Startups, style & side hustles: The new age of young creators running Toronto

BY AMARI SUKHDEO

Toronto is buzzing; not just with the usual city noise, but with the energy of a new generation of young creators who are flipping the script on what it means to hustle in the 6ix. From small fashion brands launching out of bedrooms to viral TikTok stars selling everything from custom hoodies to wellness tips, Toronto youth are proving that creativity and business aren’t separate things; they’re one and the same.

So, what’s driving this surge? According to a recent study by Ontario Creates, Gen Z isn’t just passively scrolling through social media; they’re investing real money into the culture they consume. A whopping 90% of them pay for: music, fashion, and digital content. This isn’t your average teenage dabbling; it’s a serious economy of youth buying into youth. If you’re a Toronto teen with a killer style, or a knack for video editing, the odds are pretty good someone out there wants to buy what you’re selling.

“It’s not just about going viral; it’s about building something real that represents who we are.”

Social media is, of course, the magic wand behind this phenomenon. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have leveled the playing field, turning anyone with a phone into a potential brand. Hungry416, a local platform that spotlights Toronto’s micro-influencers, highlights creators with follower counts in the thousands who are nevertheless making big waves. These aren’t just selfie-posters; they’re: tastemakers, brand-builders, and community leaders. For example, young influencers in Toronto use their platforms not just to show off outfits or foodie finds, but to connect with local businesses, promote pop-up shops, and even collaborate on creative projects. It’s a mashup of social and business savvy that feels totally new.

Take fashion, for instance. Toronto youth are redefining style by blending streetwear, thrifted gems, and DIY customizations all while marketing their own lines online. Forget waiting for a job at a big retail chain; these young entrepreneurs are launching micro-brands from their bedrooms, selling hoodies, hats, and vintage picks to followers who love supporting local. It’s not just about clothes, it’s about identity and community. Wearing a Toronto-made tee feels like a statement, a badge of belonging to this new creative wave.

What’s especially fascinating is how this rise isn’t limited to one corner of the city. From the indie vibes of Kensington Market to the vibrant streets of Parkdale and the east end’s budding art scene, youth-led creativity is thriving. Their content isn’t just viral; it’s local, meaningful, and often hilarious. Whether it’s a TikTok creator documenting the day-to-day of a Toronto small biz owner, or a young designer showcasing their latest hoodie drop, the stories are real and relatable.

Here’s the kicker: this wave of young creators isn’t just about fame, or clout. Many talk about authenticity and community building. It’s about connecting with people who get you, who share your culture, your challenges, and your dreams. These side hustles and startups are lifelines and expressions of identity.

In Toronto, the future of creativity is youth-powered and social media-fueled, blending startups, style, and side hustles into one unstoppable force. So, the next time you scroll through your feed, remember behind those perfectly curated posts is a young creator hustling hard, building something real, and running the city in their own unique way.