We'd love to know a little more about you. Could you introduce yourselves?

We are Camille & Clémentine. We're 27 years old and we met at business school 8 years ago.
After working for 2 years in the beauty sector, we realized that the majority of cosmetics we used were often too numerous, harmful, and expensive.

In a few words, what is your project?

Our project is a cosmetics brand that is 100% natural, 100% made in France, and 100% made with love.
Our concept: "Back to Basics" with a single cosmetic product to summarize the entire beauty routine (skincare).
So we offer a multi-purpose balm, formulated with only 7 natural ingredients.

Do you remember the moment you had your idea?

We had our "idea" one January evening in 2017 when we met for dinner, as we often did, and realized that our common desire to start our own business was truly ripe. We genuinely wanted to embark on this new adventure together.

One word to describe how you felt when you found your idea? (Just one word, please, any word you like!)

DARE

What triggered the transition from idea to action? Did you know where to start?

Being two played a major role in the transition from idea to action. We each had our own ideas, sometimes common, sometimes different, but above all, a tenfold motivation from being a team. This helped us a lot to stay motivated and quickly implement our ideas, meaning not to waste too much time on strategy and details, but rather to concretize each step as quickly as possible.

Did you encounter any difficulties?

Yes, of course, there have been difficulties, and there still are every week. So you have to know that and not be afraid of it. When you start, there are ups and downs, you just have to prepare for it and not give up as soon as a problem arises.
Again, being two on the project helps us a lot daily. Indeed, as soon as one of us feels a bit down, the other is there to put things into perspective.

How did Les Elles by Contrex, through the Ulule campaign, benefit you?

Being supported by Contrex (via Ulule, in our case) was a great help because, in addition to the significant financial aspect, it allowed us to meet a valuable partner with whom we continue to interact frequently, who supports us, and with whom we share many values. We are delighted and proud to be part of a program that supports women who want to start their own businesses.

So, how does it feel to have dared to go from idea to action?

We are super happy and absolutely do not regret having made this choice. Whatever the outcome of this adventure (we hope it's good), we have learned and are learning so much every day that it is an unparalleled and extremely instructive experience. Obviously, after only 5 months of existence, it is hard to say with certainty that we will never regret any of our choices, but in any case, not the one to have embarked on this journey.

What can we wish you for the future?

Success! :)
The best we could wish for is to succeed in democratizing our basic idea, which is to return to essentials in one's consumption habits, and especially in one's beauty routine.

Finally, if you had a piece of advice to give to those who dare not take the plunge, what would it be?

Don't hesitate anymore!
Even if you have to be sure of yourself before starting, you shouldn't hesitate too long either, because the best way to know if it can work is to try.