Anne-Claire is not only the mother of 3 children, but also the co-founder and artistic director of Maison Margaret, a home linen brand with a soft, poetic universe that is dusting off the codes of home sales.
Active mother, working girl, entrepreneur... Anne-Claire is a woman bursting with energy and projects. She talks about her life as a mother, and how she always wanted to be one.
Hello Anne-Claire, tell us about yourself and your lovely family?
Hello! I'm an entrepreneurial dreamer, thriving as the artistic director of the Maison Margaret home linen and ready-to-wear brand, which I co-founded with my brother. I love the idea of advancing our responsible yet poetic way of consuming, and of offering women the chance to take the initiative and move towards a certain freedom. For me, it's also part of my role as a mother to live my professional life in line with my values. Inspire and inspire, 2 words that guide me in my personal life, with Anton aged 8, Scarlett aged 6 and Albertine aged 3 and a half, as well as in my professional life.
You breastfed all 3 of your children. What was that like for you?
I loved breastfeeding all 3 of my children, and it was a real revelation to have such a close relationship with my babies. It wasn't always easy, especially for Anton the first, with the frustrations of not having enough milk (so not feeling up to it) and having to stop too soon. These were such privileged moments that are among my fondest memories and would make me want to do it all over again.
Have you always wanted to be a mother, or is this a desire that has matured over time?
It's always been in the back of my mind, I've always seen it as a priority, almost a dream, because I wanted to have a big family and I've always loved babies.
As a working mother, how do you manage to make time for each of your children?
They're often all 3, so I give them time together. And their dad and I try to give them individual time whenever we think they need it. And we manage to do it at weekends, because I absolutely love this kind of time together, when they reveal themselves in a different way than when they're siblings.
Was the choice of first names a matter of course, or the fruit of much thought (and negotiation ;))?
Long negotiation yes and obvious too, but only for me!
Anton was a real "coup de coeur", I simply couldn't see myself calling it anything else, and an unrequited obviousness.
Scarlett was my dream name, but I'd written it off after negotiating 'too much' for her brother's name, which wasn't really classic enough for her dad, who finally put it on his list against all odds ;). So I jumped at the chance.
And Albertine a pretty obvious choice for both of them.
What is Anton's relationship with Scarlett and Albertine?
They love each other and they're more accomplices than bickerers, but there's no escaping it. I'd say they get along pretty well, a good team. Often duos form within the trio, but the duo changes according to the time of day or activities, and eventually they find their balance.
What values have been passed on to you that you, in turn, would like to teach them?
Above all, I want to teach them to always give priority to their freedom, individuality and self-respect. Because it's also with these values that we love and respect others. I find this to be a real strength, and it obviously goes hand in hand with self-confidence, the indispensable link in the chain for living a fulfilled life. And from what I've been taught, I'd say go for your dreams, anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
Those little things you've learned to let go of on a daily basis?
The children's outfits, but also a lot of other things that I think to myself: "in the end, does it really matter? If the answer is no, which is often the case, I let go!
Chinese portrait:
If you were...
A magical power: To be able to give a good dose of self-confidence to those who lack it, because sometimes the road is long and discouraging, so a good little boost wouldn't go amiss.
One season: All! Why choose? I love the change and the fact that they punctuate the year.
A book: Women who run with the wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
An inspiring woman: Delphine de Syon @welcometosyon
A pair of shoes: A pair of Michel Vivien babies
An expression: "on n'est pas là pour se faire c****"
A childhood dish: Grandma's mashed potatoes and sausages
A dream trip: A road trip in Australia
