Each fall, we pay even more attention to the careers and personalities that inspire us. If it's a woman's story, then success is all the more beautiful and motivating. Three questions for Christine Lorimy, who shares the same values of expertise and sisterhood as we do. By revitalizing one of France's most beautiful heritage houses: L'Imagerie d'Epinal.
3 questions for Christine Lorimy, President of L'Imagerie d'Epinal
Why Epinal Imagery?
I would say that it was L'Imagerie d'Epinal that chose me. I went to visit it out of simple curiosity because I was there for a professional meeting and the opportunity to finally put a place behind an imaginary, was too good to miss. Upon arrival, I discovered an eco-museum a little dusty and out of breath, but with a soul. There was something stronger… except that the owners, 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 years of history and a multitude of objects... in turn, I enjoy developing all the media related to decoration. Working with interior architects, designers... I feel like a passer-by, like the custodian of this heritage for a time, rather than the owner. Others would be fascinated by the techniques or the historical aspect, I am fascinated by the image itself. Because the motifs, however old they may be, tell something about our society and the history of France. I have everything: violent, gentle, beautiful images, less beautiful in what they reflect about current events at a given moment. Separation of church and state, vision of colonialism... this catalog of motifs is a collection of testimonies through time and I don't want to hide anything. It's a fascinating "archive" work and I also enjoy calling on artists to revisit an image. I'm also developing collaborations with other companies with essential expertise. Like with this Basque company, also a Living Heritage Company, which is creating a small collection of household linens featuring some of our designs.
Have you encountered any challenges as a female entrepreneur?
Alas, yes. Clichés still die hard. We mustn't be afraid to say it, we still have trouble trusting women. In the regions, it's even worse if you don't come from the local fabric. There are a lot of insular people and unavoidable alliances, so if you don't play along... Some people are just waiting to see you fail. One positive point is the perspective that being a woman 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 getting your job back. There are key moments when you are forced to let go, to trust life. For the most part, women also carry within them this immense resource of knowing how to do many things at the same time. I believe that it is our education and, in a certain way, the collective memory that has instilled this in us. And it is a considerable strength!
