First interview with Valentine Cornu: creator of Alba
Hardworking and ambitious, Valentine shares her amazing journey and her vision of entrepreneurship in this interview.
In a few words, what is your background?
Thank you for the interview, I'm happy to share my story with you. So, I went to school in Belgium until I was 15. Then I moved to England where I took the A-levels at 18. I hated school, so I asked the headmaster if I could do two years in one. He replied, "No, it'll be a bit short on math," haha. I still wanted to try, and indeed, my grades weren't high enough; it was "High Level" in England. After that, I took the BBA entrance exam for EDHEC without having obtained my A-levels.
I followed the entrepreneurship track and graduated top of my class. Giving a speech in front of 3000 people was a big challenge for me, as I was very shy at the time.
I followed the entrepreneurship track and graduated top of my class. Giving a speech in front of 3000 people was a big challenge for me, as I was very shy at the time.
I knew very early on that I wanted to join the family business to contribute and develop my own project on the side: launching a bedding website thanks to my years of experience in the family business. Today, I am the proud founder of Maison Alba ! I am delighted to share my journey with you in this interview.
What made you want to become an entrepreneur?
I am the 6th generation of a family business, and seeing my father's passion for bedding inspired me. I knew that this was the field I wanted to work in. It was a no-brainer!
Why start a business in the bedding industry and not another field?
At one point, ready-to-wear clothing appealed to me. When I was in England, I wasn't studying much and I was bored, so I started a clothing brand. But bedding is the area I know best, and I want to stay in the furniture industry.
Do you think every entrepreneur should keep their project secret or talk about it with those around them?
I talked to everyone about the clothes, but I didn't talk to anyone about Alba. Looking back, I still don't know what's best. I think you should only talk about it with close friends and family, people you trust, to get feedback and advice.
Do you think being a female entrepreneur in 2024 is a challenge? More so than if you were a man? Why?
No, I think it's a blessing. Fifty years ago, our grandmothers wouldn't have even considered it. So, I believe we're very fortunate today; there are plenty of groups and associations that exist and provide support for getting started. For me, it doesn't change much; entrepreneurship is a perpetual process of adaptation.
Today, we have disadvantages, but also advantages, such as the internet. I think that, for women, it's the same as it was in the past: we have advantages and disadvantages, and vice versa for men. It's simply a question of mentality.
A person who inspires you?
- My father and grandfather, as well as my brothers, are all entrepreneurs in their own way. For me, there are no rules for entrepreneurship.
- I'm also thinking of Colombine, my best friend, who is an osteopath and also an entrepreneur. She manages her patients all by herself and she's a hard worker.
In fact, bosses and especially passionate people inspire me.
What have you learned from this entrepreneurial experience?
The downside: dealing with loneliness, a journey where you feel alone, and that's normal.
The positive aspect: perseverance. Despite all these somewhat solitary aspects, you gain a lot of self-confidence when you succeed.
Entrepreneurship is also about sharing your values. What impact do you want to have and what cause is close to your heart?
My greatest satisfaction comes from the feedback I receive from my customers. Seeing people comment on and like the product is incredible. And when I see their comments: "I sleep better, I feel better, or even: my back pain is gone," it's my greatest pride to see that I'm making them happy and that they're making me happy in return.
What does success mean to you?
It's super cliché, but what I sincerely think is that every day, you continue to love 100% what you do.
Do you think it's possible to have a successful personal and professional life?
Yes, I think so, because everyone has their own definition of success. For me, for example, if I love what I do, it inevitably has an impact on my personal life, and if my loved ones love what they do, I've succeeded. My success is that my loved ones and I are happy.
End of interview.
It was a pleasure to have Valentine for this interview and to learn more about her journey which will inspire many.
See you soon for more feedback!
