Introducing Rashaad Khan: A Store Manager with an Eye for Detail

“If you love it, just go do it." 

This story comes straight from a conversation between Rashaad Khan , Assistant Store Manager and Tia Gilmour , our Brand Communications Coordinator. As she sat down to uncover the details of his journey, it became clear that Rashaad’s artistry and passion extend well beyond the walls of our stores.  

Since joining Arc’teryx in 2020 as a part-time marketing lead, Rashaad has grown into his current role of Assistant Store Manager while nurturing his artistic passions–bringing a unique lens to everything he touches. Whether curating eye-catching displays or breathing new life into garments through custom designs, Rashaad’s passion lies in the details.  

“I just love putting things together that would normally never work,” he says about visual merchandising. “We have so many different colours, and it’s a fun challenge to make everything look cohesive.” 

 This perspective defines not just his work but also the environment where he thrives–where craftsmanship and creativity intersect in surprising ways.  

Rashaad’s artistic journey began in childhood, inspired by his father’s unique approach to colouring. “He taught me how to colour correctly—not just inside the lines, but to make it flow within the canvas for a seamless finish.” This early lesson ignited his passion for art, leading him to explore various mediums, including painting and sketching. 

His interest in custom work began in middle school, where he painted sneakers as a side hustle. “If I had some crazy shoes, the outfit would work every time,” he explains. Charging $30 to $40 for shoe restorations, Rashaad quickly realized the potential for a career in custom design. Today, he creates custom pieces for friends, using a meticulous process that involves mixing colours and experimenting with techniques. 

Rashaad’s shoe customization often involves a dip-dyeing process, where shoes soak in natural or synthetic dyes, depending on the construction, for hours to achieve the desired hue. For jackets, he hand-paints the Arc’teryx logo using a toothpick, ensuring precision with every poke. “I love seeing the wear and tear on garments,” he notes, appreciating how each piece tells a story over time.  

His creative process is fueled by the moments, music and people that inspire him. His Keith Haring-inspired yellow jacket–signed by retail teams and leaders in Pasadena, Brentwood, and La Brea–symbolizes his belief in the connection between art and community.  

 Looking ahead, Rashaad envisions running workshops for employees on custom design techniques and trend forecasting. He hopes to breathe new life into older pieces, encouraging a mindset of revival rather than disposal. “Instead of getting rid of a piece, think revive, and you might find yourself with a whole new piece." 

Rashaad’s work embodies a simple yet powerful idea: creativity isn't confined to one medium or role. It’s the freedom to explore, to experiment, and to make something uniquely yours.  

In his world, no detail is too small. His approach inspires all of us to see things differently–and to imagine what’s possible.  

If Rashaad’s journey inspires you to carve your own path in our Retail teams, take the first step. Head over to our careers page and explore our open opportunities: https://bit.ly/retail_opportunities