Meet Zoe Dufroux and Jay Kloss, the owners and partners behind Zoux Bar and Dough Store, two exciting new stores who have recently joined us here at Oracle Boulevard.
Originally hailing from Melbourne, the duo decided to bring the light, refreshing flavours of Zoux Bar’s smoothies, acai bowls, and raw treats, up to the Gold Coast, alongside Dough Store’s incredibly on trend range of quality sneakers and streetwear, to create a new, innovative health and style hub. We chatted with Zoe and Jay to learn more about why they wanted to combine their stores, and what drew them up from Melbourne to the sunny shores of Oracle Boulevard.
What made you both want to open new store locations at Oracle Boulevard?
The decision for us to open new store locations at Oracle Boulevard was driven by a combination of strategic considerations. Oracle Boulevard has established itself as a vibrant and high-traffic area, making it an attractive destination for us.
We recognise the importance of being in a location where people naturally gather, and Oracle Boulevard provides the ideal setting for this. The mix of residents, professionals, and tourists frequenting the area reflects a diverse and affluent customer base that is in line with our brand positioning. By joining this dynamic ecosystem, we aim to contribute to the rich tapestry of culinary offerings and cater to the preferences of the local community.
Have you both always wanted to have your own stores? Have you both always been quite entrepreneurial?
The desire for independence and a love for the freedom and creativity that comes with owning our own stores led us to venture into business. We found the transition to entrepreneurship incredibly rewarding. The ability to make independent decisions and witness the direct impact of our efforts has brought a sense of fulfillment and personal growth that was missing in our previous corporate roles.
What made our decisions even easier was the convergence of our passions. Jay’s enthusiasm for sneakers and my passion for health food created a unique synergy that perfectly aligned with our business endeavours. This shared passion not only fuelled our motivation but also played a pivotal role in shaping the identity and offerings of our stores, making the journey into entrepreneurship even more exciting and purposeful.
What is something you’ve learned from running your own business alongside a partner who’s also growing their own business?
Running our own businesses alongside each other has been a profound learning experience. One key lesson is the importance of effective communication and collaboration. We’ve discovered that aligning our goals, strategies, and timelines ensures a more synergistic and supportive partnership.
Another valuable lesson is the power of leveraging each other’s strengths. Recognizing and capitalizing on the unique skills and expertise each partner brings to the table has allowed us to optimize our business operations. This complementary approach not only enhances efficiency but also fosters a sense of mutual empowerment.
Adaptability is a constant theme in entrepreneurship, and navigating the unpredictable nature of business alongside a partner reinforces the need for flexibility. Overall, the experience of running our own businesses alongside a partner has highlighted the significance of effective communication, leveraging strengths, adaptability, and fostering a supportive and celebratory partnership for sustained growth and success.
Is there a menu item from Zoux Bar you’d recommend people try?
The ‘Chicken Kewpie Toastie’ has been a staple on our menu since day one and has evolved into one of our signature dishes. It’s not only flavourful but also filling and satiating, making it a satisfying choice.
What do you think will be the IT shoe for 2024? Numerous sneakers are gaining popularity this year, but we anticipate the New Balance 9060s, Sambas, and YEEZY 350s will continue to be the “IT” shoes in 2024.
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