Y’all, let me tell you about last Sunday! The Slay University anniversary event was everything we needed and more. “From URL to IRL: The Toronto Slayversary Makeup Class” brought together Toronto’s beauty community for a day that was equal parts education, celebration, and pure creative energy.

As someone who’s always scouting the next amazing event for our Black Canadian Creators community, I knew this one was special from the moment I walked into OBJX Studio at 100 Symes Road. The vibe was immaculate, the energy was infectious, and the learning was real.

What Made This Event Special

This wasn’t your typical makeup workshop. Rayray Kad, the creative director and beauty expert behind Slay University, crafted an experience that celebrated one full year of bringing online beauty education into real-life community spaces. And honestly? The results spoke for themselves.

From 11 AM to 6 PM, the space buzzed with excitement as beauty lovers, aspiring makeup artists, and seasoned professionals came together to learn, connect, and absolutely glow up. The hands-on approach meant everyone left with new skills, new connections, and that confidence that comes from mastering something you’re passionate about.

The Learning Experience

Ray Kadiri – Makeup Artist, Educator, and Content Creator, led interactive demonstrations that covered everything from skin prep fundamentals to achieving that flawless foundation base we all chase. But here’s what set it apart: this wasn’t a “watch and hope you remember” situation. Everyone got to learn from the best with a Q&A style guided teaching with quick-wit and fun feedback, making sure the techniques actually stuck in our minds.

Sahajan Skincare and other partners provided exclusive goodie bags that had people buzzing long after the techniques were learned. Featured vendors showed love, too: City Six Cosmetics and Rum Shop TO.

The Performance Moment That Elevated Everything

Midway through the day, @kingchella delivered a drag performance that absolutely electrified the room. This wasn’t just entertainment: it was artistry that perfectly captured the intersection of makeup, performance, and self-expression that makes the beauty community so powerful.

The way the crowd responded said everything about the inclusive, celebratory energy Rayray Kad cultivated. People were cheering, filming, and just genuinely hyped to witness this level of talent and creativity. It’s moments like these that remind you why in-person events hit different: you can’t replicate that collective energy through a screen.

See The Full Slayversary Gallery:

Want to see or relive every glow-up, goodie bag, and candid moment? Get into the full event gallery here and see the Slayversary magic for yourself: https://blackcanadiancreators.pixieset.com/fromurltoirlthetorontoslayversarymakeupclass/

Community Connection Over Everything

What struck me most was how naturally connections formed throughout the day. The networking wasn’t forced or formal: it happened organically over shared techniques, compliments on each other’s work, and those spontaneous photo sessions that happen when everyone’s glowing and feeling confident.

The food and drinks setup created natural gathering spots where conversations flowed easily. I watched people exchange Instagram handles, plan future collaborations, and genuinely support each other’s creative journeys. This is what community building looks like in practice.

Why Events Like This Matter

As I documented this experience for our Black Canadian Creators community, I couldn’t help but reflect on the importance of spaces like this. When BIPOC creators and allies: whether they’re in beauty, performance, content creation, or any other field: come together to learn and celebrate, magic happens.

Rayray Kad didn’t just host a makeup class. They created a space where diverse voices could shine, where techniques were shared generously, and where artistry in all its forms was celebrated. The inclusion of @kingchella’s performance perfectly exemplified how creativity intersects and elevates itself when we make room for different expressions of art. By the way, check out Rayray’s Amazon Shop.

These are the kinds of events that remind me why representation matters, why community spaces matter, and why supporting Black-led initiatives creates ripple effects that benefit everyone.

The Skills and Takeaways

Beyond the community vibes, attendees walked away with legitimate skills:

• Skin prep mastery: Understanding how proper preparation creates the foundation for any great look
• Flawless application techniques: Hands-on practice with expert guidance makes all the difference
• Product knowledge: Exposure to premium brands and tools, plus insights on what actually works
• Creative confidence: Nothing beats that feeling of mastering a new technique surrounded by supportive peers
• Professional networking: Real connections with other artists and beauty enthusiasts in Toronto

The six to seven-hour format meant there was time to truly dive deep into each technique rather than rushing through surface-level tips.

What’s Next for the Beauty Community

Events like THE SLAY UNIVERSITY remind me why I’m so passionate about connecting our creators community with incredible experiences across the country. Whether it’s beauty education, creative workshops, networking mixers, or performance showcases, these gatherings fuel our collective creativity and success.

I’m already thinking about what other gems are out there waiting to be discovered. Toronto’s creative scene is rich with opportunities, but I know there are amazing events and spaces in Vancouver, Montreal, Halifax, Calgary, and everywhere in between that deserve spotlight.

Let’s Keep Building Together

The beauty of community is that it grows when we all contribute. Your suggestions, discoveries, and experiences help shape where we go next and who we highlight along the way.

Here’s how you can stay connected and help guide our next moves:

Follow the incredible hosts and performers from this event:

• @rayray_kad for more Slay University updates and beauty education
• @kingchella for drag artistry and performance excellence

Check out the vendors from this event:

• @citysixcosmetics: A Toronto-based beauty brand specializing in inclusive, high-performance makeup for all skin tones.
• @rumshopto: Toronto’s pop-up bar and events vendor celebrating Caribbean culture, serving up cocktails and community vibes.

Stay in the loop with Black Canadian Creators:

• Subscribe to our updates to catch every event we attend and spotlight
• Check out our events page for upcoming opportunities across Canada
• Submit your suggestions for events, spaces, and creators we should feature next

Help us discover what’s next:
Got recommendations for events we should attend? Know of incredible Black Canadian creators we should spotlight? Heard about workshops, showcases, or networking opportunities that deserve our community’s attention? Send them our way: your insights help us all discover new opportunities to learn, grow, and connect.

The creative community we’re part of grows stronger every time we show up for each other. Sunday’s Slay U event was proof of what happens when there’s space for learning, celebrating, and supporting each other’s artistry.

Let’s keep this energy going. Where should we explore next?