Today’s Notable Young Professionals are Keith and Dane of Vancouver’s Cavalier jewellery hot spot in Gastown, the exact opposite of the stuffy, dated type of shop you’re used to when shopping for jewellery. What was the inspiration for their career route? Find out in today’s profile…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
Picture everything you dislike about stuffy and dated jewellery stores and the kind of people who work at them… Cavalier is the exact opposite of that.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
When I started out of high school in my family’s gemstone wholesale business, it was out of necessity; my uncle was ill and I was sort of tossed into the fire to take it over. Cavalier is an extension of that in the sense that Keith and I felt there was gap in the Vancouver jewellery market, so we tossed our hat into the ring by building a space that catered more genuinely to our clientele with high-end engagement rings and fine goods.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is definitely the interaction with the customers and getting to hang out with our team. I think we’ve put together and fun group of people and an amazing atmosphere to do business in. The most challenging is balancing time. Lately we’ve been a bit overwhelmed. Business has been great but at times we feel a bit understaffed.
Where do you see your business going in five years?
I’d like to fully master what we have happening here and learn every aspect of the retail side of the business. Coming from a wholesale background and still maintaining those accounts has helped a ton but it takes years to figure it all out.
What does success look like to you?
That’s a loaded question! Success is a tricky thing to define. I’m a pretty happy guy the majority of the time so for me I’m going to go ahead and say that’s already a form of success.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?When we opened July 6th I know Keith and I both felt a great sense of accomplishment. It’s been a great ride thus far and every time I come home from a buying trip to Asia there always seems to be something memorable that has happened.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Don’t be scared to take risks and go for it. There’s always a lesson to be learned along the way.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
The ALS Society of BC is our main charity and is the most important since I lost my uncle who founded the business in 2008 to it, but for each artist in our store we’ve mandated a percentage that goes towards a charity that is important to them. I think it’s really important to make any sort of impact locally if possible.
What is Notable to you?
Everything we’ve chatted about so far!
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone!
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
Keith and I train a few days a week as we both at one time played professional sports. Staying active right now means getting out to as many events as possible after work for the time being. Sleep is always at a premium!
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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