Collection: LITTLE JOCKEYS
PORTRAIT
Kathleen and Mikael it's quite a story
In their boutique in downtown Chantilly, Les petits jockeys, Kathleen and Mikael give pride of place to childhood. Clothes for all occasions, affordable and original, but also a range of soft toys, which older children can also grab with candor. Welcome to their colorful, fun and reassuring world. With them, you are already a little at home…
“See stars in their eyes”
When Kathleen welcomes you within her walls, a stone's throw from Place Omer Vallon, it is with naturalness and relaxation: “[…] even if passers-by just come to look at the collections, that already makes me happy […]” slips the bubbly entrepreneur.
Joy, Kathleen and her husband Mikaël have it in spades! In the center of their shop, hazelnuts, cauliflowers, teddy bears and other giraffes seem to be waiting for a family to adopt them: these cuddly toys, as original as they are cute, wait and casually wink at customers...
With an easy smile and a cheerful look, Kathleen appreciates and recounts the little moments that make up her daily life as a trader. There are grandparents who come looking for a gift, young mothers looking for something different to wear, but also the curious who fall for a soft stuffed animal! What is certain is that everyone leaves with stars in their eyes: “[…] our times are not the simplest, so if we can bring a little happiness to people, it’s a win! […],” she slips as she folds up her pajamas.
Doing business as a couple, a rewarding adventure
If Mikaël had one idea in mind, that of opening his own business after commercial training, Kathleen did not have the same experience of professional life.
Despite everything, when, in 2019, the subject comes to the table, this early childhood pro follows her husband in this new life project, aware that many changes will follow: “[…] I love little ones, children, so undertaking yes, but I really wanted to make the link with my job […] I was also aware that it was going to change our relationship as a couple: it was a real challenge, but I was up for it straight away ”, she explains.
Naturally, the idea of opening a business dedicated to children aged 0 to 14 was born. At first, the couple offered clothing, then very quickly developed ranges of accessories, bags, toys and carefully selected soft toys .
Les Petits Jockeys, as a nod to their adopted city and to racehorses, is also the realization of a common project, which unites the two young people even more. “A way of being completely in control of our schedule and deciding how to manage the future” , between inventory management, supplier relations and accounting for Mikaël, and layout, decoration, shelving and reception for Kathleen. Complementary, Kathleen and Mikaël are accomplices and decide everything together: “[…] we have already learned a lot about what customers like and don’t like, and about running a business […]” they say in one voice.
Develop your web presence and prioritize quality
Himself the son of traders, Mikaël is inspired by family success and follows the advice given to him, but in an enlightened manner: “[…] after working at Apple, I understood that the good salesman is the one who forgets to sell, precisely. This experience was extremely educational and I try to draw inspiration from it every day […]” he explains.
On social networks, Les petits jockeys broadcasts its new products and seeks to attract the attention of potential customers thanks to its fun products: “[…] networks are simply crazy! Once, a lady drove 1h30 because she had a flash on our stand seen on Insta […] » Kathleen is surprised.
Along the same lines, the idea is now to develop an online sales site and attract customers on a national scale, relying on reliable suppliers and items of impeccable quality: “[…] a customer told me that the cuddly toy purchased from us is certainly the best she has had for her son […] that’s quite a satisfaction […]” slips Kathleen.
Today, Kathleen and Mikaël are satisfied with the progress they have made and sometimes come across spoiled toddlers thanks to their activity. And then, in the background, there's everything that Kathleen doesn't say right away. Babies who have become children, young women who are now mothers, grandparents happy to celebrate their first steps...
So many moments of life to share and keep close to the heart, riches that belong to me and to them
Céline WEISSIER
Biographer, editor and literary coach
Words to make the invisible visible, real know-how!
Designs and writes brand speeches and editorial strategies for companies.
Writes and co-writes all life stories.