How about we talk money?

Money is a taboo subject, yet everything revolves around price. Get ready for a straightforward article. However, there won't be any tips like "How to earn a good living in 5 lessons." We don't have any miracle solutions!

Peau-Ethique was created in 2004, and apart from an initial loan for its creation (quickly repaid during the subprime crisis), we can proudly say that we are 100% independent.

So, yes, that's the positive side; we don't answer to anyone. If we don't achieve 30% or 40% growth, we're not at risk of closing our business.

We've come to terms with not reaching €1 million in revenue; after all, is it that important?

What is the true value of success? Is it a large turnover?

For us, it's truly entrepreneurial freedom. We can do what we want without the stress of wondering if our salary will be in our account at the end of the month. Because we have a salary, and that's normal. We're not Jeff Bezos, but it's more than enough for the life we want to lead.

Many people venture into entrepreneurship and say they don't pay themselves a salary. The first few years are often crucial. When Cathy hired me, I was an employee (the first), and today, as co-managers (are we managers if we don't manage anyone?), we have a salary!

When you are financially independent, the constraints are numerous. And unfortunately, that doesn't lead to phenomenal growth!

Sometimes we feel exhausted and see that one of our competitors is moving 50 times faster than us. We choose the areas in which we will invest. Because the money is reinvested, not in dividends or big salaries. For a year now, we have finally invested in real photoshoots. Because everything depends on the image. And like everything, it's a budget.

We also don't do partnerships because that would have to impact the product's price. However, for us (and since our creation), the democratization of an alternative fashion goes through pricing. Not everyone can afford to consume responsibly, organically, or ethically. But if we offer a "fair" price, we can reach more people. Of course, we would like to see Peau-Ethique everywhere: Facebook, Instagram, Podcasts, newspapers… it will come, we believe!

What can we take from this?

Ultimately, there's more positive than negative, because we've created a brand aligned with our values. Our success lies in finding our balance and doing a job we're passionate about (even if logistics doesn't excite many). We develop projects that are close to our hearts. The latest is period underwear. In an ultra-competitive market, we still managed to create a high-quality product whose towel is made in France!

This year, we had an intern for 6 months who helped us with brand image, and next month, an apprentice will be joining us. We are also preparing to create a logistics position. Order preparation, shipping, all of this is time-consuming, and the time spent there isn't invested elsewhere. This will be the big project for 2022!

To conclude, we want to be truly transparent with you and show the other side of Peau-Ethique; the life of entrepreneurs, the doubts, the successes, the joys, the sorrows! We have already reviewed the first 6 months of the takeover!