BY SIMONE J. SMITH

How did it come to this? Taxes… You always push them off until the last minute. Now, where did you put that receipt? Suddenly, the phone rings, startling you. You answer nervously “Hello?”

“Good afternoon, this is Agent Jones from the Canada Revenue Agency. I’m calling regarding your overdue tax returns.”

Your eyes widen in horror and you frantically search for an explanation. “Oh, uh, hi… Yes, I’ve been meaning to get to those. Just a small delay, you know, busy with business and all…”

The agent say’s firmly, “I understand, but we can’t overlook the matter any longer. Your taxes are considerably overdue, and there are penalties accruing. We need you to file them immediately.”

Your heart sinks as the weight of the situation hits you. “I… I’ll get right on it, I promise. Just give me a little more time.”

“I’m afraid we can’t grant any more extensions. You have to take action now, or we’ll have to pursue further measures.”

You hang up the phone, feeling overwhelmed and trapped. You slump back into your chair, staring blankly at the computer screen.

That’s right everyone; it is tax time, the dreaded season of the year, one that makes the majority of us anxious, but today we are going to introduce to the community a solution to your tax season trauma.

Founded in 2000, Nuages Consulting INC., Chartered Professional Accountants have had a single mission: to be the most successful, supportive, creative, and community focused Chartered Professional Accountants in the GTA. Nuage is French for Cloud, and this strategically represents the fact that even though they are centralized in Toronto, Ontario, Canada they are virtually everywhere. They have a team of: educated, determined, intelligent and energetic consultants with a passion to approach each of their clients with fresh eyes, and develop customized and unique strategies to assist you with your world-wide income.

They partner with their clients from start to finish, focusing on their needs while providing new ideas, developing effective strategies, and designing high quality and scalable solutions. They exist to solve the critical issues facing their clients, both large and small.

I had a chance to sit down with founding partner Gloria Kapuku, CPA, and she shared with me what separates Nuages Consulting Inc. from other consulting companies. “Our unique approach is not only what differentiates us, but also what makes us successful. We provide a broad range of services and solutions to help organizations: facilitate change, achieve their vision, and optimize performance and productivity.

We examine what organizations are doing to stay relevant and competitive in this fast-paced world, and which ones are doing it best. We then strategize using smart tools and global resources in order to understand the implications of every choice our clients can make.”

“How does your firm approach client relationships to build trust and long-term partnerships, especially if they are in the middle of a tax nervous breakdown?”

“With every single client, we take our time,” Gloria shares. “We partner  with our client from start to finish. There is no rush. It is like having a best friend, someone who listens to your issues, allows you to vent, and then helps you come up with solutions. We give them confidence; taxes are a daunting experience.”

“What specific services does your firm offer that sets it apart from others in the field?”

“We offer complete income tax services for: businesses, individuals, partnerships, charities, and not-for-profit organizations.  We don’t just file and go, we explain information to our clients as simply as possible to help them better understand their tax situation and the impact that various decisions may have on their return.”

​Nuages Consulting Inc. tax services include:

• Corporate Tax Return
• Self-Employed Tax Return (Sole Proprietorship)
• Personal Tax Return
• Sales Tax return (HST and GST)
• Payroll Taxes (PD7A, T4 slip, ROEs and Dividend)
• Investment Income

What I realized when speaking with Gloria is that what really differentiates her consulting firm from others is the personal care that is put into their client support. She shared with me six FREE services that clients get with signing up with a Nuages Consulting Inc., Chartered Professional Accountant, and Certified Public Accountants:

• They will represent you in all CRA matters, even making calls to the CRA on your behalf.
• Free re-files – If you forgot to include anything, they will re-file for you FREE of charge.
• CRA Audit and Re-assessment.
• Pre Return Assessment (Review the process of your tax year)
• Post Return Meeting (November). They reconnect with the client and see how their client is doing. With these updates, they can help their clients plan for the next tax season.
• Open Door Policy – Anything you need we will answer FREE of charge.

“No one else is doing this in the industry,” Gloria shares. “It is a lot of work, which is why it is not being done. We do it because we are committed to bridge the gap between complexity and clarity when it comes to taxes. We want to equip individuals and businesses with the insights needed to navigate the intricate world of taxation successfully.”

