NICE MEETING! CLÉMENTINE FROM MON PETIT CARTABLE

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND?

Once upon a time, a little bud turned into a flower, and then a fruit... Clémentine.

My journey has been sinusoidal, let's mention, in no particular order: crossings, a fourth child, a road trip across Australia in a car, a second child, a lot of questioning, language studies, a boat license, a first child, a meeting, distant travels, a marriage, returning from travels, a first daughter, creating a company, certainties, friends, creating a brand, a job at Nestlé, political science courses, a fifth child, a job as a coach, creating Mon Petit Cartable, more questions...

WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER PASSIONS?

I excel at making all sorts of stews. My friends at Espigas particularly enjoy my sausage stew with lentils from Puy, various onions, and spices that I grab from anywhere. I also have a strong inclination for chocolate, which I take as a preventive dose in the form of a half-baked cake at least once a week.

I practice zero waste rigorously, except when I crack and do my shopping at Monoprix, which happens relatively often but with a much more measured pace than the chocolate cake.

I’m an outstanding music coach, and I’ve managed to make all members of my family play an instrument without lifting a finger myself. I have difficulty positioning notes on the right lines, but my persuasion skills made sure everyone grabbed their musical destiny; now I just get to enjoy the melodies.

Another area I love working on is the marine universe. I'm lucky not to get seasick since I know you need to have a full stomach on a boat. I just need to learn how to tie knots, maneuver in and out of the harbor (above all else), set my sails, and read the weather, and I’ll be ready to go sailing with my family. For now, I almost no longer confuse port and starboard, and I feel like I’ve made a lot of progress.

WHAT DOES ESPIGAS INSPIRE YOU?

First, I like that the name ends with "AS." There aren't many brands with this ending, so it's either a very original marketing choice or not very well thought-out, and that's a good thing because it's bold. Actually, I immediately thought of "Espiguette," the name of our favorite pub when my husband and I lived in Rouen. Espiguette was where we would go for drinks and brunch on the weekends. In short, Espigas is a bit like that — you can go to the store when you want a coffee, and even if it's bad, it’s served with a smile.

As for the shoes, since that’s what we’re talking about, I think they’re amazing. They deserve credit for existing in all colors, which inspires energy and vibrancy. I have a pair of tennis shoes bought at an auction, painted by an artist. The design is very glamorous and sophisticated, as it’s a little pig laughing, based on a child’s drawing, and it suits me perfectly. I like the quirky side of these little shoes that no one can ignore. And who gets the chance to say they know the creators? In short, Espigas is classy!

WHAT WOULD YOUR DREAM DAY LOOK LIKE?

It could unfold in several ways, but right now, it would start very early with a window ajar, a view of the sea, and a big blue sky. I’d head straight for the sea for a refreshing swim, and by chance, there would be tons of friends on the beach. We’d swim for a long time and then have a huge breakfast on the beach. When the honey pots would be full of sand, we’d go hiking in the hills to gather thyme and rosemary for a nice dinner (the sausage stew goes perfectly with thyme). We’d drink good red wine, and before that, my husband would make us ti-punch, just like when we lived in Martinique.

Of course, the dream day the next day would start a little later, with a good lie-in. I’d suddenly remember I have kids to feed, so we’d have a brunch in the garden since it’s not too far, and we might have a bit of a headache. In the afternoon, the spirit of adventure would make us want to visit an exhibit or an unusual place, but since everything would be closed, we’d stay home. We’d make works of art with random objects we found in trash bins: that’s really a good dream day, and I’d force my husband to drink herbal tea because, alas, we’re not 20 anymore!

WHAT ARE THE BEST 20 EUROS YOU’VE SPENT?

Maybe it was my last haircut by Abbas, the barber who shows up at your place by bike with his improbable suitcase. A great moment of laughter in Frenglish, a refreshing cut, and a life changed for 20 bucks!

ANY PROJECTS?

Professionally, I’m considering buying Petit Bateau to expand my business. Mon Petit Cartable is becoming an international brand; I sold 12 bags abroad last year. I’m also planning a massive communication campaign around the name change of my worldwide company. Mon Petit Cartable is becoming MPC. Acronyms always sound more impressive!