Blog 1: Venturing Once Again

Year 1: Venturing Once Again

Episode 1: How It All Started

 

Before diving into the origins of Quni Boutique, I think it's essential to look further back to appreciate the experiences that led me to start this venture. I genuinely believe that my journey to this point is quite unique, and I’m eager to share it with you.

In 2017, after graduating from TWU with a degree in Human Kinetics, I landed an internship at Rugby Canada as a National Program Intern. Soon after, I began working as a Soccer Development Operations Assistant with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. If you're passionate about sports and enjoy working behind the scenes, this is a great way to kick off a sports career. While my feelings about working in sports were mixed, I was enthusiastic about the opportunity and eager to start building my work experience to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Unfortunately, just three months later, I was let go due to the company shifting in a "different direction"—whatever that meant. It was disheartening to be released by a team I thought I loved and was dedicated to.

It took me a while to find another job, but eventually, I took a position at Drew Catering & Events as a Driver. The job title didn’t quite reflect the variety of tasks I handled beyond driving, one of which was a challenging lesson: never pull a cart full of food uphill. I learned this the hard way when I dropped 350 handcrafted sandwiches on Seymour Street in downtown Vancouver. At that moment, I considered quitting, imagining the mess of meat, lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo scattered during rush hour. I’m grateful to my boss for not firing me.

This first season is titled "Venturing Once Again" because starting Quni Boutique feels like my second significant venture. Eight months after my stint in catering, I found a role with the Vancouver Bandits Professional Basketball Team, previously known as the Fraser Valley Bandits before relocating. Despite the challenges—such as the team being a startup, the job being in Abbotsford, my interviewer conducting the interview while driving, and the low salary without benefits—I took the job. I believed my previous experience with Rugby Canada and the Whitecaps could be valuable.

My time with the Vancouver Bandits was filled with incredible experiences. Unlike a typical job in Canada with a steady salary and set hours, my role as Office Administrator involved extensive networking with CEOs, community leaders, and attending numerous events. Despite the demanding schedule and the sacrifices of social and personal life, we managed to sell the most tickets in the league during the 2019 season. This success was driven by a formula of relentless dedication. I learned so much from pitching ideas, closing sales, supporting marketing efforts, and contributing to every aspect of the organization. Though I wouldn’t repeat the experience, it was invaluable for my career. After two years, I decided to leave to pursue other growth opportunities.

In the past three years, I have worked with TOCA Canada, ILAC Education, Langara College, UBC Athletics, and TWU Athletics. Each experience has been rewarding, but the desire to start my own business grew stronger. That’s why, in December 2023, I began brainstorming ideas for my own venture.

Thank you for reading the first blog post for Quni Boutique. While this chapter didn’t focus on Quni Boutique itself, I wanted to share my background so you understand where I’m coming from.

Stay tuned for the next chapter on the beginnings of Quni Boutique.