When Cezar talks about art, it’s with the purest delight. He shows us around his eclectic space, Grit Studio, a cafe meets art gallery meets community hub. He enthusiastically shows off a large clock on the wall made up of tiny clocks, funky furniture he’s handmade himself, and his army of robot figurines that stand guard over the space. And despite having worked all day, he’s full of energy and can’t stop smiling. This is a person doing exactly what he’s meant to be doing.

“[Grit is] my calling.”

After moving from the Philippines, Cezar left his community and job as an advertising director to start a new life in Canada. Though he was in a new place, his passion for art never left him. The problem was that Cezar wanted to connect with other local artists but didn’t know where they were. So, he came up with an idea to bring Port Moody’s creative community to him. With a lot of hard work, determination, and a supportive family—Cezar took a leap of faith and created Grit Studio. A place for artists to share their work and a gathering place for the community to convene over delicious lattes and thought-provoking art.

Familiar with the ups and downs that come with putting your artistry on display, Cezar poured his heart and soul into Grit so he could help others. When asked why he did it, he explains “My struggle as an artist is also their struggle. Artists need a space to create—without the proper nurturing, space, and people supporting you, it’s hard.”

Named after the very trait that helped Cezar’s little slice of the city thrive after opening in the middle of the pandemic. Cezar’s has quickly turned Grit Studio into a community hot spot—for both artists and coffee enthusiasts. Ask him how he did it and he’ll tell you, “Passion was what was propelling me forward.”

If grit is defined as passion and perseverance to make your dreams a reality—Cezar is the living definition. He has made it his life’s purpose to support a new generation of artists. He is doing something much bigger than serving up coffee and art. Cezar is living his dream and helping others live theirs.

“Grit gives people hope and I must continue on with it.”