About Us
Friendship fuels our creativity and is the foundation that propels us forward.
Julie D’Uva
My Sociology background sparked a curiosity for human behavior, which I've channeled into an expansive career in PR and events. With a keen eye for style and design, and a knack for collaboration, I’ve brought stories to life for local brands and global clients like SoulCycle, NBA All-Star, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Now, as Co-founder of YourFriend, Shab and I do what we do best: connect people with fun, unforgettable experiences.
A 2021 cancer diagnosis changed how I think and move in the world. It’s a journey that continues to shape me every day. I am more grounded in gratitude and fully committed to movement and overall wellbeing. In addition to planning epic events, I’m also a certified Pilates teacher.
Whether in life or business, I believe leading with purpose isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
Shabnam Baharyeh
My years in media and advertising working with brands such as TD, Canadian Tire, The Toronto Star and Disney, combined with my role as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practitioner, has strengthened my appreciation for the power of shared language, our collective need for connection and the critical role storytelling plays in influencing hearts and minds.
Born in Iran and raised in Toronto, humour has always been a big part of my life. I believe in laughter's ability to connect us, heal us and create space for diverse voices, ideas and views.
Bringing YourFriend to life is a labour of love! We’ve combined our friendship, work experience and extensive network’s into a collective where human connection is the driving force behind what we do.
We have your back.
We have your back.
We curate a team of experts and innovators for each project.
You’ll get personalized attention from us as your main consultants, with a high level of service, detail and strategic creativity.
We access our network of industry leaders and bring the right freelancers to work on the project, based on fit and scope of work.