Local businesses are the heart and soul of our community and every business that I have written about is one I would recommend and offers something unique.
The Times-Standard business profile I did on Darin got me great positive feedback in the community. Darin develops a bond with each customer, when you walk into his store, you feel special and get his full attention.
'My creation is unique to you'
John Chiv/For the Times-Standard
POSTED: 04/19/2013 02:38:03 AM
"One does not have to spend a fortune to own a beautiful piece of jewelry,” according to James Darin Goodale, the owner of James Darin Joaillier. “Having a personal jeweler allows you to work within your budget and have a piece of jewelry uniquely created for you that highlights your personal style.”
A business owner for 26 years who self-financed, Goodale said local friendships, community and the connections that he has developed over the years are a key part of his success.
Goodale opened James Darin Joaillier in 1996 in Fortuna. After 17 years in Fortuna, he moved his store in November 2012 to Eureka at the former location of Hollanders, at 520 Fifth St. Many people have fond memories of purchasing their wedding rings or jewelry for their wives and girlfriends at Hollanders and have told Goodale they are delighted to see him at this particular location. He is very grateful to “Fortuna because I would not be where I am without the community but I wanted to expand my market and this location is more central for Northern Humboldt customers.”
Goodale grew up in Fortuna, where his family operated an automotive business. Goodale started working for Shirley “Ace” Bartow at the age of 15 and over the course of almost three decades, he has worked in every aspect of the business. “I never knew anything other than running your own business,” he said.
“When you work for chains, you cannot custom create. When something leaves my store, it is one of a kind.”
Goodale recounts an experience one of his Fortuna customers had while visiting Alaska: She was wearing a ring and the gentleman said to her, “That must be Darin's work.”
Goodale does custom work, original designs by request and works with the individual as their personal jeweler. He asks questions about budget, purpose, how it fits into their life and how often they will be wearing the jewelry. The context, the individual and longevity of the jewelry is very important and such personalized and individual service is what Goodale offers. He also is available for personal consultations by appointment.
”My creation is unique to you,” said Goodale. “Trust and integrity are very important. There is such a thin line in this kind of work and your customers become your friends. This business is positive. The customer is celebrating a very momentous occasion and you become a part of that personal journey. They are expecting you to create or help them find something unique and special to them. My customers are my friends, my neighbors and being a part of milestones in their lives is a privilege I cherish.”
Goodale picked the name “joaillier” while he was in Paris. He choose the present location in Eureka because it was the former location of Hollanders, “which was the jewelry store in Eureka in the 1800s and because it was locally owned and family owned,” he said. Both these choices reflect what is important to him: “Doing what I love and doing it where I grew up contributing in a positive way to my community.”
For more information, call 407-0524 or search for the store's page on Facebook.
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