Dannielle Goulet combines style with sustainability in her new store, Herb N Wear, on Fifth Street. Photo by Lindsay Chung
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Letter to Editor
Share‘Cool stuff’ at Courtenay store
By Lindsay Chung - Comox Valley Record
Published: October 02, 2008 6:00 PM
At Herb N Wear, hemp and bamboo are more than plants — they’ re key ingredients in the recipe for style.
Focusing on sustainable, eco-friendly and Canadian clothing and accessories for men and women, Dannielle Goulet opened Herb N Wear near the Fifth Street Bridge in mid-August.
“I want to get the people in the Valley to know I’m here because it’s not only a healthy choice for the planet, but it’s cool stuff,” said Goulet.
Herb N Wear features clothing, bags, wallets, hats, belts and shoes made with natural fibres like soy, hemp, bamboo and recycled materials from brands like Livity and Satori, Public Myth, Sativa and Kitchen Orange.
There is also a selection of ESDJCO clothing and record bags.
“They’re not so eco-friendly, but I did bring it in because a lot of deejays like to wear this,” said Goulet. “It’s a big name in the underground electronic world and record scratching.”
Goulet also carries Malie products from Hawaii, including liquid hand soap and soy candles, and Knotty Boy products from Vancouver for caring for dreadlocks.
Goulet offers consignment as well, and she currently carries natural bags with silk-screening and locally made jewelry.
“I tried to bring in a little bit for everyone,” she said. “I’m trying to keep my target market as open as possible.”
Goulet opened Herb N Wear on Aug. 15.
“I’ve always talked about opening my own business,” she said. “They say do what you love, and I love shopping.”
Goulet’s boyfriend and business partner, David Marlin — “my partner in business, partner in crime” — owns Ahead of the Tymes next door, and when the neighbouring space became available for rent, the landlord asked Marlin if he wanted to expand or start a clothing store. Goulet jumped at the chance.
“It was an opportunity, and I couldn’t pass it up,” she said.
She and Marlin took over the rent Jan. 1.
“From that day, I started my business plan,” said Goulet, adding she had help from Community Futures Strathcona along the way.
From there, it took until Aug. 15 to get the store ready.
“We re-did everything here,” said Goulet. “We gutted the entire place.”
They created big changerooms and painted the interior green.
“I’m so pleased with the way the renovations turned out,” said Goulet. “Every person who comes in here is overwhelmed with how it turned out. Some people consider this block lower end, but you don’t come in and feel lower end.”
Opening her own store has been a big learning curve for Goulet but one she has really enjoyed.
“When we first decided to open up a clothing store, I had no clue what I was getting into,” she said. “I bit off more than I could chew. Having the store done is a big accomplishment. I can’t believe I’m here every day, but I’m so happy. It’s great, and I hope it’s only going to get better.”
Goulet has been working in the restaurant and customer service industry since she graduated from high school in 2001 and still works at the Black Fin Pub.
“Growing up in the Valley helps because I know so many people,” she said. “Friends and family are so supportive.”
Herb N Wear, located at 123 Fifth Street in Courtenay, is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.
