Accompanied by the EDHEC incubator, Philippine Pérouse (Master 2014) launched in May 2015 its luxury jewellery brand. Present at Printemps Haussmann and now behind the window of a showroom in Paris, the creations of our graduate are attracting more and more distributors and customers.
EDHEC Alumni: Can you explain briefly how Pérouse Paris came about?
Philippine Pérouse: While studying at EDHEC, I also studied gemology at the Gemological Institute of America. I joined the gems and jewellery purchasing department at Galeries Lafayette before moving on to marketing positions in major jewellery firms (Chaumet, Van Cleef & Arpels and de Beers Diamond Jewellers). My exchange programme in Bangkok during my final year at EDHEC also gave me the opportunity to explore markets for precious stones and work with metals in a workshop.
Pérouse Paris came about in 2015 at the end of my studies and was born out of my passion for precious stones and the jewellery profession.
The wedding market lacks modernity. I wanted to create an alternative to the current offers on the market and provide an experience of quality and more fashionable products for my clients.
6 month after the launch, how would you assess this entrepreneurial adventure? 
PP: 6 months after the launch, I’m more motivated than ever as I’ve been able to test my product and I now know that the brand is very popular!
The beginning of the business was a kind of test period for my vision of jewellery, the product, the brand and my retail channel. I now have a more precise idea of the direction I want to take.
Have you ever benefited from the network of EDHEC graduates?
PP: Yes! First of all I have benefited from the network of entrepreneurs through the EYE incubator and the huge support they provide. Many of my classmates are also entrepreneurs, and it’s very reassuring knowing that they face the same challenges. So we help each other out a lot!
What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
PP: The best advice, which is fairly straightforward, is to sell your product/service quite quickly. Customer opinions are fundamentally important and ultimately they’re the ones who will develop your business.
What’s next for Pérouse Paris?
PP: First of all, we have just opened a small showroom in the 17th arrondissement in Paris. This allows us to host clients for appointments. We are also planning to develop a small collection of diamond engagement rings in 2016, as for the moment I only make customised rings. Although clients like to personalise their rings as much as possible, they also need to try out different models.
EA: What are your expectations from the community of EDHEC graduates?
PP: In order to establish a competent team of staff, I will soon be looking to recruit (associate, sales reps, interns). I am also always delighted to meet with professionals working in the sector.
Lastly, it appears that 30% of EDHEC graduates marry someone else from the school!! So I hope they get in touch, I’d be delighted to hear from them!
Contact
> www.perouse.paris
> Pérouse Paris on Facebook
> Pérouse Paris on Instagram
> philippine@perouse.paris / +33(0)6 18 65 24 94
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