I visited their website, and found that they also offer a Bootcamp and Knowledge Hub. It is a six hour Small Business Bootcamp that provides access to funds, grants, and loans for your business, not-for-profit, or charity. They dive deep into vital topics like: business registration, bookkeeping, business structure, marketing, and funding, guided by our experts. You will also receive six hours of CPD/CPE credits!

The Knowledge Hub is a blog series focused on unraveling the complexities of taxes and holds numerous benefits for readers navigating this intricate landscape. Taxes, often viewed as convoluted and daunting, can intimidate individuals and businesses alike. However, this well-structured blog series serves as a beacon of clarity amidst the confusion. By stripping away the dense jargon and presenting information in a straightforward manner, the Knowledge Hub demystifies tax concepts, empowering readers with understanding and confidence.

Most importantly, all consultants and accountants at Nuages Consulting Inc. stay current with changes in Canadian accounting standards and tax laws, which is essential for a firm to provide clients with accurate and up-to-date advice.

“We do a lot of professional development and educational programs,” Gloria shares. “Every month we do about 10 hours of educational programs (CPE ). We pay very close attention to trends in the financial market, and we sit down with the CRA and go over changes.”

Time to take charge of your financial future? Visit Nuages Consulting Inc., Chartered Professional Accountants, Certified Public Accountants to ensure your taxes are completed accurately and efficiently. Don’t wait until the last minute—let their expert team guide you through the process and maximize your returns.

Your financial peace of mind awaits! Contact them at info@nuages.ca, or 416-477-1324.

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Fortis Cadere Cedere Non Potest, (The Brave May Fall But Never Yield).”

The school was envisioned as a remedy for the social deformity in which poor Black boys were allowed primary education only, and since its inception, Kingston College’s students have produced impressive results in academic and sports fields. Over the course of years, the college has won numerous awards and championships, and till this day, Kingston College offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities and clubs, including: a football club, rugby club, track team, swimming team, basketball club, hockey club, and lacrosse team.

Yes, any young man who has attended Kingston College walks away with a sense of pride, and this week, KC Alumni, you have a lot to be proud of. KC Alumni. As a KC Alumni (1960 – 1966), there is a pride Dr. Pitter feels about the quality of education he received during his time there, and a belief that his alma mater provided him with a solid foundation of: knowledge, skills, and experiences that have helped to shape his life and his career.

He was Sergeant Major of the school’s cadet corps and was the first Jamaican to receive the Duke of Edinburgh Gold award; presented to him by the duke himself, HRH Prince Phillip, in a private ceremony at Mona Great House.

In 1975 he graduated from the University of Waterloo with a BSc. in chemistry and worked for several years as a Research and Development Chemist, before studying medicine in Mexico. He had an opportunity to advance his career and actually practice medicine in Mexico. Adding to his resume, he was a physician and nutrition adviser at Atlas Clubs, as well as a member of the Chemical Institute of Canada and the Canadian Medical Association.

His most recent accomplishment is the 2019 establishment of his Canada-based supplement company FORTISMAGNA™. His company offers a variety of sports and health supplements for athletes to elevate their performance and achieve their athletic goals. The company draws inspiration from the food and practices of Jamaican athletes globally known for their monumental feats in speed and endurance. With over 33 years of experience in athletic performance, Dr. Pitter has been asked, and now provides answers about Jamaica’s secret for achieving monumental feats of speed and endurance.

He has formulated FORTISMAGNA™ products leveraging his vast knowledge about the Jamaican diet and using current research findings as guidelines. Jamaican athletes consume superior quality produce, with high quantities of fish, fruits, and vegetables and low to moderate amounts of meat. Their diet is high in simple and complex carbohydrates, a range of starch and fats with a small amount of protein to allow them to build lean muscle mass and excellent endurance levels.

“This is more for runners, athletes in general, but I know a lot more about runners.”

I had a chance to dialogue with Dr. Pitter, and the genesis of FORTISMAGNA™ was revealed…

“Fortis (Strong) Magna (Best) made complete sense to me because of my time at Kingston College. We were classified as the Fortis mainly because we were very good at sports.

I was at my cousin’s home one day, and I was getting assistance putting the website together. I was told that I needed to have a name for my product line. The name FORTISMAGNA™   just came to me. I can only describe the experience to be similar to a download. I remember the young man looked at me and said, ‘Yes! That is a good name.’

