Toronto Homegrown: A Love Letter to the City That Raised Me

When I think about Toronto, I don't just think about the skyline, the neighbourhoods or the places that make the city recognizable. I think about the people, the communities and the experiences that shaped who I am.

I grew up in Flemingdon Park, affectionately known as Flemo, where my family built a life surrounded by the rich cultural influences that make Toronto what it is. But like many families navigating the realities of the city, ours eventually made the difficult decision to leave in search of something different.

I was ten when we moved to Ajax. My mother wanted a safer environment for my brothers and me, and while I didn't fully understand the weight of that decision at the time, I understand it differently today.

Ajax introduced me to a whole new world. Suddenly, I was learning what it meant to be perceived as different, discovering country music and barns (yes, barns!), and experiencing a side of Canadian life that felt worlds away from Flemo. Thankfully, we still had BET.

Somewhere between those two worlds, I developed an appreciation for the many cultures, sounds and perspectives that would ultimately shape my own creative identity.

Finding my way back

At seventeen, I returned to Toronto with my sights set on Ryerson University, largely because they'd offered me a full scholarship, and at the time, that was my only ticket to higher education.

So I moved back to Thorncliffe Park, just across the bridge from Flemo, where my grandmother had lived since immigrating from Jamaica. And just like that, the next chapter of my Toronto life began.

The opportunities started flowing from there.

Ryerson was a particularly arts-driven university, sometimes underestimated because of it, but I loved that about the place. Where else could I study psychology and join an improv troupe, all on the same campus? It was an environment that encouraged me to explore interests that didn't necessarily fit neatly together. And as it turns out, that became something of a theme in my life.

I'll spare you the long-winded details of my many ventures, but looking back, I realize just how much this city opened doors for me. I pursued a music career, performed in a Motown band, built a career in Toronto's tech startup ecosystem, and was fortunate to be part of two successful startup acquisitions. Somewhere in between, a photoshoot introduced me to Katelyn Ettinger and the world of acrobatics, which eventually led us to co-found CTRL Acrobatics.

Music, technology, entrepreneurship, performance, movement. On paper, none of it looks particularly connected. But Toronto gave me the space to explore all of it, and more importantly, the people and communities who helped make those opportunities possible.

Then the pandemic brought me back into the world of performance in an unexpected way. I was cast in Bite of a Mango, where I met Jayne Kamara. What started as an on-screen friendship became a real one, and eventually, I Thought It Was Just Me, our award-winning podcast.

Where Homegrown Toronto began

And somewhere along the way, I began thinking about what it means to be homegrown.

That's where Homegrown Toronto began.

As the singer, songwriter, and producer, I wanted to create something that celebrated Toronto beyond its landmarks. A love letter to the cultural influences, communities and people who make this city what it is.

But I knew I didn't want to tell that story alone.

Jayne grew up in Jane and Finch, bringing her own experiences of Toronto into the friendship and creative partnership we've built. Katelyn moved here from Nova Scotia to pursue her passion for dance, eventually becoming my co-founder at CTRL Acrobatics. And filmmaker Ron Dias brings his Scarborough roots and creative vision to the project.

Different journeys, different neighbourhoods, different perspectives, all connected by a city that has become part of our stories.

Together, we had the opportunity to create something that celebrates not only where we've come from, but what we're now able to contribute.

The next generation at the centre

And perhaps the most meaningful part for me is seeing the next generation at the centre of it.

Through CTRL Acrobatics, Katelyn and I have the privilege of helping young athletes and dancers develop their talents and pursue their ambitions. Bringing young performers into Homegrown Toronto was another opportunity to create space for emerging talent, giving them a chance to be part of something that celebrates the city they're growing up in.

Because I remember being that kid. Growing up in a community where opportunity wasn't always obvious or easily accessible. Finding my way through different worlds, discovering what I loved, and eventually finding people who helped me turn those interests into something tangible.

Today, we're fortunate to help create some of those opportunities for others.

Watch Homegrown Toronto — Official Music Video

Written, produced and performed by Shawna Stewart, Homegrown Toronto is presented by I Thought It Was Just Me — The Podcast, hosted by Jayne Kamara & Shawna Stewart.

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