Reena Thakur’s Entrepreneurial Drive and Golden Legacy
On the corner of Main St. and 50th Avenue in Vancouver's Punjabi Market lies the story of Pindi Gold Jewelers. For over two decades, this family-owned jewelry store has weathered challenges, celebrated successes, and carved out its place as a community cornerstone. At the helm of this venture is Reena Thakur, an entrepreneur whose perseverance, grit, and commitment to her family and community define her inspiring journey.
Rooted in a Family Tradition
Every business has a beginning, and for Pindi Gold Jewelers, it was rooted in family tradition. Reena Thakur’s family had been in the jewelry business in India for 80 years, and when they immigrated to Canada in 1970, they brought with them the expertise and passion for the trade. Initially, the family focused on wholesaling, but after two years, they decided to make a bold move into retail. Thus, in the year 2000, Pindi Gold Jewelers opened its doors in Vancouver’s Punjabi Market.
Their decision to open in Punjabi Market wasn’t just about business—it was about community. During the 70’s the market was growing into a hub for Punjabi businesses, and Reena’s family wanted to be a part of this growing ecosystem. They recognized that by establishing their store in an area filled with other Indian-owned businesses, they could tap into a customer base that valued tradition, quality, and trust. The Thakur family business was positioned to be more than just a business; it was a symbol of cultural connection.
Community & The Value of Loyal Customers
Running a business in Punjabi Market is not only about serving customers; it is about building relationships. For Reena and her family, Pindi Gold Jewelers became a gathering place where loyal customers, many of whom have been frequenting the store for years, formed deep bonds with the Thakur family. These relationships have been the bedrock of the business’s success, fostering a sense of belonging within the community.
Reena speaks with pride about the relationships she’s cultivated over the years. Many customers have been with Pindi Gold Jewelers from the very beginning, and they continue to return not just for the exquisite jewelry but for the personal connection they feel. The store is more than a place of commerce; it is a space of trust, where customers know they will be treated with respect and care. This loyalty has been a crucial factor in the store’s ability to weather the economic shifts and remain a pillar of the Punjabi Market.
Personal Loss & The Strength to Continue
Behind every successful business is a story of resilience, and for Reena, that story took a dramatic turn in 2011 when her husband passed away suddenly. Together, they had built Pindi Gold Jewelers, and their partnership was at the core of its success. But with his passing, Reena found herself faced with the challenge of running the business alone while also caring for her children.
As a single mother, Reena’s responsibility shifted. Her focus became her children first and the business second. But closing the business was never an option. She continued to operate the store, relying on the support of loyal customers who remembered her husband and the role he had played in their lives. Some would come into the store just to share stories of the pieces they had purchased from him, and these memories became a source of strength for Reena.
Running Pindi Gold Jewelers alone was no easy task, but Reena’s determination only grew. Two years after her husband’s death, she moved the store from its original small location to a larger space—a decision that symbolized her commitment to the future. The move was more than a business decision; it was a statement of perseverance. She had learned the intricacies of the business, grown her customer base, and, most importantly, solidified her place as a leader in the community.
Triumph in the Face of Adversity
Reena’s ability to persevere is a testament to her strength as a businesswoman and a mother. Over the years, she has not only kept Pindi Gold Jewelers running but has expanded it. Four years after moving to the larger store, Reena made the decision to purchase the building herself. Owning the property gave her more control over the business's future and eliminated the uncertainty that comes with renting.
The pride Reena feels is immense—not just for keeping the store open but for the example she has set for her children. Her kids, now successful professionals in their own right, have learned from her example. Reena supported her children through university, ensuring they had the education and tools to build their own careers. Today, they run their own businesses, managing teams and creating their own paths, all while honoring the legacy their mother created.
Navigating a Changing Landscape
Punjabi Market has seen significant transformations over the years. Once a bustling hub of retail activity, the market has experienced periods of decline as businesses began to move out. Clothing and jewelry stores, once the heart of the market, began to close or relocate. Despite this, Reena remained focused on what mattered most: her loyal customers.
She acknowledges that the market has slowed, but instead of allowing it to bring her down, Reena has chosen to focus on building relationships. She continues to offer great deals and treats every customer with respect. The love she has for her community is reflected in the way her customers respect her in return. Reena has built a reputation for being trustworthy and generous, and this reputation has kept Pindi Gold Jewelers thriving even as other businesses have left the area.
Looking to the Future
Despite the challenges the market faces, Reena remains optimistic about the future. She envisions a Punjabi Market that is vibrant and full of life once again. Her hope is that more stores will open up, breathing new life into the area. Reena dreams of seeing lights on the poles, creating a welcoming atmosphere that signals to visitors that they are entering a special place.
She also sees the potential for the market to better showcase its cultural heritage. She believes that with the right development and support, Punjabi Market can return to its former glory, attracting both new businesses and customers. Reena’s vision for the future is one of growth, community, and cultural celebration, and she is committed to playing her part in making that vision a reality.
A Story of Perseverance and Pride
The story of Pindi Gold Jewelers is one of community and hope. Reena Thakur’s journey from opening a small store with her husband to running a successful business on her own is an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere. She has navigated personal loss, economic challenges, and a changing market, all while staying true to her values and her community.
As Punjabi Market continues to evolve, Pindi Gold Jewelers will remain a symbol of what is possible when perseverance meets opportunity. Reena’s story is proof that with hard work, dedication, and the support of a loyal community, even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome.
