How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Intuitive, tenacious, curious
What was your inspiration behind Laduree?
Laduree was created more than 150 years ago, so when my family bought it we had the story and the dna — it was a sleeping beauty we kissed and helped grew. My oldest brother (chairman) does an amazing job with the brand since 25 years now, and my husband and myself, we develop the US market with the same DNA and I have to say that we add a small local touch and a bit of modernity
How do you balance your career and family life?
I don’t balance, it’s only one thing for me, working with my father, brothers and husband, how could I balance ? even my kids are involved
How do you involve your children in your work?
They love to come to visit the chef in the lab, I ask them what they think about the new products, or even sometimes we brainstorm about ideas and naturally they ask me to relate my day. I bring them to France in February, first thing my son ask me “can we go to visit Daddy (my father), I want him to teach me how to bake bread”
What are your favorite places to dine when in Paris?
Le petit Lutetia for the ambiance, le 21, la Corte and next one to discover will be Balagan
We love the whimsical aesthetic.
What are your favorite French shops for children?
Thanks :) Bonpoint of course and almost exclusively ! Finger in the Nose for tee-shirt and jeans, SIxPiedsTroisPouces for the shoes and Petit Bateau for the underwear, only white
What is your favorite family vacation?
Being with my family. We just bought a house in the Hamptons, my dreamhouse, I love, LOVE spending time there. And actually my boys at this age are really interested in discovering new countries, new cultures so every new adventure is exciting
What are your favorite kid’s clothing designers?
Christine Innamorato at Bonpoint
What is your best advice for a new mama?
It is not a question of quantity, the time I share with my kids is all about quality : no phone, being in the present time with them, share with them what I like to do and also accompany them in their own activities and what they like
What is your favorite family weekend activity or excursion?
Biking, sport in general and cooking of course ! and something cultural, theatre, gallery, museum or library.
Who are your favorite vendors to work with for parties in Laduree?
We just did the Chocolate festival with Valrhona – who does not like chocolate?
What values or lessons do you hope to instill in your children?
Courage, curiosity and kindness