What if the trick was never the card flip or the disappearing coin, but the belief that you could make a living doing what you love?
Meet Jassfer Paiso, better known as Jhap of Spades. Before he was one of Toronto’s most in-demand family entertainers, he was clocking in at McDonald’s and doing sleight-of-hand magic tricks in the drive-thru window. Now, he’s performing for kids, families, and private clients across the GTA, proving that passion plus persistence is a formula that works—even in a pandemic.
Jhap’s journey didn’t start on a stage. It started with obsession. Card tricks. Props. YouTube tutorials. Magic sets from Value Village. He bought gear, then more gear, then more. Soon his collection wasn’t just a hobby—it was a signal that he was all in.
When the pandemic hit, gigs disappeared and he lost his job. But instead of retreating, Jhap leaned in. He used his severance pay to hire a coach and learn the business side of magic. Soon, he was booking parties, crafting unforgettable routines, and raising his rates from $300 to $1,200 per show. One of his secrets? His sidekick Maj the Bunny—a literal ball of fluff who “works” for tips and has his own fanbase.
He practices on the street. He connects with kids by making them the magicians. He avoids making fun of anyone and instead focuses on creating joy and empowerment. For Jhap, it’s not just about the magic—it’s about the feeling you give people, especially kids, when you show them that they can make something incredible happen.
He’s honest about the struggles too. Being self-employed means having lean months and relying on faith, hustle, and a support system. But now, three years in, he’s built a business—and a life—on his own terms.
He believes in asking. Asking the universe. Asking clients. Asking for help when needed. “You don’t ‘GET’ if you don’t ASK,” he says. “Ask, have faith, and improve every day.”
Jhap of Spades isn’t just doing magic. He’s living it.
Follow his story. Be inspired. And maybe… pick up a deck of cards.
