Ave Mariabell Designs Blog

  • The Shark-Tank of Toronto

    Business development program for local creatives. Recently Ave Mariabell Designs was selected to compete in the #nookStart competition; a “Shark-Tank style,” 10-week program to win retail space with The Nooks Toronto. The Nooks is not only a boutique retailer selling handmade, vintage, and locally made goods, but is also a creative hub for entrepreneurs. Image courtesy […]
  • Live Inspired

    To live a creative life, I often ask myself; who inspires me today? There are many inspirational women whose life work I admire, and follow. Here are four in particular I would love to share with you today and here is why. Marie Forleo – Her Wisdom  Kristina Karlsson – Her Story Elizabeth Gilbert – Her Words […]
  • 1 Year Ago Today

    March 5th marks the day we began to share our art with the world, and the day we made our online shop live!  Although we have a following that is largely based in Toronto, through our online shop we have been able to connect with customers in Australia, America, Poland, Japan, Mexico, Switzerland, The Netherlands and France. This is […]
  • The Stunning Architecture of Toronto

    Before I came to Canada, I never imagined that Toronto was a likely contender for the list of World’s Top Architecture Cities. However,  I’ve realised that you really have to be residing in the city and visit these buildings yourself to really appreciate these bold and beautiful structures. Here is my pick of 10 of Toronto’s most stunning architectural […]
  • Ave Mariabell Designs: Our Top 10 Highlights in 2016

    The New Year is a great time to celebrate your success. Before January finishes and the New-Year vibes escape us, I had to share an appreciation post for 2016. The team at Ave Mariabell Designs believes success can derive from the practice of gratitude.  Here are 10 highlights in 2016 that we are so grateful […]
  • Entrepreneur Mindset for the New Year

    Why you do NOT have to achieve all your goals!  As we all do, when the year comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on my past success and failures. At first glance, my initial thoughts are clouded with the daunting images of rejected art ideas, unfinished collaborations and abandoned goals. One of which, was to “write […]
  • Top 5 Activities to Avoid a Solo Christmas Holiday in Toronto.

    As an introvert I enjoy my own company, and for the most part I find solitude is sweet. However, this year will be the third year in a row that I spend Christmas without family, in Toronto. This has me reflecting on destinations, events and volunteer work that I have participated in during family-orientated holidays. I dedicate this blog post to […]
  • Everything Toronto – Top 10 Gift Items for the Toronto-Obsessed. 

    Made by Torontonians for Torontonians. Recently my Art was featured in a Now-Toronto Gift Guide to shop-local. I loved the idea of sharing the work of local artists so much, that I decided to write my own gift list! This year I have been so blessed to connect with many locally established businesses. Many of these designs are […]
  • Apart of a Community

    We often get so busy in our own everyday lives that we forget to take the time to help others. Giving back to the community and helping others is one of my core values. This Christmas Eve, I spent the evening delivering gifts on behalf of Volunteer Toronto and The Neighbourhood Group, to seniors lacking in […]
  • Toronto Skyline

    I live on the west side of Bloor Street, known as the Annex in downtown Toronto. The Annex is a vibrant neighbourhood energized by its close proximity to the University of Toronto. Many bars, restaurants and cafes crowd together along Bloor Street West. From my bedroom I hear the entire hustle and bustle of Bloor Street West: from day to […]
  • My Aussie lingo that Torontonian’s don’t understand.

    26 things in my vocabulary that Torontonians don’t understand! That awkward moment when my Canadian friends think that I am from a place called, “Shire.” However, this is just simply the way I pronounce “Australia.” Australians are notorious for cutting words shorter; anything spoken in one or two syllables is preferable. Here is a list of sayings […]
  • Top Five reasons why I am a proud Filipina. (my Ethnicity)

    With the recent passing of my Grandma in the Philippines, it has me really reflecting on my ultimate value in life, which is family. A big part of this is because I was brought up within the filipino cultural which, like many asian cultures, if very family orientated. Here are Top Five reasons why I am […]