3 EDHEC graduates, 3 friends and now 3 entrepreneurs have combined their skills to create a home services provider known as soyezBCBG. Their first entrepreneurial adventure – “a classy affair”!
EDHEC Alumni : Can you briefly describe your career since leaving EDHEC and tell us how soyezBCBG.fr came about?
Thomas Arnaudo : Thomas C., Matthieu and I met in the lecture halls at EDHEC in Lille. We were all part of the same association (Course Croisière EDHEC), and we spent a lot of time working together over a two-year period, during which time we formed a friendship, collaborated on complex and intense projects, and above all realised that we shared an ambition to become entrepreneurs! We had a twofold objective: come up with an innovative service to facilitate the lives of users and create jobs. That was our driving force!
Thomas C. came up with the idea of offering high-quality dry-cleaning and grooming services in the home. In the sectors he had worked in, wearing a suit was de rigueur, so he regularly had to go to the dry cleaners to drop off or pick up a costume or a pile of shirts. Every time it was the same hassle: he rarely had enough time, the opening hours never suited him, and the service was often disappointing. So the idea of providing the service in the home, tailored to suit office hours and with impeccable quality gradually took shape. Thomas C. knew that Matthieu and I would be keen to get involved in an entrepreneurial project, so he explained his idea to us in detail. Two days later, we had decided to get on board! And that’s how soyezBCBG came about!
How would you assess this entrepreneurial adventure?
TA : We unanimously agree that it is the most exciting thing we have ever done. Adventure is the right word: it is a fascinating, intense and unique experience! Life as an entrepreneur is also highly demanding, and we all work really hard to manage the many problems and challenges that we face on a daily basis. We must constantly seek to improve the service, streamline the processes involved and gain a reputation among new clients. It’s the best training you can get, we are learning a lot! So far, I would say our assessment of the first few months is very positive. We are very glad we decided to take on this adventure!
Have you ever benefited from the network of EDHEC graduates?
TA : Not yet, and that’s why we decided to get in touch with you. We are aware of the solid reputation and dynamism of EDHEC Alumni. We would like to be able to benefit from it, both in terms of the expertise that some graduates can provide and also to make life easier for any EDHEC affiliates who might require our services. We would also like to be more closely involved in EDHEC’s Club Entreprendre network with a view to developing entrepreneurship. We are passionate about entrepreneurship and are very keen to see it develop.
What advice would you have for young entrepreneurs?
TA : To any entrepreneurs who have not yet taken the plunge, I say go for it! Life is much too short to sit around thinking about it. It really is worth trying your luck. And for those who have already begun, best of luck!
What’s next for soyezBCBG.fr?
TA : We want to gain a reputation for soyezBCBG.fr throughout the Paris region. It’s a significant challenge, but with a bit of patience and perseverance we should succeed. We are employing as many methods of communication as we can: networking, social networks, media, word-of-mouth, promotions, etc. We are also striving to expand our network of high-quality dry-cleaning partners. We want to guarantee clients an impeccable and fast service. Finally, we are developing the “grooming” section of our website. Building up partnerships with good-quality “producers” is a long process – we are progressing slowly but surely. We want to offer our clients the very best of the fashion and culinary worlds, allowing them to experience the art of living à la française.
What are your expectations from the community of EDHEC graduates?
TA : As I said earlier, we are keen to get advice. Many EDHEC graduates have expertise in a particular area, and we would be extremely grateful if they were willing to give us any advice. In terms of our “grooming” partnerships, we are currently looking for graduates who might be able to offer products from the fashion or culinary sectors or which reflect the French way of life. When we have expanded, if we need to raise funds we will naturally turn to EDHEC graduates first and foremost!
Contact
www.soyezbcbg.fr
www.grooming.soyezbcbg.fr
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