Bijou Treasures is the pride and joy of husband and wife team Ashiq Katoo and Léonie Coulson.

Ashiq, born and raised in India, met Léonie in 2000 when she was backpacking across the country. Ashiq comes from a family of successful jewellers, and he mastered the trade at a young age. Léonie grew up in a family of artists, and was immediately drawn into Ashiq's colourful world of gemstones, precious metals and creative energy.

Together they started their own jewellery business in the Northern Indian town of Mcleod Ganj, which happens to be the home of the Dalai Lama. Operating out of a two story apartment – which housed Ashiq, Léonie and their team of five goldsmiths – they had access to a wealth of local gems, and found great success designing and selling their own pieces to locals and tourists.

In 2000, they moved back to Winnipeg – Léonie's hometown – and continued their business out of their home. As demand grew, they knew that they needed a brick and mortar location to make it work. This is when they opened their Provencher location, which is still the heart and soul of Bijou. In 2012, they expanded to a second location in South Osborne, which now serves as the headquarters for the wedding side of their business.

While much has changed over the past 15 years – Ashiq and Léonie are now married with two awesome children – their focus on old-world craftsmanship, eclectic designs and beautiful jewels has never changed.