Long time Eckville residents, Stuart and Jenn Carde stepped into the world of retail business last November and took over ownership of Euphoria Paradise in Red Deer.
Both are brand new to the retail industry with neither ever having to work a cash register prior to opening. Yet in opening the door and walking into the store, it would seem as if the pair had been in business all their lives.
Clean, comfortable and appropriately lit - there are a variety of health and wellness products available at Euphoria Paradise.
Walking around the expansive store you will see a multitude of different information and products at your finger tips.
Some of the products include yoga mats, water bottles, massage kits, books, diffusers, bath salts, teas, jewelry, essential oils and tooth paste.
Jenn already had her own Young Living business and taking ownership of the store was something her husband wanted to do.
“My husband was the one who wanted to give this a shot and steer away from the oilfield because we all know how that’s headed,” Jenn said.
Even though neither of them have retail experience, Jenn said she believes in the power of an entrepreneurial spirit.
“The best thing for anyone is to own your own business,” she said. “You have your tax write-offs and you’re your own boss.”
They are still working on their merchandising, with their main aspiration being to bring in new products.
At the end of the day, purchasing Euphoria Paradise wasn’t just about owning their own business and trying to make a buck - both were born with an innate desire to help others.
“Health and wellness is growing in popularity,” Jenn said. “People are starting to wake up and realize that they do have to take care of their bodies. It matters what you put on your skin and everything you do. So the health and wellness industry is growing.”
She said owning the store has served well to date and has been an exciting adventure. Most of the customers have been women, but they are wanting to get products in that will serve men as well.
“I don’t want to limit it to women, but they are the ones that are primarily interested,” Jenn said.
The goal is to make the place not just a retail store but also a mini spa, as there is a private room for potential spa sessions and foot treatments.
“We’re working on giving it the attention it needs and making the changes,” Jenn said. “We will see how it works out for us, but so far so good.”
Living in Eckville and driving into Red Deer may be time consuming, but Jenn still has time to get her children off to school and get ready herself before opening up the store in the morning.
Being at the store has been a career change for Jenn as she is used to working from home, regardless she is still excited about making the store into the vision her and her husband have dreamed of.
“We visualize it as busier. Watching those numbers multiply on the Facebook page. More likes and more activity,” Jenn said. “Seeing that business, seeing that room be occupied with the wellness services. Once that’s all happening full time I will be happy.”
Some of the challenges these owners face is picking an advertising mode because she said advertising is expensive.
“The challenge is getting the people in here,” Jenn said. “But it’s a matter of time and advertising. We’re hoping to do a grand opening here pretty quick and get it on the radio.”
Euphoria Paradise is located at #11 4801 51 Ave in downtown Red Deer across from Original Joe’s and beside the Vape Escape. For more information call the store at 403 5966175.
reporter@eckvilleecho.com