- Words by Angela Cowan Photographs by Lia Crowe
When Curtis Vertefeuille left Vancouver for the island five years ago, heB次元官网网址檇 been looking forward to a more relaxed lifestyle and to opening his own furniture shop against the gorgeous backdrop of Victoria. One thing he didnB次元官网网址檛 anticipate was spearheading an entirely new expansion arm of the company heB次元官网网址檇 been with for nearly a decade.
B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檇 worked for MoeB次元官网网址檚 [Home Collection] in Vancouver off and on for 10 years,B次元官网网址� he explains. His daughter had just graduated high school, and the family had decided to cross the pond, with Curtis opening his own store but still using MoeB次元官网网址檚 Home as a wholesaler.
B次元官网网址淟iterally a week before I was leaving, Moe said, B次元官网网址榃hy donB次元官网网址檛 you open it up as a MoeB次元官网网址檚?B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址�
The flagship franchise store was launched to great success, and new franchise stores quickly followed.
B次元官网网址淚 think weB次元官网网址檙e up to 12 or 13 franchise stores now,B次元官网网址� says Curtis, whose own shop has done extremely well. recently moved into the large brick building on Swift Street (former location of Ocean River Sports).
B次元官网网址淭he space is incredible,B次元官网网址� he says. B次元官网网址淲ood beams, brick walls, lots of windows.B次元官网网址�
ItB次元官网网址檚 all about creating a vibe, he says, through music, scents and the flow of the furniture.
B次元官网网址淭he biggest compliment is when people walk through and say what a beautiful store it is,B次元官网网址� he says. B次元官网网址淚 try to create a cohesive feeling so when you walk into the store it all makes sense, and it gives you a sense of good design. I love merchandising. ItB次元官网网址檚 my favourite part of my job now. I love being there late at night, flipping the store. ItB次元官网网址檚 such a creative outlet,B次元官网网址� he adds.
And as of March of next year, heB次元官网网址檒l have double the space in which to play with his creativity; MoeB次元官网网址檚 Home Victoria is opening a second location in Langford.
B次元官网网址淥ur range is so big, this gives us the opportunity to bring in things we couldnB次元官网网址檛 before,B次元官网网址� he says. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e going to try and bring the same vibe over there, but itB次元官网网址檚 a living, ever-changing thing. ItB次元官网网址檚 going to be a completely different line. ItB次元官网网址檚 almost like having a 10,000-square-foot store now.B次元官网网址�
The 7 Sins
Envy:
Whose shoes would you like to walk in?
P!nk. My daughter and I went to see her last concert and it was life-changing. Alongside her incredible talent, all of her amazing feminist uplifting and empowerment vibesB次元官网网址攈er energy is so contagious!
Gluttony:
What is the food you could eat over and
over again?
I have quite the sweet tooth, so IB次元官网网址檒l have to say anything sweet! Cinnamon buns, chocolateB次元官网网址 love going to La Roux Patisserie on Fisgard for an almond croissant.
Greed:
YouB次元官网网址檙e given $1 million that you have to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on?
A luxurious getaway just for me. I would hop on a plane to stay at the Overwater Bungalows in Bora Bora. IB次元官网网址檝e always wanted to go there and just spend my time hanging out, lounging on the beach, indulging in everything.
Wrath:
Pet peeves?
Oh, the wrath. When pictures are hung too high, when you bite into a popsicle with your front teeth, when cupboard doors are left open. I also have to say a poorly designed or merchandized store and unsatisfactory customer service.
Sloth:
Where would you spend a long time doing nothing?
Sorry, I donB次元官网网址檛 understand this question. What do you mean doing nothing? IB次元官网网址檓 rarely seen doing nothing. I have too much energy!
Pride:
What is the one thing youB次元官网网址檙e secretly proud of?
IB次元官网网址檓 proud of not taking life too seriously and taking pride in the little things that present themselves every day. There will always be ups and downs, but I recognize that I am very fortunate and blessed in so many aspects of my life. When things go wrong, I do my best to take responsibility and learn from it. Life is short, youB次元官网网址檝e got to enjoy it.
Lust:
What makes your heart beat faster?
All the exercise! But in all seriousness, I love walking into a freshly painted room or a newly built house, or just seeing well-thought-out design in general. I love all the sensorial, the see, touch, taste, all of that.
