The Afro News, Vancouver
According to Wikipedia, ‘Design is the creation of a plan or convention for the construction of an object, system or measurable human interaction.’
In the case of Bernadette Guzman and John Kehayas their partnership is a marriage of design forged together by her creative fashion flare and his creative interior design talents. Located on No. 1 Road in the quaint seaside Village of Steveston, British Columbia this dynamic pairing of humans, international fashion styles and construction design is showcased at their haute couture chic boutique, Violethill
Bernadette and John purchased Violethill in 2013 from the original owner, a young twenty something entrepreneur who started the boutique in 2010. John did the interior design for the then new store and it was through their business acquaintance with the original owner that the store was eventually sold to them.
Guzman has roots in the Philippines and Kehayas has his in Greece; this encouraged them to carry varied lines that include a collection of International fashions from Amsterdam, Barcelona, Denmark, London and Australia in their store. Their fashion collection has done well and earned them recognition as the best fashion store in Steveston for seven consecutive years.
The previous owner was a young and budding social media enthusiast and set-up a blog and online shopping portal through the boutique’s website. While this was not the strong suit for Guzman and Kehayas, they adopted the concept of ‘bringing the store to you’ and opened their Violethill Mobile Fashion Boutique – At Your Door Service! This concept has them operating a store on wheels in a fully decked out and converted truck that travels throughout the year to various lower mainland street festivals, special events and exhibitions.
Going mobile rather than operating a second bricks and mortar store where you have limited exposure and only to the people that come to that area; has offered more awareness of this chic boutique on wheels and ultimately the amazing warm and friendly customer service.
Ladies be on the look out for this mobile store at your door service and Gentlemen a men’s line is coming soon!
www.violethillclothing.ca
By Deidré Heim
