About Us (Archive)
Founded by the inspiration to support knowledge absent in academic, social or general institutions; our customers are provided with the practical and objective ability to consider something new, evaluate the plausibility of the knowledge attained, and finally make their own conclusions for lifestyle choices. Opening as a used bookstore in 2010, thanks to customer response Alternative Thinking is evolving daily.
A space where wellness is the primary, in all regards. Our mission is to create a space with alternatives for how we indulge, consume, and connect with each other. A community living room where we can gather and come closer to like-minded individuals. A place where great change has developed through conversation and the coming together of minds. 
Information entity circulating awareness and inspiration. Guiding body with the philosophy, set of principles and knowledge of the alternative culture. Holistic approach to the spectrum of thinking covers rationally deduced concepts and the awe of infinite love. Language is our vehicle to mapping the transcendental, the yet unsaid.
crop circle bugs
Resonant to crop circle geometry, insects form strong symbolic icons for they serve a large role in our ecology.
Recognizing their various functions helps us to chart a map to a more holistic framework.
Read more about the meaning of each symbol as it relates to what we do in our blog post!
growing family
The journey started with Revaz & Mariam (siblings) setting off on a quest with the support of their family back in 2008. With a loose concept for a business, they started off with a tiny book collection in a 300 sq ft space at the back of a used bookstore. This small seed had eventually grown and recognized as a central hub for the alternative community in Toronto. To this day, the business is owned and operated by Revaz & Mariam, alongside amazing additions over the years to the Alter8 family!
♥ REVAZ MEKVABISHVILI [Co-Founder] ~ Systems & Vision
♥ MARIAM MEKVABISHVILI [Co-Founder] ~ Social Media & Accounting
♥ HUGH PHILLIPS ~ Adviser & Speaker
♥ DOMINIQUE TURCOTTE ~ Operations Director
♥ PAULA MARIA MARIN ~ Manager @Alternity
♥ CHRISTINA MANELLA ~ Manager @Alternative Thinking
♥ NATASA GVOZDIC ~ Events @Alternity
♥ MARGARITA MAKHOTA ~ Admin @Alternity
what is Alter8?
Information entity circulating awareness and inspiration. Guiding body with the philosophy, set of principles and knowledge of the alternative culture. Holistic approach to the spectrum of thinking covers rationally deduced concepts and the awe of infinite love. Language is our vehicle to mapping the transcendental, the yet unsaid.
why does Alter8 matter?
consciousness manifests when information is relayed or connected from one point to another, bringing about more awareness, just like the visual of a synaptic spark in a neural network. Conscious communication is our formula for enhancing clarity of vision and encompassing greater understanding.
where is Alter8 heading?
Quality of communication being the focal point for evolving relationships with customers, business associates and ultimately ourselves. We’re implementing informative systems that help determine the choices we make when we exchange with one another, a step towards redefining the notion of a transaction. Striving to establish an environment where business is more than just an exchange of money and goods.
Hugh has been providing the foundation of knowledge for forming Alter8 by drawing upon wisdom cultivated from life-long self research. His website features poems, videos, articles and workshop listings.