House Party: Design, Real Estate & Shenanigans

Maria and Mary
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Upfront talks with industry experts about anything pertaining to Interior Design, Renovation and the Real Estate market. For fun, we chat about daily pop culture shenanigans at the end of the podcast. Expect celebrity artists to join us from time to time.We're excited for Season 2!With your hosts:Mary Da Rosa/Mary Da Rosa Real Estate and Maria Perketa/Aspire Design Group

  1. Rental Cash Damming Reimagined: A Guide to Smarter Wealth Building

    Jun 16

    Rental Cash Damming Reimagined: A Guide to Smarter Wealth Building

    Send us Fan Mail Rental Cash Damming Reimagined: A Guide to Smarter Wealth Building On this episode of House Party: Design, Real Estate & Shenanigans, we sat down with a mortgage specialist to unpack one of the most powerful — yet often misunderstood — wealth-building strategies available to Canadian real estate investors: Rental Cash Damming. For many landlords, increasing cash flow, reducing taxes, and accelerating mortgage repayment can feel like competing priorities. Rental cash damming is a strategy designed to help investors optimize all three by restructuring how rental income and expenses flow through their finances. During our conversation, we explored: What is Rental Cash Damming, and Why Do So Many Canadian Landlords Use It? We discussed how the strategy works, why it has become increasingly popular among real estate investors, and how it can help convert non-deductible personal debt into tax-deductible investment debt while improving overall financial efficiency. Who is the Ideal Candidate? Not every investor will benefit equally from cash damming. We reviewed the types of property owners and borrowers who may be best positioned to take advantage of the strategy and what financial circumstances make it most effective. What Does the Setup Process Look Like? From banking structure and mortgage products to working alongside qualified mortgage and tax professionals, we walked through the key steps required to properly implement a rental cash damming strategy. Common Misconceptions Landlords Should Know Many investors assume cash damming is complicated, risky, or only suitable for large portfolios. We addressed some of the most common myths and clarified what landlords need to understand before considering this approach. Why This Matters In today’s market, successful investing isn’t just about acquiring real estate—it’s about making your existing assets work harder. Understanding strategies like rental cash damming can help investors improve cash flow, build equity more efficiently, and create long-term wealth. Whether you’re a first-time investor or a seasoned landlord, this episode offers valuable insights into how strategic financial planning can enhance your real estate portfolio. 🎙️ Tune in to hear the full conversation and discover whether rental cash damming could be a smart addition to your investment strategy.

    31 min
  2. Let’s Capture Pure You: The Power of Authentic Branding

    12/16/2025

    Let’s Capture Pure You: The Power of Authentic Branding

    Send us Fan Mail Get ready for an inspiring conversation with Agnes Kiesz, the creative mind and photographer behind Pure Studios — where capturing the “pure you” is more than just a motto. Agnes has a simple but powerful philosophy: we should show up as the version of ourselves that aligns with our dream career and dream clients. Her motto, “Let’s capture pure you,” perfectly sums up her approach — helping people express who they truly are, both personally and professionally. Over the years, Agnes has photographed more than 1,000 people, and for many of them, the experience has been completely transformative — not just for their brand or business, but for how they see themselves. From helping clients translate their values into compelling visuals to creating content that feels both polished and real, she knows how to turn personality into a powerful marketing tool. She’s all about blending authenticity, confidence, and creativity through the lens, and I can’t wait to dive into her story and her process. Agnes Kiesz, welcome to the show! ---------- Agnes Kiesz, Creative Director & Brand Photographer at Pure Studios www.purestudios.co IG: @pure.studios

