[An edited version of this interview first appeared in Issue 14 of The Fluevog Post (Spring/Summer 2020)]
Joshua Clarke, Fluevog Toronto Queen Manager
Years with Fluevog: 5
What was your first Fluevog experience?
In college when I had no money, I would go into the former tiny Fluevog store on Queen St and just lust after the shoes. Years later, I got my first pair, The BBCs!
Describe toronto in a nutshell:
Toronto is multiculturalism. It’s everything all at once. You really never know what’s around the corner or what to expect next.
Toronto favourites for:
Food: North of Brooklyn for Pizza and Northwood for cocktails
Fun: The Beaver
Hanging out: Trinity-Bellwoods Park
Something that would surprise people about Toronto:
I think there’s a misconception that Toronto is really corporate or formal, but we’re a city of people who are vivacious and express themselves in individual ways.
Favourite part of working for Fluevog?
I’m grateful for all the connections I’m able to make with customers and coworkers and the communities we represent. Such an accepting place is special. I love it because it shows how the store is not just for one type of person — it’s for everybody.
Something that would surprise people about you:
I’m secretly an introvert. I come off as super social and I am, but I also need that alone time to just be with myself and recharge.
What is your favourite Fluevog store (other than your own)?
Montréal Vieux-Port. The space is beautiful and so are the people.
Strangest pronunciation of Fluevog you’ve heard?
John Fleming or John Fuego.
