Can you introduce yourself?
I am Marie Courroy, the creator and founder of the Modetrotter brand.
What was your background before creating Mode Trotter?
I studied business, and earned a Master's degree in international negotiation. I then worked in the sales departments of various brands: Les Prairies de Paris, Vanessa Bruno, and ba&sh.
Any advice for those who would like to start their own business?
Have a strong heart and don't be afraid. Otherwise it's impossible. Everyone will already be afraid for you :)
A professional encounter that left a mark on/inspired you?
Sharon and Barbara, the founders of Bash, and especially Sharon, with whom I worked directly. I learned a lot about her way of thinking, managing a company, and dealing with problems. I think of her often and am extremely proud of their success.
As a young mother from Java and 8 months pregnant, how do you manage to reconcile this new pace of life with Mode Trotter?
Honestly, it's totally fine. I live in the countryside, the nanny lives 200m from us, just a field to cross, and Edouard, the dad, works from home. So he usually takes her in the morning because I leave early to catch my train and I try not to get back too late to pick her up. Otherwise, I only come to Paris 3 days a week max. The days are busier and fuller, but honestly, I'm not saying it's a revolution.
Being in the countryside changes everything. On weekends, I no longer have the same worries as when I lived in Paris. Even with a child, if I had stayed living there, I would have dragged my daughter to restaurants or to her friends' houses non-stop. Here, that's not the case; it's much calmer, we're focused on family, and that suits me very well!
I must say that before, I enjoyed it a lot so no regrets or frustration.
Do you think there are more opportune times in an entrepreneur's life to become a mother?
I'm glad I became a mom at a time when Modetrotter was doing well and we were on an upward slope. I now have a really solid team I can count on, it changes everything. Before, I didn't count my hours, like at the beginning of any company. I don't know how I would have managed with a child!
It's much calmer now. It was just the right time ♥️
What advice would you give to a future mother?
I really think that everyone does what they can. It's very, very personal. I'm not a stressed person at all, for example. So it hasn't changed with being pregnant. I think you have to let yourself live. I had a somewhat difficult pregnancy with Java, I really hated being pregnant, I have very bad memories of it. Whereas with this one, everything is fine, nothing to do with it! So it's easier to be relaxed and unwind when everything is going perfectly.
What place does Beauty (beauty rituals, massages) have in your life? Do you find the time to take time for yourself?
I love it! Obviously, even when I'm pregnant, it still interests me :) I like taking care of my daughter with little massages, just as I like taking care of myself by giving myself great masks, scrubs, etc. I used to do it and I still do!
In life, you have to prioritize. I believe these little moments are important to me, so I've always found the 10 minutes it takes to work a mask in!
What is your favorite Alaena product?
Arffff there are a lot. But I think my passion is the texture and smell of the Rose Petal Nourishing Oil. I've been a huge fan since the first minute I smelled it.
Where are you going to recharge your batteries?
Elsewhere. Not necessarily far away, but just somewhere else... The act of going somewhere is already an inner regeneration for me.
