Entrepreneur Highlight: Magali Fleurquin-Bonnard
Meet the Founder of Rose et Marius
There are people who know how to instantly make you feel at home. I sat down at my desk on an early fall morning and called Magali of Rose et Marius. And even though we were eight hours and one ocean apart, it seemed like she was welcoming me into her home in Provence. It was such a lovely, inspiring conversation.
I invite you to read the full interview below, especially if you’re looking for a sign to follow your dreams. This is your sign!
Magali, tell us about you.
I’m Magali, I’m 47 and mom of 3 boys, 10, 12 and 14 years old. Originally from Provence, my family moved to Paris when I was young and I used to spend all of my school breaks at my grandmother’s in the South of France.
I studied international business, and have always been fascinated by travels and the luxe industry. I started my career working for prestigious luxury groups in Paris, which I enjoyed very much. In 2005, my husband and I went on a trip around the world for a whole year, and that marked the start of something new for me. We took the time to slow down, discover others’ cultures, and realized how much people in all corners of the globe were fond of Provence. I knew some day, I wanted to share the stories of my childhood in Provence. A seed was planted.
You started Rose et Marius in 2012, after moving back to the South of France with your family. Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?
Not at all! I was a happy employee, with no desire to be my own boss. I benefited from exceptionally good working conditions and was fulfilled in my career. After working many years in luxury groups, I switched to a smaller size company and enjoyed being able to wear several hats. I think with time, the child in us takes a more important part in our life, we want to reconnect with memories. At least for me, I knew I wanted to share the stories of my childhood and invite others to discover l’art de vivre in Provence. On paper, timing was definitely not ideal. I had just had my third baby and was handling two other toddlers… But I like to take risks and with the support of my husband, I took a leap of faith and launched Rose et Marius.
Your grandmother is an inspiration for your brand (it even has her name in it). Can you tell us more about your relationship and why she was so special?
I lost my dad at a young age but stayed very close to his mother, my grandma. As I mentioned, I spent a lot of time with her during school breaks and in hindsight, it was a very enriching time for me. I remembered being so bored at times, waiting for her to get up for the day, that I would pass the time making stories out of the colorful floor tiles or the shadows on the walls… I think that boredom actually helped stimulate my creativity in the long run. And brought me to where I am today.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Each day is different in terms of the tasks I tackle but I do like to start it early and see the sun rise. I try to go for a run before the kids get up and listen to a podcast or the sound of the waves (I live near the Mediterranean Sea). Then I take the boys to school and begin my work day, either at the boutique, our warehouse or visiting hotels for potential partnerships. I have a small but mighty team that keeps me going!
What vision and ambitions do you have for Rose et Marius?
I want to offer exceptional, handcrafted products that make the everyday life more beautiful and shine a light of what the art de vivre en Provence is about. I like to imagine Rose et Marius as the Hermès of the South of France.
Step inside the Rose et Marius boutique and be instantly transported to the most majestic places of Provence
What impact do you wish to have on people and the planet?
Creating emotions through perfume and scents moves me. I love to be at the shop because I get to see first-hand my customers’ reactions to our products. One time, a client cried after smelling our fig fragrance because it brought back deep memories from her past. I put a lot of importance in human values and in creating a nice, homy space where sharing can happen.
As for my rapport with nature, I am very privileged to live where I live and be able to fall asleep to the sound of crickets. What we get to experience in Provence is magical and I want to pass it on for others to enjoy it through Rose et Marius. I try to have a positive impact on the environment by committing to reforestation of the calanques (which are regularly victims of wild fires in the summer months) and by limiting our use of plastic. These are small acts and I believe that if every company and individual does their part, we can make the world better.
What is one advice you have for aspiring female entrepreneurs (like me)?
Don’t listen to others! You have to first listen to your heart and desires before seeking others’ opinions. If I had told my friends I wanted to launch a mono-product business with a €145 candle (that’s how I started eight years ago), they would have probably advised against it.
Do you have a mantra or quote that keeps you going?
Not a mantra per se, but this: be filled with wonder at what surrounds you. A field of red poppies, a bird singing, anything that happens in the everyday. I learned that from my mom. We used to make fun of her constant state of amazement, but I’m grateful now that she taught us that.
