A NOTE FROM THE TEAM AT SHOP THE QUEENSWAY BIA:
Your New Favourite Column Begins Here
Every great neighbourhood has stories tucked between the storefronts — the kind you only hear when someone takes the time to look a little closer. This year, Shop The Queensway BIA is opening up those conversations through a brand-new series: Open Tabs with Michael, a monthly column by our Community & Media Coordinator, Michael Okunola.
If you’ve crossed paths with Michael at a filming session, community event, or one of our member businesses, you’ve probably noticed it already — he leads with curiosity, listens with intention, and somehow gets people to open up like they’re catching up with an old friend. His work behind the scenes on our Let’s Talk Shop: The Queensway docu-series has already brought a fresh, grounded storytelling lens to the BIA. Now, we’re excited to bring that same voice onto the page.
Open Tabs with Michael will take you behind the counter and into the heart of our businesses: their routines, their resilience, their quirks, and the small-but-mighty moments that make The Queensway feel like home. Think of it as pulling up a barstool at your favourite local — the tab’s open, the stories are flowing, and no one’s in a rush to close out.
Before his first column drops (late December just in time for the yearly recap), we sat down with Michael to chat about storytelling, community, and what inspires the work he’s bringing to The Queensway.
A Conversation with Michael Okunola
Get to know the voice behind Open Tabs with Michael — his inspirations, his process, and what he hopes to share with our community.
What inspired you to start writing for the Queensway community?
I was inspired by the opportunity to showcase the work, hustle, and stories that make the Queensway community special. I’ve always believed there’s real value in sharing people’s journeys — we grow by learning from each other’s experiences. Through my writing, I want to highlight both the personal and business sides of the community and show what truly makes the Queensway stand out.
How do you see storytelling helping local businesses thrive?
There’s always a story to tell — sometimes you just have to look in the right places to find it. Local businesses experience highs, challenges, and moments of growth that hold powerful stories within them. By sharing those stories, I hope to build a bridge that connects the community to the people behind the businesses, showing how their journeys and resilience are what truly drive their success today.
What topics can readers expect to see covered first?
We’re starting where most stories stop — not with the spark of inspiration, but with what happens after it fades. This column will explore how local business owners keep going when motivation runs dry and setbacks pile up. What fuels resilience? What routines, relationships, or quiet rituals help them push through?
Once we’ve unpacked the grit behind the grind, we’ll shift into the layers that make these businesses unforgettable — their hobbies and personalities, hidden talents, unexpected career pivots, and the creative ways they collaborate with their communities.
What do you hope readers will take away from your column?
I want readers to come in curious, stay for the banter and personality, and leave with a fresh perspective — all in 500 words or less. It’s about creating a space that’s engaging, genuine, and a good time from start to finish.
What’s on your playlist while you write?
I’ve got multiple playlists, but I usually go for the one with jazz, rap, and R&B instrumentals with the volume on the lower side. If it’s too high, I start singing melodies/rapping and get a bit too distracted.
What’s your writing process like — pen and notebook or laptop and latte?
Mix of phone and laptop. Phone usually because of the easy access. I have over 2000 notes on my phone filled with prompts, article notes, and life anecdotes. May or may not be healthy haha.
How do you balance creative writing with community storytelling?
I feel creative writing and community storytelling naturally complement each other. Creative writing brings openness and personality, while a community offers diverse voices and real experiences. Balancing the two means letting imagination flow while staying grounded in the stories that make it authentic.
What’s one dream story you’d love to write?
The effect music has on our daily philosophies and actions. Feels like the power music has over us can be overlooked — so it would be an interesting case study.
Describe your ideal Saturday here — where would we find you?
At the Fit4Less. You know the one at 1255 The Queensway. With my pre-workout in one hand before the gym and protein shake in the other for after the gym. Remember — don’t skip leg day.
A NOTE FROM MICHAEL OKUNOLA:
About Our Company and Our People
There are stories all around us — but how often do we get the inside scoop on the community we actually live in? That’s where I come in. I’m Michael — passionate, curious, and ready to create a space where Shop The Queensway BIA can shine a light on the businesses, people, and stories that make this neighbourhood special.
Through honest conversations and behind-the-scenes moments, I want to show how local businesses come together to build something bigger than themselves — a stronger, more connected Queensway. One tab at a time (and yes, maybe I’m talking about a beer too).
Stay tuned and join the conversation with me as we hear from the people who make this community what it is — sharing their stories, their personality, and their passion for keeping the neighbourhood thriving. This tab’s staying open, so let’s run it up with stories, connections, and a good time (don’t worry, no one’s checking the bill).