What does it mean to start a business as a couple?
This February, as we symbolically celebrate love in all its forms, we wanted to learn more about those who have taken the bold step of embarking on an entrepreneurial adventure as a couple. This is the case for Julien and Jennifer, aka JULES & JENN to their friends, who founded a meaningful business together in 2016, offering more responsible fashion. But how do you peacefully balance your personal and professional life when you're together 24/7? How do you work together for the best without burning out? Here are some answers in this candid joint interview!
What was the meeting like?
Jennifer : In Toulouse, in preparatory class. We clicked right away: he was nice and we laughed a lot together. We became friends and our friendship continued into school. Then the holidays came… and I missed him. Is that normal for a boyfriend?
Julien : 18 years old, in preparatory school, we're training to do interviews for entrance exams to the schools. Each student is filmed and the video is shown on screens. I see Jennifer. I find her pretty and natural. I'm instantly smitten… but we become very good friends. Oh well!
JULES & JENN: Where did the idea come from?
Jennifer : After working in the industry for years, I wanted to offer fashion that was more responsible, more sustainable, more local, and less impactful on the planet. A brand with strong values to make you want to get up in the morning!
Julien : The challenge is to launch a fashion business in an innovative and respectful way, and above all to go against the grain of what's being done in the industry, because in 2016, transparency wasn't really in fashion…
What is the other person's greatest strength and biggest weakness (at work)?
Jennifer : His generosity: he thinks of others before himself. His flaw is his perfectionism! He always checks everything down to the last comma, and sometimes it takes a long time…
Julien : What's great is that she's brimming with ideas, and she believes in them wholeheartedly. On the other hand, she's impatient: when she wants something, it has to be done right away.
Who does what? Are there rules?
Jennifer : The division of tasks happened naturally at JULES & JENN because we had two different profiles which turned out to be very complementary: I come from marketing and Julien from finance.
Julien : Not really any rules: we feel free to move forward on our topics because we each have the trust and support of the other.
What's your best memory as entrepreneurs?
Jennifer : First JULES & JENN belt on the cover of Elle magazine <3
Julien : First JULES & JENN package delivered to our very first customer!
Advantages and disadvantages of working as a couple?
Jennifer : We work with trust and complete transparency, with the same common goal, which is just fantastic in a professional setting. We just mustn't forget that before being business partners, we are life partners and parents.
Julien : There's no doubt about the other person's motivation and a real partnership in action, but it's not always easy to leave office problems at the office…
One last piece of advice for those who want to start as a duo?
Jennifer : Making a point of not talking about work outside of office hours. Luckily, our children are very careful about this!
Julien : To properly divide up the areas of action within the company, in order to be efficient and… avoid clashes.
Would you be willing to try the adventure yourself?
