Marjorie Griselain (CSM, 2018) opens a new location that is part restaurant, part tearoom and part workshop

After 15 years in marketing and communication, Marjorie Griselain (CSM, 2018) opted for a career change. She resumed her studies, joined the CSM programme at EDHEC Business School and two years later launched Marjo Green, a location with something for everyone that is part restaurant, part tearoom and part workshop.

EDHEC Alumni: Tell us about your project. How did it come about?

Marjorie Griselain: I was never preordained to open a restaurant/tearoom! I spent 15 years in marketing/communication, mainly working for DIY businesses, factory outlets and gardening stores. My final post ended with an agreed layoff, and that was what triggered the change!

A skills assessment allowed me to open my eyes to a project that had been bubbling under the surface for years: the idea of opening a place of business with something for everyone, somewhere you could have something to eat, relax and spend time enjoying creative hobbies for example. So I took up a few fixed-term jobs and did some internships in sales and catering so I could be sure it was the right direction for me. I also decided to become a student again so I could acquire the knowledge I needed. I joined the CSM programme in Croix, and at the same time completed a remote learning course in electronic marketing at CNAM Lille.

I needed support, so I also turned to the BGE in Tourcoing where I did a course for start-up entrepreneurs.

Marjo Green opened its doors in Marcq-en-Barœul at the end of April, after 2 years of preparations.

EA: What drives your motivation in this entrepreneurial adventure? 

MG: I now have a great reason to get up every morning! While it is true that I’m alone at the helm and it’s not easy every day, there is nothing more motivating than meeting new customers and seeing them return a few days later! Their loyalty is the best reward I could hope for.

EA: How has your experience at EDHEC or with the network of graduates helped you achieve this project? 

MG: The CSM not only reinforced the knowledge I already had but also allowed me to develop new skills, particularly in management (as a soon-to-be manager, that was essential).

Nonetheless, the consultancy project largely steered me towards this course: for more than a year I had the opportunity to analyse and strengthen the initial idea for the project with the help of two students (Lucie & Maxime). With a consultant’s eye, we scrutinised every last detail and studied the project’s feasibility and viability. At the end of the course, my business plan was ready to be presented to potential financial backers!

EA: What’s your initial assessment of this entrepreneurial adventure? Do you have any advice for others from EDHEC looking to become entrepreneurs?

MG: All entrepreneurial projects require reflection, support, preparation and immersion. Each of these stages is indispensable, particularly in the case of a career change! 

EA: What’s NeXT for your business? What are your expectations from the community of EDHEC graduates?

MG: Marjo Green is a business that has been up and running for less than 4 months and so will mostly be focusing on adapting to the needs of customers by expanding its opening hours and developing a tailored offer for businesses. In this regard, the EDHEC network is an important asset! We are open to any requests for private use of the premises for staff meetings, seminars, etc.

More info

Marjo Green is open Monday to Friday for lunch. The food is home-made using fresh, seasonal and local produce, organic where possible. Sit-in and takeaway options are both available.

On Wednesday and Friday afternoons, customers can enjoy a “tearoom” ambience, when workshops (e.g. arts & crafts, well-being, zero waste) are run for adults or children. 

MARJO GREEN
96 rue de l’Abbé Bonpain (quartier Buisson face au parc d’activités)
59700 MARCQ-EN-BAROEUL

Contact@marjogreen.fr
www.marjogreen.fr

09 71 45 47 79

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