Entrepreneur to follow: Christine Lorimy, L'Imagerie d'Epinal
Everyautumn season, we are even more attentive to the paths and personalities that inspire us. If it's a woman's story, then success is all the more beautiful and motivating. Three questions to Christine Lorimy, who has the same values of know-how and sisterhood as we do. By giving new life to one of the most beautiful French heritage houses: L'Imagerie d'Epinal.
3 questions to Christine Lorimy, President of L'Imagerie d'Epinal
Why The Imagerie d'Epinal?
I'd say it was the Epinal Imagery that chose me. I went to visit it out of simple curiosity because I was there for a professional appointment and the opportunity to finally put a place behind an imaginary, was too beautiful. On arrival, I discovered an eco-museum that was a bit dusty and out of breath, but with a soul. There was something stronger... except that the owners, who were elderly, were tired. Very quickly, they asked me to help them find a possible investment fund, until it became obvious to everyone: why not me, since I saw all the potential? It was 2014.
What second life for this sleeping beauty?
This institution has 250 history(ies) and multiplied the objects... in my turn, I have pleasure in developing all the supports related to decoration. Working with interior architects, designers... I feel like a smuggler, like the custodian of this heritage for a while, rather than the owner. Others would be fascinated by the techniques or the historical aspect, I am fascinated by the image itself. Because motifs, however old they may be, tell something about our society and the history of France. I have everything: violent, soft, beautiful, less beautiful images in that they reflect current events at a given time. Separation of church and state, vision of colonialism... this catalogue of motifs is a collection of testimonies through time and I don't want to hide anything. It is a fascinating "archive" work and I also enjoy calling on artists to revisit an image. I am also developing collaborations with other companies that have an inescapable know-how. As with this Basque house, it too is a Living Heritage Company, which has created a small collection of household linen with some of our designs.
Have you encountered any difficulties as a woman entrepreneur?
Unfortunately, clichés are still hard to come by. Don't be afraid to say it, it's still hard to trust women. In regions, it's even worse if you don't come from the local fabric. There are a lot of people and alliances that you can't avoid, so if you don't follow through... Some people are just waiting for you to fail. One positive point is the distance that the status of women forces you to take fairly quickly in the world of work. Through your periods of maternity, for example, when you are forced to take time off despite the risk of not being able to return to your job. There are key moments when you are forced to let go, to trust life. For most women, this immense resource of knowing how to do a lot of things at the same time is also part of their lives. I believe that it is the education of all of us and, in a way, the collective memory that has instilled it in us. And it is a tremendous strength!
