Can you introduce yourself?
Claire Despagne, 31, founder of D+ for Care, the dietary supplement brand I've always dreamed of. Today, I'm an entrepreneur. I've always thought about it. I used to work in finance and have traveled extensively. I'm a Parisian again after years of exile.
- How was D+ for care born?
I've been taking dietary supplements for 15 years. I can't live without them, and I love the balance they give me. As a die-hard fan, I've bought and tested everything. One day, it just seemed obvious, I decided to take the plunge. I was convinced that with my passion for this field, my love of natural active ingredients, and a touch of madness, I could "revolutionize" this world with smart, effective, and practical solutions.
So I left London, finance, and I went for it.
- A typical day?
I turn off my alarm as quickly as possible, I HATE that noise above all else. I turn on my phone and start my emails, I write to the team, all while religiously applying the same routine every morning: my DAY + stick, my coconut milk coffee, and every other morning, 15 minutes of cycling.
This morning routine never changes! I need it to handle all the unexpected events of the day. So I'd say that from 8:30 a.m. onward, there's no such thing as a typical day ;-).
- Any advice for those who would like to start their own business?
Have an exceptional product, the rest will follow.
- What inspires you?
My main source of professional inspiration is my parents, who have always worked like crazy. Since I was little, my father instilled in me a sense of detail, customer service, and a fundamental notion that never leaves me: "work is freedom."
- Where are you going to recharge your batteries?
At home in Paris, in my bathroom. I run myself a nice hot bath, with lots of foam. I put on some music, a glass of rosé, and some magazines...great for quickly recharging your batteries. But otherwise, in winter, you'll find me at home in Val d'Isère. My favorite place on earth. With my husband, of course, who's an essential element for recharging my batteries ;-).
- What are your upcoming projects?
Continue to make D+ for Care explode. Convert the whole world to the dietary supplements I imagine. Have fun, create, expand the team, and above all, keep dreaming.
What is your favorite Alaena product?
Definitely the fruit acid peel! I'm crazy crazy crazy about it.
- A mantra?
“Write for yourself first, and perhaps one day there will be many of you.”
Thanks to Claire for answering our questions.