It’s been eight years since JULIETTE CAPILLAIRE started Juliette C, her beloved clothing label. It’s an adventure that’s taken her from Singapore to Shanghai, the two places that now play home to her two boutiques. And she’s going from strength to strength! Ahead of International Women’s Day, we steal a few minutes with the now Shanghai-based Parisian fashion designer to chat about her journey as a female entrepreneur.
# From Singapore to Shanghai, these are some moments I’ll treasure…
The most memorable moments for me are definitely my fashion shows. They are always a lot of work and stress, but I love the vibes! The last one took place in Shanghai a couple of months ago. More simply, every time one of my clients tells me that they always get tons of compliments when wearing my outfits, it really makes my day!
# How I found courage to step into entrepreneurship…
I was actually very happy in my corporate life, enjoying a career in luxury jewellery and haute horlogerie (watchmaking), when we had to move to Dubai for my husband’s job. I’d just had a baby and I thought that having my own business would be a good opportunity to work from home and take care of my baby while working. It was an amazing decision as I managed to transform my passion, which is fashion, into a job while simultaneously caring for my two kids. For example, I breast-fed them for one year each, which would have been pretty complicated with a corporate job.
# Why being eco-conscious is at the core of Juliette C’s philosophy…
Fashion is not the greenest industry, so we really need to make all the efforts we can to protect the planet and also our bodies. On my side, I try to do my best: I use fabric scraps for my accessories, and I mainly use fabrics with Oeko-Tex certification, guaranteeing they are free from harmful substances. I visit my suppliers and make sure their employees are treated well. I only use natural fibres and comfortable materials.
# What continues to fuel my creativity and inspiration as a fashion designer…
I always look at the women around me – how they live and what they need in their everyday life to feel good and beautiful. That is really my main inspiration. I also get inspired by all my many travels. All the cities in which I’ve lived have given me something – Dubai, Singapore and now Shanghai. But always keeping the Parisian touch, of course!
# Biggest lessons learnt as a female entrepreneur…
I’ve learnt that we can realise our dreams if we are passionate and if we never give up! Perseverance is the key to being a female entrepreneur and navigating through many ups and downs. Also, never hesitate to ask for help or advice from more experienced people. Friends and peers are more supportive than we might think.
# Balancing work and life as a busy working mother of two…
There are some “non-negotiables” in my schedule, like my daily yoga practice, which is vital for me. I try to spend quality time with my kids, but like most women, it’s quite challenging not to feel guilty about not spending enough time with them! Also, I aim to go out for a date with my husband once a month, although I have to admit it’s more like every other month. I also cherish spending time with my girlfriends; they provide me with a lot of energy and, of course, inspiration!
# Looking ahead for Juliette C…
There are many exciting things that I cannot yet talk about… but, for sure, there will be a new collection, which I’ll launch at the next edition of Boutique Fairs Singapore in April!
Juliette C is at #02-146 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Rd.
juliettec.com | IG: @juliettecofficiel
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This article first appeared in the March 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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