Street Kid to Fashion King
Thursday, August 6 2026 | 08 h 23 min | Fashion Frames, Optik Magazine
By Suzanne Sendel
Kaven Dyotte was born and raised in Quebec. By the age of 17, he found himself homeless and struggling with drug addiction while trying to escape the wrong side of the tracks and live life on his own terms. Eventually, he hit rock bottom, and in that moment, Kaven decided to completely turn his life around. He chose sobriety, family, art, nature, and the determination to build something meaningful through fashion and creativity.
His strength and resilience helped him reclaim his mojo and begin a new chapter as a hardworking man with a vision all his own. When you meet Kaven, one of the first things you notice is his fearless sense of style. He effortlessly mixes patterns and colours in ways many would never dare, yet on him, it simply works. That confidence and individuality are exactly where his story begins.
Path to Independence
At 21, Kaven entered the optical industry. Fashion had originally been his goal, but opportunities were limited, as many head offices focused on Milan and Los Angeles. Through a friend, he was introduced to optics and given an opportunity with Gucci. Although that path did not work out, it opened the door to an entirely new world. After exploring distribution, Kaven ultimately decided to create his own brand and carve out his own identity within the industry.
Afterbang Familia was born in 2016
Kaven immersed himself in every detail of the business. He began designing his own parts and materials, including screws, hinges, wire cores, and acetate selections, while working closely with a small contractor to bring his ideas to life. Customers quickly recognized the quality, originality, and service behind Afterbang, and within only a few years, the collection had expanded into towns and provinces across Canada.
One story still makes Kaven smile. Early in his career, he spotted an older woman wearing one of his frames and became so excited that he ran over to compliment her glasses. Startled by his enthusiasm, she nearly called the police, unsure why this stranger was approaching her so passionately. Kaven quickly explained that he was the designer and was overwhelmed with gratitude to see something that had once existed only in his imagination being worn in real life. Even today, he recalls the story with sparkling eyes and a childlike smile.
There is something magnetic about Kaven. During our interview, I was struck by his sparkling eyes, thunderous laugh, and warm demeanour. You cannot help but be drawn into his story.
His representatives remain deeply committed to both of his collections, Afterbang and Jean Michel, which he acquired several years ago. One collection is more niche and fashion forward, while the other offers a versatile passe-partout appeal suited to a broad range of optical offices.
A Family Affair
As the company continued to grow, Kaven was joined in 2024 by his partner, Andrée-Ann, who is also the mother of his four children. Together, they have built a life that balances family and business, supporting one another through the constant demands of both.
Kaven trusts his instincts, and that authenticity has become a defining part of his success. He remains deeply connected to his customers and has personally called each of them to thank them for their support. Human connection matters to him, and that philosophy is woven into everything he does.
Kaven travels across the country supporting his collections, representatives, and customers, while always making time for family. Occasionally, he extends work trips so he can bring the children along, sometimes joined by Andrée-Ann or his mother, creating moments of connection in the middle of a demanding schedule.
A Passion and Life in Harmony
I have known Kaven for over ten years, and it has been incredible watching him continue to grow and succeed. He is easy to root for because his collections, his style, and his genuine care for people make this designer and rockstar road warrior unforgettable.
He loves his work and his life behind Mont Saint Hilaire. Outside the industry, he enjoys gardening with the children, hiking, and walking among the deer. His love of nature and family blends beautifully with the life he has worked so hard to create.
There is something deeply inspiring about witnessing someone completely transform the direction of their life. Kaven’s story is proof that resilience, passion, and authenticity can carry a person far, and that success means far more when it is built with heart.
About the Author:
Suzanne Sendel
Suzanne Sendel is an optical distributor who left the world of interior design and architectural sales management by falling in love with a pair of hand painted glasses, 11 years ago. Through her travels, Suzanne has inspired many with her independent collections, and her passion for optical fashion, and in sharing her stories and the many sales teams of “Road Warriors”, who have inspired the optical industry. Through her lens, Suzanne will share their journey and what has made them an integral part of the success of our industry. Reach her at suzannesendel@gmail.com.
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