World Traveling Couple Settles in as Serial Business Owners in Williams

Forty-two years ago, Xavier Canale, who was born in France, considered himself a guest in the United States. Now, decades later, both he and his wife, Gabrielle “Gaby,” have not only become successful retail entrepreneurs, owning three stores in Williams, but have enlightened their customers about the allure of Native American art and jewelry.

 Landing in Santa Maria, California, Gaby worked as a certified nursing assistant at time and Xavier worked with Gaby’s uncle at NI Industries as a hydraulic press operator making bombs. “This was not quite what I aspired to do, but it was work,” said Xavier.

 In their early teens, Gaby met Xavier at a private boarding school called Chateau Laval on the French Riviera. “Many parents worked out of the country and kept their children here because it was a safe place. There were also children from social services,” said Xavier.

 “Chateau Laval is now a famous castle,” said Gaby, who was born in Van Nuys, California, but was raised in France from the time she was a baby.  

 Shortly after their marriage, Xavier and Gaby moved to Huntington Park and stayed in the Los Angeles area. Their daughter was born in 1983 and their son in 1985.

 “We started our own limo service, expanded it, and then sold the business.  I then obtained my commercial pilot’s license and we moved back to France where I thought I could work for a French airline, but it didn’t work out,” said Xavier.

 Since both of them spoke excellent English, the couple worked in Monaco for just under a year, earning enough money to come back to the United States. “Gaby worked for the Monaco Business Center and I worked as a concierge for the Pastor Family,” said Xavier. 

 It was at this time that Native American Jewelry was introduced to the Canales. “I started working at a jewelry store called Navajo West in Torrance [California],” said Gaby. “Before long, they promoted me to store manager.”

 Xavier and the owner became good friends and Xavier became very curious about the retail industry. “When the owner told us he wanted to change careers and decided to sell the store, we bought it,” said Xavier.  At the time, Native American art was not well known in California.

 Before long, they acquired more stores and began making several trips to Albuquerque and Gallup, New Mexico. “We passed Williams many times and had decided that we really liked Arizona and wanted to move here at some point. 

“We fell in love with Williams. It’s such a cute little town and at the time it wasn’t very busy,” said Gaby.

 “We could see that this little town was a diamond in the rough,” said Xavier. “Between its ties with Route 66 and the Grand Canyon, we could see that there was a huge opportunity for the kind of stores that we operate.”

 Eventually at a trade show in Las Vegas, Xavier met the owner of Addicted to Route 66.  “I mentioned that we would like to buy a business in Williams.  His eyes lit up and he said he was selling his store.”

 Thus, the Canales purchased their first store in Williams. And then one day, while strolling the streets of Williams, they came across Raindance, another store that was available for lease. “We stepped it up and opened Raindance a few months later.”

 In 2022, the building for Native America Shop became available and Xavier and Gaby decided to purchase it. Today, they own three retail stores in Williams and continue to own five stores in the Los Angeles area.

 Their Raindance store is very diverse and sells Native American gifts, jewelry, art, t-shirts, hats and gifts from the region. Addicted to Route 66 is a souvenir and gift shop with a 1950s feel. “We have our 1954 Oldsmobile car parked out front. It’s world renowned,” said Gaby.

 “At Native America Shop the store is split. One side has 100% Native American products while the other side of the stores is gifts and souvenirs,” said Xavier.

 “Xavier and Gaby are two amazing entrepreneurs who have faced adversity and overcome it through their hard work and dedication,” said da Vinci Commercial Real Estate Associate Michael Konefal. “They are not only wonderful people, but they offer great things to the communities where they reside and have their businesses. It’s a pleasure to know them and work with them.”

 With 25 employees, the Canales say they are always open to new opportunities, but for now they feel that Williams is a great place to be.

 Xavier recalls his fascination with cowboy and Indian movies and the mysticism of Indian warriors while he was growing up. “We had this view in Europe of Native Americans, so when we came here to start this business it was cool and we have learned so much.” 

 Working as hard as they have through the years, the Canales forgot the joy of having hobbies but they are slowly getting into a position where they will have time. “I like to cook, spend time with friends and we find great joy spending time with our grandchildren,” said Gaby.

 They are both involved with Dig Deep, a Navajo water project and they donate to the Red Feather Foundation in Flagstaff.

 The Native America Shop is located at 117 E. Route 66, Addicted to Route 66 is at 124 Historic Route 66 and Rain Dance is at 216 E Route 66.

LAST MOMENT OF NOSTALGIA

Gaby: When my grandsons return home after a lovely visit with us.

Xavier: Every day. I’m always nostalgic about the day gone by.

BEST PART OF THE DAY

Gaby: Sunrise, when I can become one with nature.  

Xavier: Early evening, when everything is done and I can relax and wind down with the sunset.

WHERE I HOPE TO TRAVEL

Gaby: I hope to visit Japan in the near future.

Xavier: Back to Corsica where I came from. 

MY GUILTY PLEASURE

Gaby: My love for good cheese and wine.

Xavier: A nice aged bourbon.

FAVORITE DAY TRIP

Gaby: Driving on Pacific Coast Highway. The drive to Laguna Beach from Long Beach never gets old.

Xavier: Anywhere in the Verde Valley. FBN 

By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Addicted to Route 66 shop owners Xavier and Gabrielle Canale pose with Elvis, surrounded by memorabilia from days gone by.