Yellowknife (Nov 17/04) - What's a better birthday present than opening your own business? On Nov. 3, Duyen Dam celebrated her 27th birthday by opening her own store: Treasures of China.

Duyen Dam shows some of her merchandise in the new store, located in Stanton Plaza. - Stephan Burnett/NNSL photo

Dam is just following in her family's footsteps. Her father, and business partner, Tho Dam owns Jade Gardens/Yellowknife Pizza.

Treasures of China, located in Stanton Plaza, is stocked with Asian fans, statues and art and various accessories for the kitchen such as rice cookers. There are some dresses and shirts.

There's also art in enclosed cases. Lions are depicted in an Asian forest set within a three-dimensional piece of artwork approximately one inch thick.

Eventually, Dam expects to bring in some Asian furniture.

Dam took about one month to get everything in order, but she has been planning for her new business for years.

"It was just a matter of saving enough money and finding the right area," she says.

The area in Stanton Plaza is right where Dam wants to be. There are more people and businesses moving out to the area along Airport Road.

It hasn't all been smooth sailing for the treasures coming in from Asia. Dam said a lot of her stock got stuck in customs.

"They told us if we order more than $1,600 worth of merchandise, we'd have to fill out all these forms, which I find weird, but maybe it's just this one company," she said.

Hopefully, within a week or two, most of the stock will arrive, said Dam.

"We have to order now because Christmas is coming," she said.