How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Mom, Passionate and Sensitive
What inspires you to get into the kid fashion world?
My kids obviously …+10 Years ago, I was shopping for my kids and was searching in all these boutiques and wondering what might happen to them in a couple of years. They had everything: the best brands, great buyers and a loyal clientele. The only thing they were missing was online presence. And I decided to give all these brands a digital and international platform for which to see. I wasn’t wrong because today, we expect to have access to everything, anywhere and anytime!
How do you feel you have transformed kid's fashion?
Raising 5 kids and running a business has made me into a huge online shopper! I, myself, wanted to take the store and make it accessible to our customers wherever they are…. home, office, business trip, vacation. I wanted to launch an online store and a magazine simultaneously because content is so important in order to become a global brand. Melijoe gives moms from all over the world access to a wide and beautifully curated collection, provides them with inspiration, and provides styling recommendations on how to mix high-end, known names with smaller emerging brands. Mix and Match is part of the Melijoe DNA. We love it and we encourage it. I also wanted to provide an authentic service that reflects the Melijoe identity and give the customer outstanding service. It’s important to me that our customers receive their purchases beautifully packaged and with a personal touch.
How have your children inspired you at work?
They inspire me mostly because they are all so unique in their own way. Five kids, five different personalities, five very unique styles. They are my daily inspiration and provide me a new story every day. I never dress my kids with brands I like, but rather according to their personalities, lifestyle and style that suits each. I always mix brands.
The values of Melijoe were defined by my own experience : Cool, mix and match, impertinent, arty, playful, eclectic.
You have 5 children! Wow! How do you manage your time between family and business, to make it work?
It’s not easy!! I try to find a clear balance between both worlds. Their dad is based in London during the week. And trust me, it actually makes things easier! I’m so busy during the week. I have to be 100% mom when home, and 100% businesswoman at the office, as I am managing what feels like 1,000 things at the same time. I would not find time to be a wife during the week!! I’m dedicated to my children and my job during the week, and to my husband and kids on weekends.
I’m very lucky to live 2 blocks away from the office. Thus they can come visit whenever they want. Mahaut, the younger one often comes on Wednesday afternoons and plays in the office with Miu Miu, Anne-Lise’s, (Communications Director) dog! On Friday nights, we head to our country house. I make sure I turn off my emails while being there, and catch up on them on the way back when they fall asleep in the car.
Are you able to carve out "me" time? How do you spend that free time?
When I think of it I actually don’t! During the week, between my kids and work, I have absolutely no free time for me. But it ‘s a choice I have made and it makes me happy. When my husband and kids go away without me (at least before I join them!), I actually feel a bit lonely and bored. I need a few days to adapt to being alone. And when I want some alone time with my husband, I join him in London for the weekend.
What are your favorite children's clothing brands and accessories brands?
It depends on the kid…Little Marc Jacobs, Scotch and Soda, Dsquared2 for a rebellious/ rock’n’roll style. Tartine et Chocolat, Bonpoint, Ralph Lauren, Petit Bateau for a preppy look. Chloe, Stella McCartney Kids, for a bohemian vibe. I also love Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci. They are pretty versatile and fun to mix and match.
What are some of your other favorite online shops?
Vintage design sites, like Design Market or Ebay. I’m a big fan of the 60’s interior design.
I love Net-A-Porter, Matches and MyTheresa for inspiration. Vestiaire Collective is great because I can find designer pieces that were sold out in stores.
What has been your favorite family vacation destination?
My country house in Vexin!!!
What values do you hope to instill in your children?
Confidence: believe in yourself and never be afraid of what’s on the other side of the mountain. Trust yourself and your intuition. Respect: it’s only by being respectful to others that you get something positive in return. Be passionate In life and in your job. This is the only way to accomplish great things.
What are your favorite kid-friendly spots in Paris, for all of our followers who want to travel there?
All of Paris! There is so much to do and see and it is such a beautiful city. Spots depend on the age of my kids. It goes from museums (Pompidou, Natural History), to Le Jardin des Plantes and La Menagerie, Le Jardin d’Acclimatation in Bois de Boulogne, Les Jardins du Luxembourg. I also love the aquarium of Paris and the Montmartre Train.