Nestled in the vibrant neighbourhood of Inglewood along 9th Ave sits TUU by COUTUKITSCH jewelry store. Since its founding in 2010, this local business has been providing the community with carefully curated selections of jewelry, women’s clothing, accessories, and home goods. At the helm of client relations and wholesale endeavours is Makenzi, the company’s Buyer and Wholesale Representative. Founded by Dorian, who began designing jewelry out of necessity and artistic vision, TUU by COUTUKITSCH has grown into a beloved Calgary staple, committed to offering high-quality, attainable fashion and fostering meaningful customer experiences. We got to speak to Makenzi to find out more about the business.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Our company name is TUU by COUTUKITSCH, we are a jewelry company first and foremost. We have been designing jewelry in Calgary, Alberta since 2010. We have a studio in Inglewood where we offer a charm bar, permanent jewelry and our full line of jewelry. We also have a wide variety of women’s clothing, accessories and home goods!
What made you want to do this work?
Dorian (the Owner) began designing jewelry because she couldn’t find anything in store that was exactly what she was looking for. To solve this problem, she began disassembling jewelry, adding materials and creating new concepts. After a while of doing this and a lot of interest from friends and family, Dorian began to design her own items entirely. How we came to own the studio is a slightly different story. Dorian and her husband Kofi had been business owners of a previous business here in Calgary, and after closing that shop went on to pursue the dream of having the studio space that we currently have.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I think it’s less about solving a problem but more about providing a unique space that customers can come in, relax, create and connect. We want people to feel good about themselves and feel free to use our space like it is their own. We host private parties but also have daily appointments and take great joy in watching people connect with their loved ones when creating their custom jewelry.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Anyone and everyone who enjoys beautiful, well-curated goods. You can’t put an age on fashion or the perfect gold hoop earrings!
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We sell an assortment of retail goods online and in-store. We also have a variety of wholesale accounts across Canada that sell our jewelry brand COUTUKITSCH.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
In the neighbourhood of Inglewood along 9th Ave beside the Deane House.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Are your goods high quality and priced fairly? YES! Everything from our clothing to our jewelry is quality tested. None of our jewelry is sold to the public until staff has tested it themselves first, a nice perk of the job! As far as costs go, we have high quality long lasting items that are at attainable price points.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
As a buyer for the store, I spend A LOT of time window shopping for new brands for the store. Who wouldn’t love shopping for a living? When I am in the studio, I love helping customers find the right outfit, pick the perfect charms for their necklaces or even just chatting with our regulars.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
That you spend a lot of money working in fashion, but in reality that joke is on me. Let’s just say I need a walk-in closet.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram: @coutukitsch or @tuubycoutukitsch
TikTok: @coutukitsch
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
We are lucky to be in a neighbourhood full of local businesses. From local breweries (Cold Garden, Ol’ Beautiful, High Line Brewing) to niche boutiques (Recess, Adorn, Hello Vintage), it is hard to pick one!
