- The pharmacist talks about her passion for beauty and wellbeing done the French way
- How Dr Vincent managed her website and stores in the pandemic.
- She shares her plans for the future including US domination!
Dr. Marine Vincent is a Pharmacist and Founder of the Make Me Feel Parapharmacie and The French Pharmacy who make iconic French beauty and wellbeing products accessible. She talks to 35 Thousand about growing her business, being creative and why she loves to nourish her soul through travel.
Describe yourself in 3 words…
French, pharmacist, passionate.
Tell us about your work
I am the founder and director of Make Me Feel Parapharmacie and The French Pharmacy online and store. I am the director and my work is about making everything run smoothly and growing the business.
Do you work in a spare room, skyscraper, or other?
I work either in my office in The French Pharmacy or at home.
What parts of your work give you energy?
Meeting equally passionate people and when my customers tell me how happy they are with our work.
What parts of your work drain you?
Being constantly urged to answer questions and not being able to focus on bigger pictures.
Most pivotal point of your career so far?
The opening of my first store: Make Me Feel.
Best piece of advice you received that you now pass on to others?
Be patient!
What event or situation is funny now but wasn’t at the time. Please expand!
Brexit was voted just the week after I signed for my new store: everyone said to me that I was crazy with a European business model but well, I was right!
Pets, hobbies, external commitments?
I am married and I have a ten year old daughter.
I am also very lucky to be able to count on very precious and loyal friends.
I am very creative and love to paint from time to time.
Describe your pre-pandemic day-to-day:
Before the pandemic, I had a well-established routine and a pretty good life-work balance.
I was managing Make Me Feel and The French Pharmacy online store with two days at the store and three days working from home.
How has your daily life changed, what’s your new normal?
During the first stage of the pandemic last year, we started to be extremely busy at the store as all local customers needed us more than ever. We were lucky to be an essential store and therefore to stay open. I had to be at the store 6 days a week. Then it calmed down a bit but that was when I found the dream place in Marylebone to open my second physical store!
So after 6 months now, I am still working long hours and I had to find a new balance between the three businesses and my family life.
Has the Corona crisis impacted you personally and professionally? How?
Personally, I was lucky enough that all my relatives have been safe but I haven’t been able to go back to France as often to see my family. Professionally, it actually helps Make Me feel and the online store but it took more time to set up The French Pharmacy store in central London
What, if anything, keeps you up at night?
I sleep extremely well!
What have been your best coping strategies over the past year? Do you have any objects, routines or tools that you found particularly uplifting? Gin or Gym?
Before the pandemic, I was doing yoga class once a week and that was very helpful both physically and mentally. Unfortunately with Covid, I stopped and I haven’t found space yet to go back.
What helped me though is massage therapy which I do every two weeks with an amazing therapist.
What has kept you sane? And kept your family sane?
Having my family safe is what keeps me positive. Also having a child helps you keep going.
Did 2020 change your outlook on life in any way?
I have been through traumatic events in 2017 which impacted me much more in life than this pandemic so not really. Maybe just an urge of travelling even more.
Are you travel ready? Where do you want to go, with who or would you rather stay home?
Yes definitively. I love traveling and discovering new cultures – it really nourishes my soul.
I hope to go to a very sunny country with nice sand beaches to start off!
Finish this sentence “If you look in my handbag at any time you will ALWAYS find….”
A lip balm.
What are your work from home saviours?
I like to work in my kitchen as it is very bright and my coffee can be ready within a minute.
I need space as I tend to spread myself in an organized mess.
Describe your style?
I think I am French chic.
You will never see me without my heels.
Name your 5 essential items of clothing?
– one white blouse
– one super well-designed pair of jeans
– a little back dress
– a trench
– a pair of black stilettos
How do you see your business or career in two years from now?
In two years time I would like to be ready to or to have already launched my own skincare brand.
What’s something you haven’t conquered yet but really want to?
I am thinking of opening a store in America!
What could you say to your 20 year old self that would help her the most?
Don’t be scared and stop overthinking what people think of you.
Do you have a life motto or mantra that really resonates with you?
Life is a journey.
Take a look at Dr. Marine Vincent’s website here.
If you loved reading this then you will love peeking into the life of makeup artist and beauty expert Nadira V Persaud.
