Our August favorite: L'Atelier Français

Who says new month, says new favorite! 💕 This time, it's the Atelier Français , a "Made in France" concept store located in Vence, on the Côte d'Azur. If you want to avoid the crowds and tourists, this small town next to Saint-Paul de Vence is the perfect escape for a weekend getaway with family, lovers or even solo! And in the middle of the medieval city, surrounded by ramparts, you can find Mademoiselle Provence in a friendly place that is also worth the detour: the Atelier Français. 😊

Once again, we have prepared a short interview with Amélie, creator of the place and mother who decided to take up the challenge of a physical store in the web era!

A little introduction for readers who don’t know you?

My name is Amélie, I am 35 years old, married and mother of 2 little ones aged 6 and 2. 👩‍👧‍👧 Originally from the Paris region, I studied at the Institut Supérieur de la Mode in Paris (Mod'Spé), then I worked for more than 10 years for major luxury and high-end ready-to-wear brands as a product manager. I spent a lot of time in factories, around the world and a little bit in France. 🏭 Suffice to say that I have only known the effects of industrial relocation, since from the beginning I was confronted with the closure of several factories in France. Often with unique know-how that died out with them (lace, buttons, fabrics, spinning mills, etc.).

How did you come up with this idea?

In this context, the idea of ​​Made in France came little by little. I told myself that we had to find a way to perpetuate our know-how and modernize it. In 2015, I went to the 2nd edition of the Made In France trade fair, where I quickly realized that I was not alone! Many young people were launching into products. The idea then came to me to bring them together in one place, to bring them closer to the end consumer.

Why is Made in France so important?

Made in France is a hot topic, in response to the last 20 years of over-consumption, fast fashion, disposable and standardized fashion. Everyone ends up with the same products, manufactured in very large quantities, at increasingly low prices. All this to the detriment of quality, ecology, respect for human beings, social and environmental standards. The news in France with the yellow vest movement clearly shows that work is at the heart of the demands. By consuming French first, the impact on employment and on our economy is immediate and local. It is first up to us, consumers, to change things! 💪

You recently received the Sensation'elle 2019 award, congratulations! We are very happy to see our women entrepreneurs succeed. What does this award represent?

Yes, this award was all the more appreciated because it was unexpected! The store had opened only 15 days before :) The Sensation'elle award from the Hotel Restaurant Le Cantemerle rewards exceptional women for their exemplary nature, their career path, and the level of demand they set. So I was delighted that my business creation would transmit all these values ​​:)

What have been your biggest challenges since creating your concept store?

I would say that opening a physical store, a real one, in the middle of the Internet era surprised more than one person. I often had to explain this choice, which was certainly costly, but nevertheless essential for me! I really believe in the future of city center stores. Contact, exchanges, conversations, are for me essential elements for sales. Especially for Made in France where each product has its own story!

How do you find these French artisans who are now present in your shop? How do you choose them?

In reality, this is what took me the longest in this project! My selection is above all a story of encounters. Since 2015, I have been scouring all the trade fairs in search of quality products (and people). The product must appeal to me both aesthetically and functionally, I am particularly keen on the harmony between the different objects that I present. And if in addition to being made in France, the product is part of a natural and ecological approach, then that's the best! It is for all these reasons that I stopped at the Mademoiselle Provence stand. And I must say that seeing Chloé present her products herself finished convincing me, I found it courageous, despite her fame. She does not sell a name on packaging, she is really invested in her project :)

L'Atelier Français has been particularly well received since its opening, it must be a great reward and a pleasure to see that many people appreciate the concept?

Oh yes, it's my greatest reward!! What a wonderful welcome since the opening! I receive a huge dose of "wow" and compliments every day! 💕 It's the best, after months of taking a lot of criticism. Starting a business is a path full of pitfalls, especially when you present a very "visual" project. The support of my husband and our children was decisive in this project, it's a real family adventure! Now that the store exists, everything is much simpler :)

What are your plans for the future? Will we be able to dream of a French Workshop in other cities in France one day?

Ah the future.... Very good question. First of all, the creation of the E-shop tab, on my website, planned for this winter :) Then, in a few months, my dream would be to offer a tea room space. ☕ Take the time to chat with my customers, over tea and beautiful pastries. Enjoy this fabulous environment in the pretty town of Vence. And a French Workshop in another city or in another country ??? It's a little early I think... But time goes by so quickly!

If you are visiting Vence, do not hesitate to visit Amélie and visit her boutique at 3 Place du Frêne, 06140 Vence! Also receive 10% off our Mademoiselle Provence products in the boutique by presenting this item at the checkout. 💖

Take pictures, share them with us and tell us what you think! ;)

See you soon,
Miss Provence