    34 min
  3. Hearing Without Seeing: Inside the World of Invisible Speakers

    12/02/2025

    Hearing Without Seeing: Inside the World of Invisible Speakers

    Send us Fan Mail Joining us today is Keith Vanderkley — an audio pioneer who’s been redefining how we experience sound. Keith came to Canada back in the ’70s with a passion for music and an engineering mind. After studying mechanical engineering, he dove into electronics and found the perfect mix of art and science — professional audio. He spent over 20 years at the CBC, working his way up from studio tech to technical coordinator for CBC Radio in Toronto. From there, he took his expertise on the road — mixing live shows, recording bands, and designing sound systems for major venues and stadiums across North America. In 2005, a chance meeting with Richard Newlove, one of the creators of NXT soundboard technology, changed his path completely. That partnership led him to Amina Technologies — also known as the invisible loudspeaker company. Today, Keith is helping lead Amina as it redefines what great sound can look — and not look — like, with invisible speakers that are used around the world. These speakers are now used in homes, hotels, luxury retail, and architectural projects around the world, proving that high-performance audio doesn’t need to be seen to make an impact. Keith’s story is all about curiosity, creativity, and innovation — and I can’t wait to dive into it. Keith Vanderkley, welcome to the show! ---------- Keith Vanderkley, VP Engineering Solutions at Amina Technologies Ltd www.aminasound.com IG: @amina_invisible_speakers

    44 min
  4. The Future Is Functional: Designing the Next Generation of Kitchens

    11/18/2025

    The Future Is Functional: Designing the Next Generation of Kitchens

    Send us Fan Mail Today, we’re really excited to welcome someone who’s been shaping the commercial foodservice and appliance world for more than 25 years — Amir Girgis. Amir is the President and Owner of Better Distribution, an independent distribution company that represents some of the top brands in the Canadian market — names like Kenyon Electric Cooktops & Grills, VarioCook, and RGX Kitchen Products. Through his leadership, Amir’s helped brands break into new markets, launch fresh product lines, and build strong partnerships that really move the needle. Before running his own company, Amir was the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Tulip Cooking, a premium appliance manufacturer. There, he led a dynamic team focused on expanding distribution, strengthening brand presence, and driving serious growth. He also gives back to the industry as a member of the advisory board for RDRC, a residential dispute resolution center that helps people efficiently resolve construction and product-related disputes — so he’s not just focused on business growth, but also on helping the industry operate more fairly and effectively. At the core of everything Amir does is a passion for innovation, sustainable growth, and building meaningful relationships — whether that’s with manufacturers, partners, or clients. Kitchen appliances are evolving fast—getting smarter, more efficient, and designed to fit seamlessly into modern life. From connected cooking to sustainable features, these innovations are changing what consumers expect and how brands compete. So, let’s dive in and hear from someone who truly knows what it takes to grow brands and build success in a changing market. Amir Girgis, welcome to the show! ---------- Amir Girgis, President/Owner at Better Distribution www.betterdistribution.ca IG: @amstergee

    36 min
  5. The Power of Organization: Finding Peace in Every Space

    11/04/2025

    The Power of Organization: Finding Peace in Every Space

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Jill Gillis, founder and CEO of Next Rock Organizing, to the show! Based in Burlington and a busy mom of three, Jill brings over 22 years of professional experience in business, event management, and the non-profit sector to her work. With a strong focus on client trust and communication, she began the journey of Next Rock Organizing in June 2019 after recognizing a real need for this service in her local area of Oakville. Since then, her team has helped individuals and families reduce stress, reclaim their time, and create lasting systems of organization in homes, offices, storage units—you name it. With a passion that began early in life, Jill has turned organizing into a full-scale operation that includes white-glove move management and a family concierge service, helping lighten the load for busy households. With immense passion for home organization, the team at Next Rock is in their element when creating organizational systems that truly work for and improve the lives of their clients. They understand the mental toll that clutter can bring and strive to ensure the transformation clients experience is not just physical—but emotional as well. It’s this deeply personal approach to every project that truly sets Next Rock Organizing apart. Whether you're facing a big move, trying to manage a chaotic household, or just looking to create more peace in your space, this episode will give you the insight and inspiration to take that first step. Tune in now for a conversation full of purpose, passion, and real-life transformation. ---------- Jill Gillis, CEO at Next Rock Organizing www.nextrockorganzing.ca IG: @nextrockorganzing

    31 min
  6. Designs That Last: Kitchen and Bath Innovation and Sustainability with Andreina Valentini

    10/21/2025

    Designs That Last: Kitchen and Bath Innovation and Sustainability with Andreina Valentini

