Who are you? Tell us about your background.
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Alaia Peres, I'm 28 years old and one of the founders of Alaena. I grew up in Bidart and moved to Paris at 18 to attend preparatory classes and then business school. |
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During my studies, I took two years off which allowed me to better understand what I wanted to do professionally. In particular, I lived for a year and a half in Australia where I set up my first company, an application in the education sector. I realized that I really liked being an entrepreneur but that I needed a project that had more meaning and better corresponded to my passions. Throughout my studies, I had followed the launch of Alaena and tried to participate when I could. At the end of my studies, I decided to join the family adventure by opening the Parisian location.
What do you do at Alaena? Tell us about a typical week.
Today, at Alaena, I take care of business development and administration/finance.
For a typical week, I live between Biarritz where we have our offices and Paris where we have a second spa, so depending on events or appointments, it changes a lot! Generally, on Mondays I am in the office for our various team meetings, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Paris for the spa and for appointments, then Thursday-Friday I return to Biarritz. I don't really have a routine and that's also what I love about this adventure, no two weeks are the same and I never get bored!
What do you like most about this family adventure?
Surely the impression of not working for myself only but for my family, developing and perpetuating the knowledge of our parents and above all building a project that has meaning and is based on common values.
It also means having absolute confidence in my associates and being surrounded by a lot of kindness.
And finally, it is a joy to continue growing alongside my sister and my mother, two women whom I admire enormously both for their skills but also, the women they are on a daily basis.
In this adventure, I have the impression that we are above all seeking to lift ourselves up and allow everyone to flourish.
Any advice for those who would like to work with their family?
Clearly define each person's responsibilities, ideally have very different skills, make sure you have the same long-term desires and, as with traditional partners, talk a lot, be ready to listen and question yourself.
What is the thing your mother passed on to you that you are most proud of?
It's hard to choose just one! But I would say her curiosity. Ever since she was little, she'd show us every flower, little creature, or bird. And in her daily life, she never stops searching; she wants to understand everything, know how it works, and doesn't give up when faced with obstacles.
Your mantra
I really like this quote from Thomas Jefferson: "I believe greatly in luck; and I find that the more I work, the more luck smiles on me."
A book
It would be a novel. I've always read a lot, I love discovering new stories and immersing myself completely in a narrative, but I rarely read the same book twice. Many books have left their mark on me, and I wouldn't be able to name one specifically; I've also forgotten plenty! I love the novels of Yasmina Khadra and Tatiana de Rosnay (who is also one of our clients, and it's a source of great pride), I also recently discovered Anna Karenina, and I was struck by this character.
A dream (personal or professional)
Developing Alaena all around the world, settling in these countries and installing our products in the most beautiful places (it's a bit of a mix of professional and personal dreams.)
An inspiring woman
It's hard to choose just one!
My mother, who fights every day for her beliefs, for others and who still has so much energy and things to pass on.
But also all the sportswomen, the entrepreneurs, the doctors, all those who fight every day to shift the boundaries and redefine the dreams of little girls.
A memorable journey
Last year, I went cycling through Mongolia with my boyfriend. We discovered magnificent landscapes and were immersed in a new culture with such welcoming people. But it was a real journey; we were often lost in the middle of nowhere, without any landmarks and without understanding the language. We wanted to ride a lot, even if it meant forgetting ourselves a little. It taught us to accept taking breaks!
Your Alaena ritual
It often changes according to my desires and needs.
In the evening, in the shower, I always do a double cleansing of my skin with the Cleansing Oil and the Soap.
Recently, I rediscovered the Serum and Eye Contour , I love their fresh texture which ensures good hydration and reduces my first wrinkles.
Then I apply the Sensitive Skin Moisturizer or the Anti-Aging Cream when my skin is too dry.
From time to time, I love to take the time to do a Peeling or a Mask that I apply all over my face or just around the eyes and leave it on overnight. If I have small spots, I put on the Anti-imperfection Solution and the Repairing Cream .
In the morning, I rinse my face with a mist of water and use the Nourishing Oil to massage my face.