Dancing Moose Gifts

Allyson Menzies

Blonde woman standing on a boardwalk surrounded by flowers in front of her store. She is wearing a white and black stripped cardigan and light blue jeans with rips in the knees.
Blonde woman standing on a boardwalk surrounded by flowers in front of her store. She is wearing a white and black stripped cardigan and light blue jeans with rips in the knees.

“If you have an idea and you believe in yourself, you should go for it”

At just the age of 22, Allyson Menzies started her journey into small-business ownership on Dawson’s Front Street with Dancing Moose Gifts. 10 years later, Allyson is still welcoming tourists and locals alike with her Yukon-forward mentality, drive for authentic souvenirs, and all the while keeping the Klondike in style.

For our first episode of Klondike Cornerstones, we sat down with Allyson Menzies of Dancing Moose Gifts to unveil her unique story of the value of mentorship, taking chances on yourself and building a business in one of the North’s most distinctive communities.

Allyson’s story begins when she was just 18 years old, signing herself up for what she thought was a great winter job to survive her first Dawson winter. Little did she know that it would blossom into an invaluable mentorship with previous owner, Diana Andrews, which allowed her to gather the skill and knowledge to take the reins herself. At age 22, she purchased the business and began her own creative journey on the Front Street of Dawson City.

Now with over a decade into ownership, Allyson reflects back with us on the evolution of Dancing Moose Gifts; from the purple-painted walls to a curated array of Yukon-made products, local fine art, women’s fashion and unique gifts. Allyson shares her triumphs and challenges of navigating tourist season, seasonal staffing, COVID and the realities of running a small business in the North. She’s gained connection all throughout the world, and often goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone who has stepped through her doors remembers not only her kindness but what the spirit of Dawson is all about. 

Thinking about starting your own business in the Klondike? Take Allyson’s advice: “If you believe in yourself, go for it.”

Listen to Allyson’s episode wherever you get your podcast.

“I think there’s a lot of circumstances or dynamics that makes business in Dawson challenging, but in that same breath, I think it’s a really great place to jump in.”