Meet Tuti Do | Founder, Marketing Strategist, Publicist and Event Planner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tuti Do and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tuti, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks has been woven throughout my career. Initially, many questioned if specializing in Marketing was a wise choice considering I live in a predominantly French city with limited French communication skills. There was concern if I could even find a job but fast forward, I’ve now been running own Marketing & Communications agency for close to 20 years.

Before becoming an entrepreneur, early in my career, I took a financial risk to change industries and follow a dream. I left a high paying position with my own office and its floor-to-ceiling windows to sit in a maze of cubicles and start my way up the fashion industry. Risks continued as I took on high profile projects outside my comfort level. I challenged myself with new business ventures that did not have a path to follow, learning valuable lessons along the way. Risk came knocking again when I switched from an organized corporate setting to work with an international denim brand. The company was far less structured, fast paced, and had overwhelming demands. There were a lot of firsts, from directing a team, working with new markets to taking on endeavors like event planning and celebrity collaborations. I had never planned an event in my life and was faced with planning one for 2000 people, 4000 km away in another time zone!

Later when my career was in a solid place, I turned everything upside down, taking the biggest risk to become an entrepreneur and start my own agency. I had a newborn in tow, and kissing good-bye the stability of a paycheck was a true leap of faith. I half-joked that if I ever ran out of money for diapers I would return to corporate life, but there’s been no turning back.

Running your own business is filled with navigating risks. Where to invest, how to expand, hiring staff, changing offices, diversifying client portfolio, the list goes on and on. Now two decades in, I’m at a crossroad with a whole new set of challenges. Although it may seem simpler to stay on the same tried and tested path, I’m looking to move towards another direction. Enter Joy & Joie, Rev’s latest division, an exciting venture that marks a departure from traditional corporate initiatives. The focus will evolve from telling brand stories and organizing corporate events to a more meaningful landscape centered on narrating tales of joy and curating events with joy as its core essence. While the decision to diversify comes with its share of unknown uncertainties, this time around I have experience behind me, knowing that the risks I’ve taken throughout the years have always served me well. This lends the confidence to look beyond the challenges and concentrate on the promising possibilities that await.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Rev Communications is a boutique agency specializing in marketing, branding, events and public relations for lifestyle brands. We always say that we’re the small agency with big heart. It’s not what we do, it’s how we do it. Our clients see the love and care we put into our work, and their positive experience opens new doors. Over 95% of our business has been through referrals.

In my entrepreneurial journey, what fills me with the most pride isn’t tied to any specific project or client. It’s the fact that I’ve achieved my business goals yet have a home-cooked dinner with my family almost every night of the week. It sounds simple but it’s a difficult feat. Juggling a thriving agency with being a hands-on mom is an accomplishment that I’ve only recently acknowledged and patted myself on the back for.

In terms of what I’m most excited about, there’s one moment is every project – usually an event, when I look out into the room and see people’s eyes light up. That twinkle. Sometimes it’s coupled with a gasp and hands to the heart. This confirms we created magic. That’s what excites me.

Rev’s success is rooted in genuine relationships. Many amazing people believed in me and gave my agency opportunities to prove ourselves. We in turn, share opportunities too. There is a continual flow of sharing and finding ways to work together, elevating each other’s businesses. And when challenges occur, as they inevitably do in business or in life, it is the power of relationships that have pulled me through. People have stepped up to bat for Rev, vouch of us, support us, share resources, and help us find solutions for any issues that arose. Being authentic has brought the same caliber of goodness our way.

For lessons I’ve learned along the way, there are so many. Do not let down your guard. Although most are good, a couple of bad seeds may try to take advantage. A solid paper trail is your best friend. Another door will always open, keep faith. Never react in the moment when emotions are high. No need to burn bridges, unstable bridges tend to fall onto those who did nothing to support.

Lastly, when my agency or I come to mind, may the prevailing message that resonates be: Whatever you do, do it all with joy in your heart. Let that joy radiate to others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town for a week-long trip, what are some spots they could take them to?
Montreal is a vibrant city full of amazing things to do, here are some of my favorites:

DAY 1
Breakfast at Arthurs, then rent a Bixi and bike along the Lachine Canal to Rene-Lévesque Park and back. Grab lunch at The Satay Brothers in the bustling Atwater Market and be sure to have a Léché artisanal donut too. Enjoy the afternoon sun catching up while pedalling the canal in a swan boat pedalo. Dinner at Candide for farm-to-table fare or go to Le Vin Papillon to discover their chalkboard menu of the best in season.

DAY 2
Head to Old Montreal for brunch at Le Cartet or Dandy then explore the cobblestone streets. Check out Notre-Dame Basilica, the Greek statue and granite pool at the Montreal World Trade Centre, and the lively street performers at Place Jacques-Cartier. Refuel at Crew Collective & Café and marvel at the ornate vaulted ceilings. Stroll along St. Paul Street for lovely little boutiques and art galleries or walk along de la Commune to enjoy the waterfront views of the Old Port. Hungry again? Grab a late lunch at Olive et Gourmando.

For afternoon activities, feeling artsy? Head to Phi Centre. In the mood for history? Go to Pointe-à-Callière museum for archaeological insights  into Montreal’s past. Science enthusiast? Head to the Montreal Science Center. Just want to be spoiled? Get pampered at Bota Bota, the “floating” spa.

