroidery Kits, an ethical business that is a reflection of her values - care for people, respect for the environment, and a deep desire to create something meaningful and real through a shared act of making. Check her out @hooke...

Stefanie has been physically active from a young age, influenced by her parents who were involved in the fitness industry. She became a certified personal trainer in 2008 and has been working one on one with clients ever since. However, it was not until she met Coeli Marsh and was introduced to Baptiste Power Yoga that she found her true passion. After studying with Coeli, she was compelled t...

 Quentrel Provo is a singer, songwriter and an award-winning anti-violence activist as the Founder/ CEO of Stop the Violence Brand and Movement which he started after the tragic killing death of his close cousin Kaylin Diggs in August 2012. He took his hurt, pain, anger and frustration and turned it into something positive to create change and make a difference. In April 2015 he started the S...

The Popeye of Hiphop in Cowboy Boots. Halifax Recording Artist, Hodder is a combination of variables that mesh together better than they should.  A merchant seafarer by profession. Hodder spends about 6 months a year on ships working to fund his music career as an independent artist. His time off the seas and home on solid ground mean countless hours in the studio working on personal projects...

Nicole Marchand, RD, owner of Eat Well Nova Scotia completed her Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition with Distinction in 2010. Throughout her career as a dietitian, she has had a strong interest in digestive health and the prevention and treatment of chronic illness using nutrition, lifestyle and supplementation. Nicole became a consulting dietitian in order to help others improve diges...

Assa has always been passionate about the environment, which led her to emigrate to Canada from Cote d’Ivoire to pursue a career in the sector of renewable energy. Her journey led her to Saint Mary’s University culminating with a Bachelor of Science, Environmental science degree. She is passionate about modelling and got involved in the modelling industry in Halifax about 4 years ago. She has walk...

Ian Shepherd is the owner of Right Start Newcomer Services, a Halifax-based business that provides newcomers with English training, settlement information, city tours, settlement coaching, and business services. Ian has been working with newcomers to Canada for over 15 years as an English instructor, curriculum developer, activities coordinator, and orientation coordinator. He has a talent and pas...

Jayden Austin is a young, creative hip hop artist. Raised in the east coast of Canada in the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Jayden is climbing his way to the top with upbeat anthems and clever lyrics. Check him out @thisisjaydenaustin

Chetachi A. Egwu, PhD is a media/communication professor, writer/producer, journalist, filmmaker, media consultant, dancer/choreographer, artist and actor. She earned a BA in Communication from the University of Buffalo in 1996, then moved on to Howard University in Washington, DC, where she completed a Masters and PhD in Mass Communication. Dr Egwu has served as a faculty member in the communicat...

Jesse Benjamin is a mother of 4, Veterinarian, Personal Trainer, Natural Nutrition Coach, Behaviour Change Specialist, Diabetes Exercise Specialist, Fancy Shawl Dancer, and Mi’kmaq artisan. Her mission is to empower people to take control of their own health through holistic wellness programs and education. Check her out @jesse_benjamin_

Krystal Kurio is one of the world's rare female sword swallowers! In 2014, she ran away with renowned sideshow company  The FreakShow Deluxe  and since then, has performed across the nation with them, moving up the ranks to President of their Los Angeles chapter. She is a  Go Big Show  Semi-Finalist and has been featured on BuzzFeed, Investigation Discovery'...

Welcome to The Sanctuary, a safe space to speak from the heart.