This piece of woman who wants to do you good!
In my "coup de coeur" section, I present this pretty, dynamic, creative, dedicated and passionate young woman in this short interview.
Enter the typical day of a visual merchandiser in the world of decoration, a trendy artist, a mom, a WOMAN!
Enjoy your reading.
What's your favourite time of day?
I'm always up early, even when I'm on vacation!
Like everyone else, I went to bed with the previous night's problem.... It's probably had time to simmer overnight, and now I wake up with the solution. Or maybe the night brings forth new ideas...
In any case, in the morning I always have the feeling that I'm going to be able to carry out my projects, and I feel like going to work to make them a reality.
Have you always wanted to work in decoration?
No, not right away, it came gradually.
I grew up in an artistic environment, with a mother who studied Fine Arts and an uncle who was a musician. As a child, I was very creative: my great pleasures were dressing up, but above all drawing and painting. This led me to do a CFC in clothing design and to work as a vision merchandiser in textiles, and even to start studying for a Bachelor's degree in interior design, but I didn't get the hang of it...
In fact, it was only later on that I "fell" into the world of decoration, somewhat by chance. And I'm glad I did; it's 100% fulfilling work.
Of course, I'd still like to broaden my knowledge and expertise, perhaps in other areas. In life, nothing is definitive, and having chosen a path one day doesn't mean you can't change it. I believe that each of us can even combine several training courses and experiences to create our own unique one!
What's your favorite season for decorating? Why or why not?
Each season is especially busy in terms of decoration, as my work is basically seasonal and thematic. Throughout the year, the different seasons bring only small changes to the store (for example, a few themed tables), while the merchandise offered remains broadly the same.
Christmas is a revolution! It's a very long season, lasting almost two months. The work is intense, because everything goes into Christmas mode: new crockery, new home textiles, and so on. It's a time when people are very receptive to all kinds of creations (for example, centerpieces, wreaths, wall or mantel decorations). They are also keen to receive advice and even complete decorating projects.
The season that most satisfies my creative urges is always Christmas.
The spirit that reigns makes it possible to be open to original decorating solutions. For many people, Christmas is a joyous time of year, during which they seek to relax and rejoice. Family get-togethers can be part of this celebration, especially if a new décor creates a dreamy, fairy-tale atmosphere that lets us forget our perhaps not always easy daily lives for a while!
Do you ever advise your customers on a complete decorating project?
Rarely in my line of work! At most, during the Christmas season, we might be asked for advice on an entire table, for example: crockery, textiles, candleholders, candles, centerpieces, napkins, labels, etc. In fact, some people will come into the store with their minds made up and leave with the few objects they wanted, without asking for advice on their choice. A decorator isn't just a salesman and will quickly notice which people are looking to explore detailed decoration and are open to receiving advice.
Your worst memory? And the best?
I don't really have any "worst" memories. I like my working environment. Inevitably, you're going to meet people in a bad mood, which makes it difficult to talk to them, but that's part of the job. On the other hand, what saddens me deeply is to see how lonely some people are. My job requires a great deal of openness to customers, which sometimes evolves into mutual affection and an attentive ear. Unfortunately, their confidences are all too often negative: the sadness of a life in Switzerland for people who isolate themselves for fear of disturbing others, or who have no or no longer any entourage.
It's hard to think of precise examples of the best moments. When I think of my colleagues, I remember all those times when, for some quickly forgotten reason, we went off laughing. And all the good feedback we've received from customers with whom we've developed concrete ideas. The joys we were able to bring them and their families are remarkable memories.
Do you observe changes in customer tastes from year to year?
Yes, always. There's just the difference between a few who adopt the trend quickly, at the first sign, and most who react later, more gradually.
The most abrupt and profound change I've seen in customer behavior occurred after the COVID containment period. Many people realized how important it is to have an interior that we like, harmonious, whether painted in a thousand and one colors or a neutral tone. The revival of interest in all aspects of decoration has been notable. Time spent at home, combined with increased use of social networks and the Internet, have influenced the change in ideas that has blossomed after confinement.
What would you say to people who want to go down this road?
Be aware that everything we're interested in in our lives and every one of our experiences will one day, even years later, have importance and value in our work.
Keep an open mind and an open eye on all occasions (exhibitions, travel, different ways of doing things, other cultures, etc.), because taking an interest and continuing to seek out new things is what makes our job as decorators, and ultimately every human being, so rich.
If you had to identify with one particular object, what would it be?
It's a decorative object that lives with me, in my home: my orange "LUXO" lamp. Wherever you put it, you can see it, and its color stands out! Despite its age, it's still highly effective, vintage and so fashionable at the same time.
She's got style! I don't know if I've got it either, but I'm sure as hell a knockout!
In any case, you've got it right. It stands out, yes! But it's also got a lot of cachet!