What some people do not know is that FORTISMAGNA™ was initially a service provider. What we did was provide options for individuals who needed surgery (let’s take for example a knee replacement surgery), and could either not afford it, or had been put on an extended wait list. As a physician, I am well aware of the cost of surgeries, so I would make arrangements to send patients to Mexico, Ecuador, Columbia so that they could get their surgeries done. That was the origin of FORTISMAGNA.”

I was of course curious about his passion for medicine. Dr. Pitter shared with me a distinct memory.

“People in my town used to come to my grandmother, because they saw her as a healer. They would come to my grandmother for everything. I would look at some things (extreme sores on a foot), and say, ‘Grandma, there is nothing you can do about that.’

She would respond, ‘Yes, come go to the store for me.’

She would send me to get things, take care of the person who came to her, and in a couple of weeks, that person would come back, and the sore would be gone. I was shocked! This was when I first grew a love for medicine.”

His journey in medicine had begun.

“I had the incredible opportunity to work as an analytical and product development chemist. I studied medicine after that, and I had a chance to work in Mexico.

I did two Canadian exchanges, and two YMCA exchanges, and then I finally migrated to Canada in 1969. I studied as an acupuncturist, and also worked as a physician in Newfoundland for 16 years. I worked for the government in Newfoundland, and I did emergency work in 20 towns.”

“Dr. Pitter,” I asked, “There are a lot of supplement companies out there, what makes yours unique?”

“Well,” he replied, “There are products out there that are not tweaked; they are not efficient, or effective.  My years of study have provided me with the knowledge to make these products better. I have made some great products, and I have made companies some serious money over the years.”

Today, he is excited to share his first-hand knowledge, and products to the community. FORTISMAGNA™ offers a variety of sports and health supplements in Canada, the United States, and Latin America to help athletes take their game up a notch and achieve athletic success.

All FORTISMAGNA™ products are manufactured in the USA in accordance with FDA guidelines. They meet specifications that maximize performance outcomes. The brand covers a gamut of sports and performance supplements that are essential in an athlete’s training and journey. They are designed to drive consumers to achieve athletic goals, whether running faster, jumping higher, or lifting more.

One of the company’s most popular products, POWA Mix, is a pre-workout supplement that helps athletes: increase their energy, increase focus, maintain endurance, and promote muscle mass development while training. Unlike other pre-workouts in the market, it does not cause sleep disturbances even if consumed at the end of the day, allowing athletes to get their much-needed rest.

Another favourite is FORTISMAGNA™ Recovery Blend post-workout supplement, which contains a high carbs-to-protein ratio of 1:1. It enables athletes to maximize muscle recovery and grow lean mass without fat gain.

In addition to helping athletes train better, FORTISMAGNA™ supplements address some other health concerns. Pro Force enables them to shed unwanted pounds safely and effectively to stay agile. Made with natural ingredients like green coffee beans, raspberry ketones, and Garcinia cambogia, it boosts metabolism, controls appetite, increases energy, and supports the breakdown of fat cells.

Their Booster Advance Immune Supplement is a multivitamin plus complex that helps build a robust immune system, and their Focus Mushroom Complex brings them the goodness of mushrooms to support brain health, promote energy levels, and improve immune health.

This company stands out as a supplement brand for athletes due to its research-backed development, the exceptional quality of its products, and proven results.

BONUS: Soon, they will also be adding gear and apparel to their online store, so stay tuned for that.

For more information visit FortisMagna at https://fortismagna.com/

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“It’s the turmeric scrub for me! I have noticed that it has evened out areas of hyperpigmentation and I highly recommend this.” Halle

If you’re in the skincare industry in Canada, there is a lot of research that needs to be done to: keep you informed, help you make intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, and to remain resilient amidst market uncertainty.

Skincare products have surged in popularity, thanks to interest in natural and organic ingredients, as well as a thriving community on social media. It is the first time in a very long time that the skincare industry is growing faster than the makeup industry, and there are a number of factors that have contributed to the growth.

Women tend to be the primary consumers in the skincare industry, many adding anti-aging products to their skincare regimens, as they get older. Surprisingly, men are showing interest in skincare products, and in turn companies are launching new lines targeted at them.