Round up the day with sunset drinks on the rooftop at Terrasse Nelligan or Terrasse William Gray. For a birds-eye view of Old Montreal, be sure to take a spin on Le Grand Roue Ferris wheel. For dinner, Monarque for French cuisine, Hang for haute Vietnamese, or Hanzo for hip low key Japanese izakaya. Still got energy? Drinks and dancing at hotspot Pangea. For a more chill vibe? Candlelight Concert for a magical night of music.

DAY 3
Grab a coffee and some French pastries from Duc de Lorraine and head up Mount Royal for a leisurely hike around the mountain. Check out Beaver Lake and the Kondiaronk Belvedere summit for an expansive view of the city. After, visit Saint Joseph’s Oratory and don’t forget to stroll the not-so-secret, secret Garden of the Way of the Cross. For lunch, tour the city hitting all the popular must-eat spots: Schwartz’s for smoked meat, St-Viateur Bagels or Fairmount Bagels for bagels, Café Olimpico for lattes, Ma Poule Mouillée for Portuguese chicken, Kem Coba for specialty ice cream, La Banquise for poutine, and Orange Julep for the famous orange julep (check out classic cars and hot rods Wednesday nights in summer). If you can still fit more food in your belly, have dinner at Au Pied de Cochon. Borderline gluttony, it’s hearty Québécois fare with foie gras and pork as the headliners.

DAY 4
Breakfast at Bar George in the swanky Mount Stephen hotel. Then head to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the largest art museum in the country. Lunch at Pois Penche, a stylish bistro with classic French cuisine or Maison Boulud at The Ritz Carlton hotel and enjoy watching the ducklings swim in the garden pond. Next, go on a shopping spree at Holt Renfrew Ogilvy. Grab a snack at Café Amea and continue shopping the downtown core’s Sainte-Catherine Street. For a memorable experience, dine and party the night away at one of Canada’s largest supper clubs, Yoko Luna for a blend of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, complete with a 15-feet high Geisha overlooking the main dining room. Another festive option, Bazart/New City Gas transports you the Mediterranean with its Boho-chic and combination of chefs, artisans and artists to create a unique outing. Also, for a laughter-filled evening, if you’re in luck and can nab tickets, catch a comedy performance by Quebec darling and international sensation, Sugar Sammy. His bilingual show is full of quick wit and insightful social commentary. It’s no surprise he was named one of the Hollywood Reporter’s “Ten Comics to Watch” around the world.

DAY 5
Daytripping out of the city! Head up north to Mont Tremblant, stopping at Merci La Vie bakery & restaurant along the way. Be sure to try the 240 hours fermentation bread. Next, pitstop at Treetop Walk Laurentides where a wooden walkway leads to a giant panoramic tower with views of the Laurentian mountains. Continue to Mont Tremblant with its multitude of outdoor activities all year-long. Best known as a ski resort, summer thrills include flying above the trees on Quebec’s longest zip line. It’s the ultimate rush of soaring down the mountain! Reward the accomplishment with BeaverTails, a much-loved Canadian staple of fried sugary goodness. Cap off the visit in Tremblant’s charming Pedestrian Village with its many shops and restaurants.

DAY 6
Brunch at one of my faves: Butterblume, La Fabrique or Beauty’s. Can’t decide! Then explore Montreal’s Plateau neighbourhood with its variety of boutiques and trendy restaurants. Check out the Victorian houses at Square St-Louis and the colorful murals along Saint-Laurent Boulevard. Lunch at Milos for its fabulous Greek table d’hôte, L’Express or Leméac for chic French bistro, or cozy up at Yokato Yokabai for the tastiest ramen. Head east and spend afternoon at the Botanical Gardens. In spring, marvel at the enchanting bloom of cherry blossoms and magnolias, and during autumn evenings, delight in the glow of charming Chinese lanterns. If time permits, across the street is the Biodome, where visitors walk through the immersive ecosystems and watch the penguins play. Wrap up the day with another of Montreal’s finest dining establishments. For sushi aficionados, the “must” is Park with its fusion Japanese cuisine. For elevated French cuisine with a quirky twist, Montreal Plaza delivers with its lively ambiance and playful food presentation and pairings.

DAY 7
Last day! Lazy morning then a long, leisurely lunch. Choice of either Café Holt with its art deco and Hollywood glamour, Marcus with its upscale chic making every meal a celebration in itself, or Jérôme Ferrer Europea where the inventive menu and the lobster “cappuccino” is a compelling reason on its own. After a jam-packed week, unwind at Guerlain Spa at Four Seasons Montreal. The spa treatments are soul replenishing, but it’s all about their massage bed. It’s the closest you’ll get to floating on a cloud. Pure heaven! Wrap up this glorious Montreal visit at one of the bevvy of rooftop restaurants. There’s the family friendly, Les Enfants Terribles or the newbie to the scene, Hiatus, which takes fine dining to new heights. With its panoramic views, both restaurants provide a full appreciation of the beautiful cityscape – a perfect finale to a memorable time in Montreal.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A heartfelt shoutout goes to my husband, Duke Chung. From the beginning, he championed me to start my own agency, recognizing my potential well before I did. Throughout the years, his support has been a constant presence during both the highs and lows. He’s also the behind-the-scenes technical expert, business advisor, HR department, and even translator—filling in wherever needed. Duke continually motivates me to strive higher. I am grateful for his on-going encouragement and the invaluable role he plays in my life.

Website: joyetjoie.com

Instagram: rev_pr AND joyetjoie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RevCommunications

Image Credits
Martin Brisson Photography, Tee Tran Photography