The story of Myriam

When the call of entrepreneurship is stronger than all else.

Myriam

When the call of entrepreneurship is stronger than all else

When she was very young, Myriam enjoyed playing online games, where she ran a small store selling a variety of products. Attracted by art, she studied visual arts, but as it’s sometimes difficult to break into this field, she decided to work in retail. Although she enjoyed the responsibilities, she felt she didn’t have enough freedom to execute her ideas. After a few years, this job no longer allowed her to excel and realize her full potential. Myriam needed more challenge…

The Let’s Start Up program, much more than a training course

Myriam then decided to start producing candles using soy wax and essential oils, and to create her own company: EcoLoveStores. However, she needed the tools to set up a structure for her business project. With the Let’s Start Up program, she acquired the notions she was lacking, particularly those related to research and development, marketing and accounting.

The program also enabled Myriam to test her products with the other women in her cohort and gain a better understanding of her customers’ needs. She confides that she could have given up a thousand times over, but today she’s confident in the quality of her candles, which truly live up to what she wants to deliver.

Looking back, Myriam says the Let’s Start Up program was much more than a training course. Having decided to make a professional reorientation that was not well understood by those close to her, she needed to connect with women entrepreneurs who had the same aspirations as her. As a result, she discovered a network of mutual support, where she forged lasting relationships. Myriam also appreciates the long-term support offered by the Foundation, even after she has graduated from Let’s Start Up.

On two occasions, Myriam has had the chance to take part in a small marketplace held during fundraising events organized by the Lise Watier Foundation. As a result, she came to realize the importance of connecting with customers face-to-face, rather than relying exclusively on online sales. After this first positive experience, she was hooked, and it gave her wings to create new products.

So far, 2023 has been a busy year, with several short-lived store participations on her calendar. The Let’s Start Up program has enabled Myriam to develop EcoLoveStores and take it to the next level. Today, she’s more than proud of her entrepreneurial journey, and continues her efforts while cherishing the dream of opening her own boutique in the near future.