I’m Sam—a placemaker, business strategist, and ceramic artist.
I run a two-part consulting practice: one side supports artists and makers with one-on-one business mentorship and planning; the other partners with communities and organizations on public space design, placemaking strategy, and project implementation.
No matter the project, I focus on thoughtful solutions, strong relationships, and making things actually happen. Whether I’m working with one artist or a whole city block, I care about getting it done right.
I’ve spent the last 12 years building creative projects from the ground up—launching a local food co-op, animating underused public spaces, supporting hundreds of small businesses through grant programs, and running several of my own businesses along the way.
My consulting practice brings together everything I’ve learned: how to navigate systems, stretch small budgets, communicate big ideas, and get things done without compromising creativity or values.
Why I Do This
I grew up in places that felt disconnected—no small businesses, no creative outlets, no reason to stay. That experience shaped everything I do now: helping people build the kind of places and creative careers they want to live inside.
This work isn’t about aesthetics or buzzwords—it’s about making things better, from the sidewalk to the spreadsheet.
It’s nice to meet you.
Photo by Beth Bowles Photography for Work.Shop KW
Photo by Plural Digital Media for AfroVibes Festival, 2023
What I offer
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For most artists and makers, the business side is overwhelming. I offer accessible, one-on-one support to help you get organized, make a plan, and grow with intention.
Tiered memberships for ongoing support
One-off sessions and intensives
Help with pricing, grants, content planning, systems & more
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Running a business doesn’t mean doing it alone. I help entrepreneurs across all industries with questions about pricing, grants, structure, or growth through one-on-one sessions to help you move forward with clarity, such as:
Business plan writing
Grant prep and application review
Marketing and operations strategy
Financial foundations
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Professional consulting for organizations and communities. This service is for clients that have a public space or public realm idea that needs vision, structure, and follow-through. I bring big-picture thinking and operational strategy to placemaking projects at any stage, through offerings like:
Placemaking strategy & design
Public space audits & activation plans
Project management & stakeholder engagement
Supporting you every step of the way.
Business strategy, placemaking expertise, and hands-on support.
From murals to markets, business plans to public space design—I help creatives and communities bring their ideas to life.
For Artists / Makers
Running a small business shouldn’t mean learning ten other jobs just to stay afloat. I offer one-on-one consulting, flexible memberships, and practical tools to help artists and creatives feel confident running the back end of their business—without burning out or selling out.
From grant writing and pricing to content strategy and planning, I bring structure and strategy to your vision so you can focus on what you’re best at: creating.
Photo by Liam Good Visuals, 2022 for Kitchener’s Downtown Development Team
For Clients Who Need Placemaking Expertise
I’m not a consultant who "supports placemaking"—I'm a placemaker myself.
I work with BIAs, planners, community orgs, developers, and teams who care about building places that feel alive, connected, and people-first.
Whether I’m stepping into a half-built project or shaping strategy from day one, I bring design thinking, public space experience, and on-the-ground insight into how to make projects truly work—for both communities and stakeholders.
Photo by Honey House Photography for Art Hop, 2022
I’m a placemaker and business strategist helping artists, makers, and communities turn ambitious ideas into reality.
With over 12 years of experience across the public, non-profit, and creative sectors, I’ve led projects ranging from public space activations to strategic business support for creatives at municipalities like the City of Brampton, City of Waterloo and City of Kitchener. I led Kitchener’s redesign of Gaukel Block into a vibrant community space, supported hundreds of small businesses through My Main Street (a $20-million initiative funded by FedDev Ontario), and co-founded KWFamous, producing large-scale events across Waterloo Region. Most recently, I launched Work.Shop, a downtown Kitchener pop-up that showcased and sold work from 75 artists in a single month.
My education includes an MBA and a post-graduate certificate in Event Management. In addition to my consulting practice, I’m also a ceramics artist.
Based in Guelph working across Kitchener-Waterloo, I’ve supported projects across the province and am moving towards working with national and international clients.
Lastly, I’m known for my ability to make things happen—strategically, creatively, and collaboratively. Whether I’m supporting an emerging artist or designing a public space strategy, my work is grounded in the belief that creative people and communities deserve real tools—not just inspiration.
Experience
Ready to work together?
Ready to work together?
Photo by Phi Like Photography for Art Hop, 2023
If you’re an artist or maker looking for business support that meets you where you’re at, head to the Memberships or 1:1 Small Business Sessions to get started.
If you’re working on a placemaking project and want support that’s strategic, community-centred, and implementation-ready, check out my services and reach out for a custom quote.
Let’s bring your ideas to life—efficiently, strategically, and with care.