Lover’s Tempo is a Vancouver jewelry company with pieces that are available at accessible prices for every occasion. We spoke with founders Elaine Kim Smith & Leslie Hoolaeff to find out more about them.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Lover’s Tempo makes beautiful, delightful jewelry at accessible prices, so every day, and every occasion, can feel a little romantic.
What made you want to do this work?
Elaine: I have always loved being creative and making things with my hands. Making jewelry began as a creative outlet for me. The business side came as a surprise to me. There’s so much creativity in business and I love the challenges and opportunities that are inherent to being an entrepreneur.
Leslie: I met Elaine while working as a marketing consultant. I fell in love with her designs and her vision for the brand. I believed in a beautiful future for the business and wanted to help make it happen.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
Elaine: I travelled a lot when I was younger and was always inspired by all of the beautiful designs that were available at affordable prices. My goal was to make great design, accessible and affordable.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Leslie: Our designs are sold in over 800 independent retail boutiques worldwide. Our customers have a timeless, feminine and effortless style.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Leslie: We’re based in East Vancouver in a little studio on Fraser St.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Elaine: What are your values? There are so many options when shopping for fashion accessories. I think customers today, more than ever, want to know that they are spending their dollars with companies that strive to build businesses that consider the social and environmental benefits that their companies have in their communities and beyond.
What is the best part about what you do?
Leslie: Among our team, we often talk about the idea of sparking delight. It’s one of our core values. Essentially it means putting a smile on someone’s face. The best part of what we do is seeing the delight in the people we get to interact with within our business. Whether it’s a glowing review from a happy customer, an elated retailer who sold out of their order from us over a busy weekend, or an employee who gives us positive feedback about the work culture we’ve created. We love to do what we do for the joyful moments it creates in the lives of the people we impact.
Where can we follow you?
Leslie: We’re on Instagram and TikTok, and you can sign up for our email list at our website to stay in the loop.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Elaine: IKIWISI – I’ll Know it When I See It is a two-woman show creating sweet + slightly snarky paper goods.
