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Young entrepreneur enjoys sweet sound of success
University of the Sunshine Coast business student Jesse Costelloe, 21, is set to join the ranks of Australia’s most promising young entrepreneurs.
Jesse will this month launch a new design-led business called Evok, in which he will create and sell a complete hi-fi and home theatre lifestyle range that includes matching designer furnishings.
His business is aimed at design-conscious consumers and commercial developers and will offer a full fit-out service – to budget – of technology and furnishings in display units.
Jesse will celebrate the official opening of his first Evok Shop on the top floor of the Urban Sofa Gallery, 41 Commercial Road in Newstead, Brisbane, on Thursday 20 December, with invited guests, clients and media.
He aims to open four more Evok Shop outlets in alignment with the expansion of Urban Sofa Gallery.
Jesse started work on Evok in July 2005 when he saw a gap in the market for a stylish branded range of sound systems. He realised that although many competitors’ systems sounded great, they didn’t look that great.
In January 2006, Jesse moved to Montville and recruited the help of brand identity specialist, Kel Naughton of UMBOX.
He also enrolled at the University of the Sunshine Coast, attracted by the USC’s Innovation Centre which has provided him with valuable guidance and business advice.
Jesse said he was thrilled to have taken part in a recent four-day Enterprisers residential course run by the Innovation Centre in collaboration with the University of Cambridge.
“Enterprisers was truly inspiring and it really unlocked me,” he said. “It was just great to know there are other like minded entrepreneurial young people at the University of the Sunshine Coast and around the world.
“I really benefitted from the intensive learning experience and, several months later, I am still going down very positive paths, thanks to the program.”
Innovation Centre CEO Colin Graham commended Jesse’s recent progress and his business launch.
“Jesse is not a conventional student,” Mr Graham said. “He is part of a new generation who see real potential in following their own dreams and pursuing entrepreneurial careers.
“He is passionate about design and has the chance, through Evok, to turn his passion into his profession.”