By Alya Somar
Gathering spaces are evolving in the rapidly changing world. As people search for places to connect and bond with each other, businesses are tasked with creating those spaces. Fenton Jagdeo and Matthew Jagdeo are excited to open their Gem Studio location at CF Shops at Don Mills in Toronto, Ontario, bringing another welcoming space for people to make memories.
Gem Studio provides jewelry making workshops for customers from all walks of life. From children to older folks, everyone is welcome to attend a workshop at one of their several locations, facilitated by a professional silversmith to handcraft an accessory or piece of jewelry of their choice. At the end of the three-hour workshop, participants leave with their new wardrobe piece, made with .925 sterling silver and semi-precious gems of their choosing.
Life, before the sparkle
Before joining the Gem Studio team, both Jagdeos had extensively diverse portfolios. The two Torontonians had worked in a number of sectors leading up to them becoming franchisees. Fenton sports a background in municipal affairs, having served on the Board of Directors for the Toronto Transit Commission, alongside his past international business endeavours in the startup world and his professorial duties in Toronto. Matthew brings a global mindset to the team, having studied and worked abroad. His career took him into the consulting space on the financial side of things and led to him gaining experience in the world of supply chains and logistics.
One night, Fenton and his partner found themselves at a Gem Studio location, trying out the experience as customers. During his workshop, Fenton grew to enjoy learning a new skill with his partner. He had fun engaging with his creativity, expressing himself through art, and having a new experience with someone he cared about. This night inspired Fenton to learn more about Gem Studio, until he eventually decided to open his own franchise with Matthew.
“In my opinion: the biggest dopamine hit you can get is when you’re around the people you love, doing the things that you love,” says Fenton.
Matthew was eager to join in on the Gem Studio endeavor. With a personal interest in design and fashion, Gem Studio was the right fit for him too. Since living and working outside of Canada, Matthew has expanded his mindset on what gathering can mean to a group of people. Mattew claims that, traditionally, North American culture has placed a heavy emphasis on alcohol as a part of gathering. Pubs, night clubs, and party scenes have been popular venues for people to connect. Having seen how other cultures outside of his hometown of Toronto challenge this idea, he is eager to give customers an alternative option to come together, one that doesn’t centre around partying. Matthew and Fenton both see Gem Studio as an opportunity to provide a space for people to make meaningful memories with one another, on their own terms.
“I learned a lot about community, and what that means to folks from different regions around the world,” Matthew says. “That continues to resonate with me and cascades into some of the thinking behind our pursuit of Gem Studio.”
The details are crucial, in fashion and business
As co-owners gearing up to open their first Gem Studio location, every day is filled with new tasks for Fenton and Matthew. Matthew currently runs his side of operations from the U.S., handling various matters like the point-of-sale (POS) system and payroll virtually. While dealing with internet and security providers, he’s able to contribute to operations regardless of his time zone. Meanwhile, Fenton starts his workday in Toronto by tending to his many emails about the details that come with launching a franchise. Afterwards, he stops by the brick and mortar shop to get things in order. While dealing with the physical needs of the business such as TV screens and the packages coming in constantly, Fenton spends much of his day on the road, sorting out exactly what their location needs before they open. Having worked together in the past, they know they can count on one another to collaborate effectively in their new endeavor.
Both of them have spent many hours learning about the various import laws that they must adhere to with Gem Studio. Having to import some of their silver and semi-precious gemstones means that their business is subject to a number of unique laws at all levels of government. Therefore, the two are very careful to work together in compliance for their one of a kind business. Import licences, numbers, and registrations are just a few of the precautions that Fenton and Matthew must take. They both agree that this part of the process has been a learning experience that hasn’t always been enjoyable and can even be mundane. Regardless, they have persevered.
They’ve grown to better understand the ups and downs of smaller businesses and feel ready to take on any challenges that come their way. Throughout all of the preparation, Gem Studio’s corporate team has been with Fenton and Matthew every step of the way, whether near or far.
Both Fenton and Matthew credit Founder Brands, the parent company for the Gem Studio brand in Canada, as being supportive throughout their launch process. Task lists to help franchisees meet all their pre-opening goals, links to legal forms, and hiring guides are just some of the ways that Founder Brands has been supporting them.
As they’ve begun the hiring process, they’ve been in close contact with the folks at corporate who offer consistent support so that the Jagdeos hire the right talent for their team. Thanks to the close relationship that they’ve formed with their corporate contacts, they feel comfortable both giving and receiving feedback as franchisees. Collaborative growth is something both Fenton and Matthew desire in the workplace. They’ve been able to develop a relationship based on trust and this is something that they hope to replicate with their own employees.
Fenton shares that hiring employees for their franchise “is very different than hiring somebody to work as an investment banker, or as a management consultant on Bay Street; it’s a very different skill set.”
Honesty and accountability at the forefront
With years of being on both the employee and manager side of business, Matthew and Fenton look forward to creating an open and honest environment for them and their employees to thrive in. They believe in trusting the unique talents that every employee brings to the table, so that they can grow within their workplace. To create this space, the two of them plan to nurture each employee as an individual, so that they can contribute to the operations while furthering their personal growth. They understand that feedback is critical to their success and are eager to both give it to their employees and receive it as franchisees.
“What does it mean to create an emotionally and psychologically safe environment for folks that report to me?” Matthew asks. “What that looks like in action is really creating forums for that to happen formally, but also really encouraging for that to happen informally.”
The two co-owners are hopeful and excited for their ongoing relationship with Founder Brands. They’ve both felt consistently heard and seen by their supporters on the corporate side of things, and have faith in their employees to come. Fenton and Matthew are sure to remain busy and in high spirits until the opening of their Gem Studio doors in 2026.
Learn more about franchising with Gem Studio
