Elvies, a distinctive Montreal-based small business, operates without a traditional storefront. Specializing in custom-made pieces, owner Louis Victor Duquet crafts unique personalized jewelry. Elvies exclusively shares their creations on Instagram. We had the opportunity to discuss Louis’ world where quality meets customization and how he offers a unique shopping experience tailored to your individual style.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Elvies is a jewelry business which, at the moment, focuses on making custom and made-to-order pieces. I make unique designs and create different versions of them for clients, sometimes starting from scratch and crafting something totally new.
What made you want to do this work?
I started all of this by passion and a fascination for jewelry which led me to fall in love with entrepreneurship too. I wished to build something great with my own vision and had dreams of doing it with jewelry. I was obsessed with design and craftsmanship, it was the only thing on my mind. I believed I’d be able to express myself best with the art of the gold/silversmith. The idea of being my own boss and what that lifestyle could bring convinced me.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
It seems like there weren’t many choices in terms of what was accessible in my city for unique jewelry. I saw people expressing themselves with clothes that were original and new but rarely did I see jewelry which amazed me or felt different. I wanted anybody with the desire to have their own style and character, who couldn’t find it in jewelry, to see it in mine. If you knew that you wanted something original, it would be an option now. If you were open to discovering yourself and your style you could do it through Elvies.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Most of my clients are aged eighteen to thirty-five years old, both men and women. I’d say they’re people who appreciate and love art for more than just what’s on the surface. They like to know who’s behind it and feel like the experience of a purchase is just as special and important as the product itself.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
Elvies brings money through custom orders coming directly from the Instagram page. Since there is no website, yet, clients message me and every project/order is born from conversation. Some want a version of an old design of mine, others ask for something completely new and share inspirations or decide to blindly trust my creative process to make them happy.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Jewelry stores are everywhere in the city, mine is purely online. Although I do invite clients to the workshop to talk or pick up orders, the majority of the business is on social media.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
The best question a prospective customer could ask a jeweler when comparing services is: What inspires you and your work? Unless one’s quality is lesser than the other, customers should base their choices on style, ideas and values. Elvies is about artistic pursuit and passion, made possible by striving for excellence in craftsmanship. It’s about how it feels when you look at or wear a design.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part about what I do is that I enjoy every single step of the process for what it is and what it contributes to in the end. I don’t know if I have a more precise favourite part about the job, but I would say that I’m most grateful for having the chance to share the pleasure with everybody who shows an interest in Elvies. I could make jewelry from A to Z all by myself, but exterior support and love is something that is given to me and I feel extremely lucky to have it.
The worst part about what I do is that I can’t do it outside, for now… I plan on having my workshop in a cabana on the beach, eventually.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
I lost my mood ring the other day, I’m not sure how I feel about that.
Where can we follow you?
You can follow me on Instagram and on Facebook.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
NBT VINTAGE is a clothing business in my city which curates vintage pieces. They have great taste and the person that runs it is a beautiful and supportive client of mine!
