Empathetic human.
Community builder.
Life-long learner.
Hi, my name is Nancilyn (pronounced nan-sil-lyn)
With 10 years of experience in startups, advertising, and non-profits, I specialize in strategic digital experiences that connect brands with their audiences. My passion for human behaviour, inclusive design, and impactful storytelling drives my work across branding, UX, and marketing.
Through Branded by Nancilyn, I empower BIPOC entrepreneurs, brands, and non-profits with design solutions that blend strategy and creativity—ensuring brands are not just seen, but truly experienced.
At my core, I’m about continuous growth, empathy, and making a difference in both the digital world and in the lives of the people I work with.
Let’s create something meaningful together >
Innovating with purpose
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Driving brand growth at Reggie's Rolls
As part of our family business since 2018, I lead our brand and marketing initiatives. Our Tamil-Canadian food biz is known for its signature deep-fried rolls. Through strategic marketing efforts, I helped grow our brand’s social media presence, resulting in a 500% increase in orders, event attendance, customer retention, and a feature on BlogTO.
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Leadership in the Tamil community
In 2022, I was honoured with the Tamil Canadian Centre for Civic Action's '30 Under 30' award, recognizing my contributions in design and marketing within the Canadian-Tamil business and non-profit sectors. This includes my previous role as Board Director of Marketing & Communications at the Canadian Tamil Professional Association.
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Empowering designers via education
As an Instructor at Humber College in Toronto since 2023, I have mentored aspiring UX designers in design thinking, research methods, and creative design tools. By fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment, I developed the ‘Designing for Social Good’ project, which encouraged students to make impactful design decisions with purpose.
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Expanding global perspectives
In 2024, I moved from Toronto to London, bringing my expertise to a new city. As I work towards my goal of travelling to 30 countries by 30 (currently at 23), my journeys fuel my creativity, offering fresh perspectives and diverse influences that shape my work and processes. I’m excited put these global insights to use!
Experience
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Youzus Social Media Marketing Agency, Toronto (2014-2015)
Cummins & Partners, Toronto (2015-2016)
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The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto (2020-2024)
Canadian Tamil Professionals Association, Toronto (2017-2019)
City of Mississauga (2018)
The LNK (formerly known as Take My Sari), Toronto (2016-2017)
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I started my freelance journey while I was studying full-time and university and college from 2013. I’ve had the honour of working with various projects and industry professionals with direct clients and with other marketing agencies. Some clients include: Toronto Board of Trade, Cadillac Fairview, CGI and Toronto Metropolitan University,
Instructor, Digital & UX Design (Interactive Design Program) at Humber College, Toronto (2023-2024)
Marketing & Co-owner at Reggie’s Rolls, Toronto (2018-Present)
Education
2022
Google UX Design Certificate
Coursera
2018-2019
Master's of Digital Innovation Experience
University of Waterloo
2013-2018
Bachelor of Technology in Graphic Communications Management
Toronto Metropolitan University
2015-2018
Advanced Certificate in Digital Design & Web
Seneca College