    Send us Fan Mail Design That Lasts: Innovation and Sustainability Today we’re excited to welcome Andreina Valentini, the Design Manager at DV Kitchen and Bath, a leader in kitchen and bath solutions, to explore how innovation, technology and sustainability are shaping the future of kitchen and bath design. With years of experience helping clients transform their spaces, she brings a wealth of knowledge about design trends, functionality, and the art of creating spaces that truly reflect how people live.  After starting her career in corporate and healthcare interiors, Andreina found her true calling in luxury residential design. Now, through DV Kitchens, she partners with top architects, designers, and builders to turn big ideas into beautifully crafted, fully custom millwork. She’s passionate about bridging the gap between design and fabrication — making sure every piece tells a story, serves a purpose, and stands the test of time. Andreina shares her approach to creating spaces that blend beauty, function, and longevity and what truly makes a design stand out. Andreina Valentini, Designer and Co-Owner at DV Kitchens DV Kitchens, a custom millwork company that brings high-end residential spaces to life through bespoke craftsmanship.  www.dvkitchens.ca IG: @dvkitchensandbaths

    38 min
  7. Design. Invest. Aspire

    10/07/2025

    Design. Invest. Aspire

    Send us Fan Mail On today’s episode - Something new is coming to the GTA. Welcome to Aspire Collective — where real estate insight meets design vision, and the way you buy, renovate, and invest in your home is about to change. Born from a shared belief that clients deserve clarity and confidence when making decisions about their homes, Aspire Collective is more than a business — it’s a powerful partnership between two disciplines: real estate and design. Imagine walking through a property and knowing — on the spot — what renovations will cost before you buy. Or deciding to renovate and understanding your potential return on investment before the first hammer hits the wall. At Aspire, we don’t just imagine it — we make it happen. With  Designer Maria Perketa and Real Estate Representative Mary Da Rosa working side by side, Aspire Collective gives clients the ability to see both the value and the potential of a property in real time. Whether you're buying, renovating, or both — you're making decisions backed by expertise from every angle. And this is just the beginning. Aspire is designed to grow — with future offerings like staging, project management, paralegal services, and more. Ready to see what’s possible? Visit us at aspirecollective.ca — and join us as we redefine how real estate and design come together in the GTA. ---------- Maria Perketa, Interior Designer and Co-founder of Aspire Collective www.aspiredesigngroup.com IG: @aspiredesigngroup Mary Da Rosa, Real Estate Representative and Co-founder of Aspire Collective www.aspirerealestategroup.ca IG @aspirerealestategroupltd

    28 min
  8. Money Moves: From First Homes to Retirement Dreams

    09/08/2025

    Money Moves: From First Homes to Retirement Dreams

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the show! Are you confident in your financial game plan? In this episode, we dive into meaningful conversations that matter - like helping your kids start saving for their first home, finding balance to stay on track with your retirement goals, and unpacking the latest hot market trends. Whether you're planning for tomorrow or guiding the next generation, this episode will give you practical insights to build confidence and clarity in your financial journey. Today, we’re joined by someone who’s not only passionate about helping others build and protect their wealth, but also lives life with purpose—both professionally and personally. Jayden has been with Scotia Wealth Management for over five years now and has led with a clear mission: to focus on Total Wealth Management. As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), he offers a wide range of wealth advisory services providing holistic wealth management, investment strategy and wealth planning advice to his clients. Jayden believes that everyone should have a written financial plan and to being proactive with their finances. Outside of the office, you’ll likely find him on the move—literally. Whether he’s hitting the ice for a game of hockey, going for a run, or training for his next big race, Jayden thrives on challenge. In fact, he recently completed his first-ever half-Ironman in under six hours—an incredible feat—and he’s already setting his sights on a full Ironman in 2027. Jayden’s adventurous spirit extends well beyond athletics. He’s an avid solo traveler with the ambitious goal of visiting every continent at least once. So far, he’s explored 15 countries, with his most recent journey taking him on a month-long adventure through India. And here’s something you might not know Jayden: he hopes to get his pilot license within the next five years—proving once again that for him, the sky’s quite literally the limit. Get ready for a fantastic conversation with Jayden! ---------- Jayden Wiggins, CFP Wealth Advisor Email: mailto:jayden.wiggins@scotiawealth.com Phone: 289-952-2786

    35 min
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About

Upfront talks with industry experts about anything pertaining to Interior Design, Renovation and the Real Estate market. For fun, we chat about daily pop culture shenanigans at the end of the podcast. Expect celebrity artists to join us from time to time.We're excited for Season 2!With your hosts:Mary Da Rosa/Mary Da Rosa Real Estate and Maria Perketa/Aspire Design Group

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