YEDaily: Pierre Derreumaux

After studying business in Paris for years, young entrepreneur Pierre Derreumaux decided to follow his passion and break into the interior design industry. After moving around and acquiring different tastes, he settled in Vancouver and opened his own boutique where he sells high-end accessories from all around the world in today’s YEDaily…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
In my boutique espace d., I bring to Vancouver gorgeous, exclusive, contemporary and high-end home décor accessories handpicked from around the world.

Why did you start your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
Opening my own boutique is a lifelong dream becoming a reality.  About one year ago I was finally ready professionally, personally and financially to make it happen.  Three weeks ago, espace d. opened its doors!  My inspiration comes from the amazing design I discovered thanks to my work, travels and readings, starting all the way from Paris, my first hometown.  I wanted so much to create my own exhibition space, my own store, being a reflection of my taste, style and personality to showcase fantastic products in Vancouver, my new hometown.

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Choosing new products for my boutique of course!  I feel like a kid in a candy store when I’m searching for the next perfect piece. The most challenging part is anticipating how my clients feel about the pieces I select. At the end of the day my products end up in someone’s home, a very personal space, so I respect and weigh this responsibility very carefully.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope for espace d. to be very well-established, known by all stylish shoppers and designers and respected for its distinctive selection of quality pieces.

What does success look like to you?
Happy clients mean success for my business!

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
When I was working as an interior designer I completed a huge renovation of a condo in Old Montreal. It was a stunning transformation of a dated and over-divided apartment into a multi-level contemporary loft. It was the largest project of my career at the time and completing it made me realize I was capable of turning my dream of espace d. into a reality. 

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Persistence! Always believe in your dreams. Never give up, and don’t take no for an answer.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
For reasons close to my heart I support HIV/AIDS research.

What is Notable to you?
The beautiful process when a designer’s passion, creativity and vision comes together to create the perfect original piece.

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone of course!