LIHU’E — Troy Gall and Donovan Claytor are two young entrepreneurs hoping to make their Meyvn line of skate and surf wear known on Kaua’i. Wait. That’s correct, but not descriptive enough. Gall, 29 and Claytor, 27, have been co-owners
LIHU’E — Troy Gall and Donovan Claytor are two young entrepreneurs hoping to make their Meyvn line of skate and surf wear known on Kaua’i.
Wait. That’s correct, but not descriptive enough.
Gall, 29 and Claytor, 27, have been co-owners of CG Custom Prints, a company that prints images on T-shirts, for almost two years.
They recently rented a space at 4373 Rice St. in Lihu’e, where they are planning to branch out into the retail clothing and accessory market.
They are taking skate and surf to where it hasn’t gone before, funky and historic Rice Street.
The duo plan a “soft opening” this Tuesday, Nov. 1, and a splashy grand opening Friday, Nov. 25.
Their printing company, which is solid and well-established on the island, will be in the back of the site of a former bank, while the front 700 square feet will be devoted to their signature Meyvn Clothing Co.
What is slightly odd about this that Claytor and Gall are both former youth pastors who have adopted a Yiddish word, “meyvn,” that means “expert,” to brand their product.
“I was looking at words in the thesaurus, and it came to me. It just sort of stood out,” said Claytor.
Also, they have moved into a site which was formerly a bank. They have renovated the venue to better fit their expected niche market, which they envision to be the 12-to-22-year-old set.
The duo are banking on this young set having the cash, or their parents’ cash.
The ceiling has been painted red, the floor is suitably funky, and the former corporate wallpaper is now just a trashed memory.
The duo have also inherited a huge vault which sits in the back of the space, where the screen-printing facility is located.
They have the vault. They hope the money will follow.
‘This is a big step and large investment. We’re not knowing just what to expect,” said Claytor.
Claytor and Gall said they have spoken with established businessmen, and felt confident and comfortable enough to take their shot and move the business from Kalaheo into Lihu’e.
The men have known each other for eight years, and say they work well together. They share a creative sense, and are also sensitive to promoting local designers and future entrepreneurs.
They said local designers such as Aino Fea, Edgeline and Hawaiian Teddy Bear will find space in their store. They said these lines would be sold on consignment. The producers of these local lines are asked to supply banners promoting their creations.
The bulk of the retail part of Meyvn Clothing Co. will be stocked by Ezekiel, Element and Cobian, they said.
For more information, please contact CG Custom Prints and Mevyn Clothing Co. at 245-7774.
