Salomé Dratwa (EDHEC 2012) presents WWoW!

1. Can you explain briefly how your project came about (team, origins and project originality)?

I’m from the class of 2012, and it was while travelling in south-east Asia last year that I discovered the beauty of traditional textiles and their importance in the empowerment of female artisans. I wanted to use these textiles in fashion accessories in a way that would combine tradition, modernity and femininity.

So I set up WWoW, which makes ethical and beautiful fashion accessories committed to women. They’re made in France by women starting out in their careers, with the design of traditional textiles preserved intact in order to transmit the history of female craft workers.

I collaborate with a leather goods maker who worked for Chanel; we combine ethics and design with a particular focus on style.
 

2. What is your initial assessment of this entrepreneurial adventure?

It’s a bit early to make an assessment but so far I have met many people and learned a lot and above all discovered that many people are willing to help and participate in a project if you ask them. If the project is worth it, they will invest their time to help out.

I have also learned that you sometimes have to put the cart before the horse to move forward. I often thought that some projects meant skipping certain stages. But in the end I made the most progress when I threw myself into a project without being completely ready (although with some time to prepare myself).

3. Have you ever benefited from the EDHEC Alumni network?

I discovered the EDHEC Alumni network through club events, particularly those organised by Club Entreprendre, where I was able to test my sales pitch during a session.

It was at one of those events, and also through the work of the EYE and Jean-Michel Ledru, that I was able to meet people who gave me important advice on how to steer my company.

4. What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?

“At worst, it’ll work”. I love that expression, which I learned from Axelle Tessandier and which helped reassure me at times when I had doubts.

In truth, I think the best thing I did was to be part of a co-working space, something I recommend even if your idea is not fully developed. It’s the perfect environment to speed up your project and especially to put yourself in the mindset of an entrepreneur. It’s also the right place to surround yourself with good people and become part of a network.

5. What’s next for your company?

We are currently running a fundraising campaign on Ulule (https://fr.ulule.com/wonder-women-of-the-world/) with a view to launching the production of our first collection and producing prototypes of accessories using the pineapple-based textile Piñatex.

Once production has been launched and we have generated some stock, we can then meet with retailers who share our values and develop an e-commerce website.

I will also start working on the next collection, which will present textiles from another country (wait and see!) as part of new products.

6. What are your expectations from the community of EDHEC graduates (fundraising, looking for staff, partners, advice, etc.)?

Treat yourself or give somebody a beautiful and ethical case or pouch for the festive season (with introductory prices and international deliveries!). Pre-orders available on Ulule J

Seriously though, because it’s a very young company and I would like to do loads of tests, if you have any advice/contacts/constructive comments that would help me avoid certain errors, please get in touch!

7. More info: your website, contact details, links to social networks...

Fundraising campaign, running until 9 November: https://fr.ulule.com/wonder-women-of-the-world/

Website: http://www.wwow.fr

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wwoworld
Instagram: http://instagram.com/wwoworld/