With so much happening in the marketplace, there is greater scrutiny of product ingredients, which has led to demand for natural and organic skincare brands, now more than ever. New products and companies are launching at a dizzying pace, and right here in Toronto, there is a brand that is taking this market by storm.

“Amazing body butters, my skin felt immediately soft. Smells great, and you only need a small amount.” Tammy

Danielle Neilson is the Creative Director and Lead Formulator at Skin Envy Beauty Bar, a Canadian Black owned natural skin care company. In 2018, she began her research to learn all she could about skin care, natural ingredients, and all that goes into creating the very best in skin care products. It was a project born out of passion, and a never-ending drive to help people (particularly women) embrace, nourish and flaunt their natural skin tone.

For years, Danielle tried every prescription and over the counter remedy with no avail. She decided to take matters into her own hands and create a solution with natural organic ingredients that restore and revive a person’s skin. She knew first-hand how plant-based ingredients could change someone’s life. She had experienced the freedom of dealing with problematic skin without the need of products with harmful chemicals.

She is a passionate, qualified skincare formulator with certificates in natural skincare, and she has taken the time to educate herself turning her dream of owning a business into the revolutionary Skin Envy Beauty Bar.

I was introduced to her products through a friend, and I was impressed at her ability to niche her brand in the sea of beauty products found online. Great niches don’t just fall into your lap, they are carefully crafted. She has been able to appeal to a specific group of users, solving a specific problem. Her product aligns with her beliefs, her talents, her skills, and her values, and she has clearly done her research. Her products stand out because they are unique and distinctive.

As one of Canada’s known luxury brands, I wanted to speak with Danielle, learn a little more about SEBB, and delve into her passion for skin care.

“Interestingly enough Simone,” Danielle began. “I am what you would call a community worker. I work at a shelter with homeless people, specifically with men who come out of prison and need help transitioning back into society. I have a dedication to helping others, and my business has become an extension of this dedication.

I have had problematic skin since I was a child, and because of this I had a lot of insecurities. My challenges ranged from acne to dark spots; when I looked in the mirror, I didn’t like who I saw looking back at me. I hated my stretch marks (as most women do), and I knew that I wanted to do something, anything to help my self-confidence, feel better about myself.

Even though I do have a great career, I always wanted to work for myself, but I didn’t know how to do it. I am a mother with children, so I always had to work for someone. It was about putting food on the table, a roof over our heads, and ensuring that my children felt supported.”

Regardless of the challenges she faced, Danielle started her skin care journey. Her research led into project creation, and she began to share her creations with friends and family. Getting feedback from people helped her to target her audience, and provided guidance on what products she should sell, and where to focus her marketing efforts. She began to tap into this underserved niche, and became an expert on their needs, wants, and problems.

“I started with charcoal soap. Then I started getting into skin care, which led to Yoni Bars, and then I got into body butters.

Before I did a big launch of my products, I gave some of my friends and family a chance to sample it. It was their reactions that gave me valuable insight on the viability of my product, and I was able to pivot and make changes without losing a lot of time and money.”

 “I love Glow Girl Beauty Bar & Turmeric Mask! My skin is so beautiful, and I get so many compliments.” Laura

“Glow Go Beauty soap was the first soap I made for my acne,” Danielle shares. “A question that I started to hear more and more was, ‘Why don’t you sell it?’ So, I started selling it and like that, the brand took off.

I want women to feel comfortable in their skin. I want to be very clear about something; my brand is not going to work overnight, it takes time. Using natural products takes time. I am always working on what I can do differently, or better than what everyone else is currently doing? An opportunity gap may exist in improving my product, in finding an untapped market, or even in marketing more creatively than my competitors. 

All of my support has come from people who I don’t know, and I have a strong market in the United States. I am doing a lot more this year to let the community in Canada know that I am here to help them out with their skin care needs too.

I have a Pop-Up coming up on July 29^th, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm at 2237 Dundas St West. I am excited to have people use my product because I know how much it has done for me.”

Danielle has created a special promo code for our Toronto Caribbean Newspaper readers. When you visit https://skinenvybeautybar.com/, enter Promo Code: tocarib to get a DISCOUNT on your first order.

There are numerous ways to practice self-care, but Skin Envy Beauty Bar can help you focus your efforts on improving skin health. It’s when you’re engaged in an activity, including washing, toning, and moisturizing your face or body, that you can get out of your head and focus on self-love and self-care.