Today, we're back with a new Portrait from Petite : that of Cécile, the creator of the Garance Paris lingerie brand (website link here). Her story touched me deeply, and I'm delighted to share it with you.
Cancer had damaged my femininity. That's when my idea was born. I didn't want other women to go through what I had.
You created Garance Paris, a lingerie brand for women who have had breast cancer, following your own cancer. To begin with, I'd like to get to know you better. Can you tell us something about yourself?
I'm 48 years old and of Vietnamese origin. My parents came to France at the age of 8 to study. They met in France, so I was born in France.
I have a classic academic background. I went to business school, then worked for 17 years in operational marketing and strategy (in the insurance and financial services sectors).
I've always wanted to be an entrepreneur. My two brothers and my husband are entrepreneurs. I've come close to starting my own business on several occasions, but I was waiting until I was no longer afraid to take the plunge and come up with the idea! The fear fell away when I fell ill and I realized that life can be short... So let's realize our desires and dreams when we can... And the idea also came to me through my own experience of illness. I always wanted to set up my own business, but above all I wanted to do something that made sense. And that's what I'm doing today, providing solutions for women who've had breast cancer and, above all, enabling them to rediscover the femininity they lost through the disease.
When did you launch Garance Paris?
I had my cancer in 2010. The idea was born in August 2010 when I was on vacation in Antibes with my family. I was at the pool and all I could see were gorgeous women. I didn't recognize myself: I felt ugly. Cancer had damaged my femininity. That's when my idea was born. I didn't want other women to go through what I had. So I set myself a challenge: to make beautiful feminine lingerie while respecting the technical constraints of pattern-making! Because it's not easy to design bras that hold up without whalebones.
Following my illness, I was taken off work and underwent heavy treatment for two years. I took the opportunity to learn the trade. I met model makers and studied the sector and its various players. I had the first prototypes made, and the first production run came out in early 2012. The first models went on sale the same year. Today, there are 4 of us: I have an employee I hired two years ago, an intern and a friend who will soon be joining our team for good!
And why Garance Paris? How did you come up with the name?
Garance is a name I really like. It's a very French name that represents the old-fashioned femininity I love. It's a very classic name, full of history. And it also evokes culture, art... I've had three daughters, and I've never been able to call one of them Garance because my husband didn't want me to. So Garance was the name I gave my project when I launched it. The day I had to register my brand name, nothing else fit better than Garance. So I kept the pretty first name I'd originally given the project.
Can you tell us a bit more about the range of products you create?
The Garance line consists of :
- of a dozen lingerie silhouettes: these are permanent. There are cotton and lace models in white, black and ivory. And I plan to develop some models in color.
- and some fifteen swimsuit silhouettes per season.
If I'm not mistaken, your products are available both online and in physical stores?
Before the creation of Garance Paris, the post-cancer lingerie sector was captured by the medical world. It was extremely frustrating to buy lingerie because the models weren't pretty, and on top of that, you had to buy them in cold, medical places! In the end, Garance Paris is a whole concept that overturns market codes. Today, Garance lingerie and swimwear can be purchased over the Internet in the brand's e-boutique, as well as at La Redoute, Monoprix and, of course, traditional pharmacies.
What advice would you give to the petites who read this and want to start their own business?
Too often, we're advised to go for it. My advice is to give yourself the means. Starting a business isn't easy. It's not something you can do in three clicks. You have to understand all the implications beforehand, and above all, you have to give it your all. You have to get trained, get financially involved, and get those around you involved too.
I'd also advise you to work on your network and constantly challenge yourself, because nothing can be taken for granted!
Let's talk about your petite size. You're 1.55 m tall. How do you live with your petite stature?
Pretty good! As you get older, you assume your style. I love wearing heels, but I don't wear them in winter. In summer, I like elegant sandals, with a platform so I can perch without feeling pain! In winter, I tend to go for flats: moccasins or derbies, because I can't find anything comfortable. And if I want to be more elegant, I take a pair of heels with me, in my bag. Let's face it: even in heels, I'm still petite!
What about clothes? And what are your favorite brands?
I buy a lot from Uniqlo. I'm a fan of their down jackets, their coats... A style that's both classic and timeThes, and all the pieces mix together easily. I also really like Comptoir des Cotonniers dresses. That said, now that I'm in fashion, I'm increasingly looking for ethical and more responsible brands.
And if not, I don't stop myself from wearing long items, I have rather long coats. In fact, I wear what I like!
And finally, what's your current favorite?
Cécile: The " MySunny Yoga " YouTube channel. Since I've been ill, sport has taken up a lot of space in my busy daily life. I run, do pilates and yoga is a moment of deep relaxation for me. The videos have an ideal format (30 minutes max) and are varied. I can do them whenever I want, wherever I want.
>Thank you very much Cécile for this time spent together!
Photo credit: Garance Paris
Have a lovely day, Xxx.